Just got into making some surface lures for myself. My question is......what is the easiest way to drill a hole down the center of the piece of wood? I have a small drill press but it won't take a very long piece of wood. Any suggestions appreciated.

leave the ends on the blank, find your center, drill, flip, drill.. maybe use a longer bit on a hand drill to go through both holes.

How much clearance do you have on your drill press?

13 inches max. Have a 12 in. bit, smaller bits are too small.
Guess I will have to try the 12 inch with a hand drill.

I have a 17" drill press, but I only use a 4" (?) bit in it for center-drilling; I drill to it's max on both ends, and connect the two using a long bit in a hand drill. You might be able to do the same with your press (assuming you aren't making behemoth plugs).

I use a centering device on the press to align the plug perfectly for drilling -- do you know what I mean?

Got ya Eric.......Center finding thing I am using is just so so but I'll make it do. I'll give it a try and let you guys know how I make out.
Thanks

Drill on the lathe if you have one.

Search around on here- there is lots of info on this topic.
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I start with a normal drill bit on both sides if the plug the I use one of these to finish off the hole......just put one end in the drill press and then finish it up.

http://www.bizrate.com/powertools/2110135530.html

Worked great.....short holes on each end and long bit all the way through. Thanks again......

What kind of paints you guys recommend? Right now I am just using whatever is around the basement until I get the knack of this stuff.

Woody.....I have a 7 inch lathe that, believe it or not, someone tossed out to the curb for garbage pickup, but I don't have a piece that would hold a drill bit.

Check Penn State Industries online. You will need to know what # Morse taper your lathe takes.

You will also need a good drill bit. NOT a brad point though.
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Thanks Woody......will do.

Check Penn State Industries online. You will need to know what # Morse taper your lathe takes.

You will also need a good drill bit. NOT a brad point though.
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What do you use instead of a brad point, Woody?
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Just a 12 long 1/8 inch bit. only used it a couple times, don't have the wire anyway.