Post by Lureboratory Keeper on Feb 24, 2012 10:05:21 GMT -6
Here is a tip I learned from a friend who makes custom countertops. I used to cut all my lexan diving lips with a bandsaw or scroll saw, but the lip shape was never consistent.
Now, I use a router table, pattern jig and flush trim bit to cut consistent diving lips.
First, cut your lip pattern out of a piece of 3/4 to 1/2 inch wood using a bandsaw, scroll saw, etc. Hardwood works the best and will last longer without losing the original shape. Make sure that the pattern is symmetrical and exactly how you want it.
After you get your pattern the way you want it, I suggest making a handle on the top by screwing a larger dowel rod from the bottom. Make sure the screw head is flush or countersunk on the bottom. This will allow you to keep your hands away from the router bit while using the pattern jig to cut the diving lips.
Now that you have the pattern with handle created, you can cut a piece of lexan that is close to the size and pattern you are created with a bandsaw, scroll saw etc.
Next, take the piece of lexan you just cut and stick it to the bottom of your pattern jig. The best way to do this is with double sided carpet tape.
Set up up your router/table with a flush trim bit, the kind with the bearing on the outside end. I use a bit that has a 1/2 inch cutting area. Set the router so the bit extends through the bit hole on the table just enough that the bearing is as extend a little above the lexan you will be cutting.
Take your pattern jig, with lexan attached, and cut away the excess lexan materia, with the router, using the jig as a guide. The bearing should ride on your wooden pattern and allow you to cut the lexan in the shape of the pattern.
Once you have all the excess lexan cut off, unstick the lexan from the wooden jig and you should have a perfectly formed diving lip. If you repeat this procedure, all of your lips using the jig will be consistent.
I have made several jigs of different sizes and shapes for various type of lures.
If you are not familiar with using a router and table, please learn how they work before you attempt this. They can be tricky to work with if you don't know what you are not familiar with them. Also, make sure you are wearing safety eye protection.
This may sound confusing, I will try to post some pictures in the future to clarify how I do this. It is actually fairly simple.
Now, I use a router table, pattern jig and flush trim bit to cut consistent diving lips.
First, cut your lip pattern out of a piece of 3/4 to 1/2 inch wood using a bandsaw, scroll saw, etc. Hardwood works the best and will last longer without losing the original shape. Make sure that the pattern is symmetrical and exactly how you want it.
After you get your pattern the way you want it, I suggest making a handle on the top by screwing a larger dowel rod from the bottom. Make sure the screw head is flush or countersunk on the bottom. This will allow you to keep your hands away from the router bit while using the pattern jig to cut the diving lips.
Now that you have the pattern with handle created, you can cut a piece of lexan that is close to the size and pattern you are created with a bandsaw, scroll saw etc.
Next, take the piece of lexan you just cut and stick it to the bottom of your pattern jig. The best way to do this is with double sided carpet tape.
Set up up your router/table with a flush trim bit, the kind with the bearing on the outside end. I use a bit that has a 1/2 inch cutting area. Set the router so the bit extends through the bit hole on the table just enough that the bearing is as extend a little above the lexan you will be cutting.
Take your pattern jig, with lexan attached, and cut away the excess lexan materia, with the router, using the jig as a guide. The bearing should ride on your wooden pattern and allow you to cut the lexan in the shape of the pattern.
Once you have all the excess lexan cut off, unstick the lexan from the wooden jig and you should have a perfectly formed diving lip. If you repeat this procedure, all of your lips using the jig will be consistent.
I have made several jigs of different sizes and shapes for various type of lures.
If you are not familiar with using a router and table, please learn how they work before you attempt this. They can be tricky to work with if you don't know what you are not familiar with them. Also, make sure you are wearing safety eye protection.
This may sound confusing, I will try to post some pictures in the future to clarify how I do this. It is actually fairly simple.