I have been reading all about building for a long time and I finally decided to get started. The first thing I want to get down is the finishing. So I purchased some of the kits to practice with from NJ Tackle. I hate waiting so I decided to try redoing an old plug in the meantime. I do not have an airbrush yet so I am using rattle cans. I am sure that when I get an air brush the painting will get better.

The next step after I get the finishing process down Is to start turning. I have just picked up a drill press, lathe with a duplicator, band saw and a combo disk/belt sander. I should have my airbrush next weekend. Is there anything else you think I will need to get started? I am sure I will be doing a lot of reading in this forum and asking questions. You guys are some great builders, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

The Paint
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedlecolors.jpg

The relic
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle1.jpg

Dissection
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle2.jpg

Phase One Getting Rid Of The Old
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle3.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle4.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle5.jpg

Second phase Priming
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle8.jpg

Third Phase adding color
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle9.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle10.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle12.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle11.jpg

The Forth Phase was clear coating and scuffing. After that I cleaned it off with alcohol. Just enough to see it evaporate as I wiped it on. I was so excited I did not take pics.
Fifth Phase Envirotex


Rigging Something to Turn it
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_002.jpg

Coating
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_003.jpg

Stop Looking At Me
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_004.jpg

This is it, what do you think for the first paint job?
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_007.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_008.jpg
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_009.jpg

Very nice indeed.:jump:

:eek5: most pissa indeed.:btu:

Thanks, coming from guys like you that makes me feel good.

I will be asking alot of questions when I start turning.

This is what I used to narrow the rattle cans down, The small slit is 1/8" and the larger one is 1/4".
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/RPNeedle7.jpg

:eek5: most pissa indeed.:btu:

That American Flag Plug is out of this world :btu:

I can only dream of painting like that.

i need that plug..

might wanna e-tex over the eyes too?
wire it, grommet, stick a straw over the swivel then e-tex it.
not knocking,,, that thing is fariggin' sweet..
lotta guys topcoat after assembly.

Looking good. However, from doing the same as you and plowing through old posts I got the impression that some guys have had trouble with the shellac based B.I.N. primer and use a different Zissner product called Covers All which comes in a gold and white can. Perhaps it only matters if you're spraying a water based top coat. Maybe someone more experienced can help.

I use that BIN over my sealer (50/50 Helmsman Urethane/mineral spirits) and under my "Traditions" Acrylic color. Every time I deviate from my recipe there's an adventure. It's me, I know. That needle looks SUPER btw!

i need that plug..
:hf1:

might wanna e-tex over the eyes too?
wire it, grommet, stick a straw over the swivel then e-tex it.
not knocking,,, that thing is fariggin' sweet..
lotta guys topcoat after assembly.

Any suggestion will not be taken as knocking, remember I am just getting started.

What are the advantages of coating the eyes?

I set the eyes into the e-tex after it was drying for two hr's, is this ok? I though it would make the stick better?

What are the advantages of e-texing after the plug is rigged?
Do you coat the grommets or go around them?

Looking good. However, from doing the same as you and plowing through old posts I got the impression that some guys have had trouble with the shellac based B.I.N. primer and use a different Zissner product called Covers All which comes in a gold and white can. Perhaps it only matters if you're spraying a water based top coat. Maybe someone more experienced can help.

Thanks for the info I will do a little more research into the BIN primer.

I use that BIN over my sealer (50/50 Helmsman Urethane/mineral spirits) and under my "Traditions" Acrylic color. Every time I deviate from my recipe there's an adventure. It's me, I know. That needle looks SUPER btw!

I will be using waterlox to seal my plugs. I was going to do 3 coats with sanding in between each when dry and light sanding before I prime. Then prime with the BIN primer and light sand again. When I get my airbrush I was going to use Createx paints. What suggestions would you have, good or bad. I am just learning and this is just what I decided on from my research. Not that it is set in stone. I am sure I will make mistakes, that comes with learning.

Any suggestion will not be taken as knocking, remember I am just getting started.

What are the advantages of coating the eyes?

I set the eyes into the e-tex after it was drying for two hr's, is this ok? I though it would make the stick better?

What are the advantages of e-texing after the plug is rigged?
Do you coat the grommets or go around them?

Some plugs the hook swing goes over the eye if its epoxyed over the hook is much less likely to hook itself on the eye or the socket.

Like you I stick sometimes place the eye in a tacky epoxy. I do this for a cleaner look. Mikecc is carrying eyes w/out adhesive on them they work well for this application.

As to your last ? I think its up to the individual and what type of rotiserator you have. I dont like it for 2 reasons one if you want to modify the plug it makes it tuff to dissasemble and second is purely caddy - astetics. Clean sexy lines is where its at.

BTW nice job look fwd to seeing your work!

watching this area more often. Bay StalkerI think what fishing freak siad falls short of how nice the plug really came out. Extraordinary, truly.

I found that using the bin the plugs will sometimes crack after extensive use. Bin is not waterproof and it allows the water to penetrate the plug from inside.
As you know from reading the posts there is wide differences of opinion as to how to seal plugs. Some use the boiled linseed oil and thinners and other use different sealers. I personally use the Zinsser oil based cover stain, primer sealer. I have a tube contailer that I use with a mix of the sealer cut about 50% with turps or thinner. I soak the entire plug for a while and hang it up to dry. When dry I use a scotch pad to smooth out any rough spots and then procede to finish. The secret to sealing a plug is to allow the sealer (whatever it may be) to penetrate inside the plug.
I usually procede to painting and finishing the plug without further priming etc.
I also like to completely finish a plug, including wire before finishing with epoxy. That includes applying eyes etc. Like Freak said. Finish - wire - stick a straw over the swivels - and epoxy.
Just my opinion !:spin: :hf1: :scream: :scream:

wow.
that will bring death to fish
epoxying after wiring grabs the wire a bit and it will be less likely to move anywhere

what hook is that on the tail? looks like a good one

Al gags would be proud knowing what you did to his old relic :D

Thanks guys, coming from builders like you makes you feel good.

The painting part of building was my biggest fear getting into this. I have always hated painting. I am an electrician by trade. I would rather install 4" Rig conduit than paint in my house.

I am looking to order everything I need to get started from Dixieart. Being new I am not exactly sure of what I am ordering. Could anyone help me order the proper parts with the gun? I have another thread started on this subject. I know what gun I am going to get (Iwata Eclipse BCS Kit with10' hose) now along with that a Iwata Moisture Filter Reg Gauge. I just am not sure on the rest. Extra bottles, 2oz createx adaptor......? What ceaning kit also?
This is a link to the thread:
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=28286

Sorry for asking so many questions but I would rather start off with the proper stuff the first time.

Grasshopper you have been given much information
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Like many before you it is time for to go forth and set the greenbacks free in many directions
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When it is all said and done you will see the sun rise and set on a conclusion you have come to on you own and it will work best for you(iwata bcs)

:thanks: