Lakeshark Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 I've been cutting and sanding my own lexan lips for my baits. Just curious if most of you are doing the same, or if you are purchasing lips and using those instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkmeatballs Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 I cut and sand my own as well bassing305 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azfisher Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 I've been doing both. My buddy showed me how to hit the lip with a torch to clear the edges of milling and sanding marks. I can see now on some of the swimbaits I've bought that have had their bill torched. bassing305, azsouth, Zack Carscaddon and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasternMassBass Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 Azfisher, great idea. Is this as simple as just hitting it with a flame for a couple seconds? All the wakebaits I own have that round, smooth lips, yet no signs of sanding. Will have to try this Lakeshark 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakeshark Posted December 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 I've been doing both. My buddy showed me how to hit the lip with a torch to clear the edges of milling and sanding marks. I can see now on some of the swimbaits I've bought that have had their bill torched. You glorious bastard! Thanks for the tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassing305 Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 I cut and sand my own as well I do the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azfisher Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 I hijacked that tip from AZSOUTH. He's the one that turned me on to it and maybe he can chime in on the specifics of the process. I watched him do it once and it cleared the lip up pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Dot Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 Designing a bill for each application. If you are only building a few lures at a time, you can still get away with cutting each lure by hand without having it too time consuming. If the plan is to make multiple lures of a single pattern, you will need to decide how valuable your time is or you need to ask yourself how much do you enjoy cutting each bill. There will come a time where everything falls into place and you have a lure you will want to replicate. After all, you can never have too many lures. Lakeshark 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azsouth Posted December 24, 2016 Report Share Posted December 24, 2016 Hi guys, I will try to explain cutting and polishing bills as best as I can. i prefer a sharp carbide saw/router bit for all precise cuts.....you can use a hand held plexi cutter but it is not the best for this IMO. after cutting and getting to finished shape ( before installation ) torch time, propane or butane is fine. good idea to use a smooth jaw plier to hold bill especially if your just trying this for the first time. apply torch to the edge you want clean and smooth wait for plexi to just start to melt and slowly move around all sides you want finished. be careful not to overheat the bill otherwise it will deform it. plexi/ polycarbonate/ lexan can all be done this way, be sure and use all appropriate safety equipment. Zack Carscaddon, Craig, EasternMassBass and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDS13 Posted December 25, 2016 Report Share Posted December 25, 2016 Sometimes I cut my own, but mostly I get my lip pre cut from lure parts online.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakeshark Posted December 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2016 Designing a bill for each application. If you are only building a few lures at a time, you can still get away with cutting each lure by hand without having it too time consuming. If the plan is to make multiple lures of a single pattern, you will need to decide how valuable your time is or you need to ask yourself how much do you enjoy cutting each bill. There will come a time where everything falls into place and you have a lure you will want to replicate. After all, you can never have too many lures. This is some good info. I guess it does depend if one was making money off the lures and needed to cut down on time and maybe up the consistency when trying to sell a product. I don't mind cutting them, but they don't look as clean as a CNC'd bill either. I appreciate the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakeshark Posted December 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2016 Hi guys, I will try to explain cutting and polishing bills as best as I can. i prefer a sharp carbide saw/router bit for all precise cuts.....you can use a hand held plexi cutter but it is not the best for this IMO. after cutting and getting to finished shape ( before installation ) torch time, propane or butane is fine. good idea to use a smooth jaw plier to hold bill especially if your just trying this for the first time. apply torch to the edge you want clean and smooth wait for plexi to just start to melt and slowly move around all sides you want finished. be careful not to overheat the bill otherwise it will deform it. plexi/ polycarbonate/ lexan can all be done this way, be sure and use all appropriate safety equipment. Thank you so very much for the lengthy explanation. That's going to help my process. I haven't been using a carbide blade or anything. I'll have to check that out. Much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azsouth Posted January 1, 2017 Report Share Posted January 1, 2017 sorry about the lengthy explanation Lakeshark it gets easier with practice. Lakeshark 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridaswimb8er Posted January 1, 2017 Report Share Posted January 1, 2017 I use my dremel at low speed. It cuts well. If you are impatient and use the high speed, I think it generates too much heat and is not as precise. I finish the lips and tails off with a butane torch. Lakeshark 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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