So was cutting stock down to size the other day and weighed and labeled each piece to help get more consistent weights on my plugs and know what I have

Cut AYC into 10" lengths and it was 1.75" square

Lightest piece was 6oz and the heaviest piece was 9.3oz cut roughly 80 pieces for future builds

Was really surprised on much it varied piece to piece.

But glad I did it and marked em accordingly should make the next round of plugs that much easier to get in the same spec range

I just did a project with Santos Mahogany, I couldn't believe the difference in weight between the heart wood and pieces cut further from the center. Noticeable without a scale.

Chris this is so common I get to the point that I cut up until I get the amount in the weight I need. I also use different weight blanks for the different water columns with the same plug. My 10" blank 1.5 dia AYC for deep divers 6.5 oz. Surface 5.5oz. Once turned the difference is approx 20-25grams. Found maple different too.

Yup that is a big fact. After a damp spell its even worse. That's one of the reasons that I started weighing all my plugs and labeling them. It takes a load of work to even get plugs close. Its why I try to make sure the action is as close as I can get it by balance of design. Wood weight is based on center cut,rainy aresa,how much sun , even from 1 end of a board to the other. You can change the turned body weight by how long you soak them as it does make a difference. But how tight the grain is and how dense the wood is makes a difference on absorbsion. I'm constantly experimenting on that with the different models that I build. No easy task so I do the best and try to meet ,as close as I can what is asked for. LOL No 2 pieces of wood are the same. Even from the same tree or board.

Which can be tough on none weighted plugs like some of the darters I make. . Part of the challenge.

I only use AYC for a few style plugs (a swimmer and a spook) I designed before I came to my senses and realized there are better options for most style plugs. Even then I probably should just take the time to modify the weighting of those plugs and do away with the stuff entirely but so far have been too lazy to bother.

If it didn't come pre-machined as balusters I doubt it would be very popular.

Wood is an inconsistent medium and you need to know this going in! Sometimes you may reach your desired weight and the plug works as desired......but you know what.....sometimes it might be a bit lighter or a bit heavier due to the wood density variation and the plug works better!!!

Which can be tough on none weighted plugs like some of the darters I make. . Part of the challenge.

Not if you use the natural orientation of the wood .. Then it's a plus . Darters and the big Nike are most effected .
hahaha ... hi

Of course I hydro all
My darters. George is not so much a fan. He makes sure the grain is perpendicular to keep from chipping the lip
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Not if you use the natural orientation of the wood .. Then it's a plus . Darters and the big Nike are most effected .
hahaha ... hi

Hi to you too, stranger.
Was thinking of you a lot today.
Hydro-orienting predators and considering a knock off of your ditch devil darter.
Miss ya, Eddy. Get back in the shop and build something for me to learn from, will ya.

I don't subscribe to hydro-orientation never have......my belief is the lead added to the belly of the plug offsets any issues anyway.:)

I don't subscribe to hydro-orientation never have......my belief is the lead added to the belly of the plug offsets any issues anyway.:)

You don't build darters though,do you?
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So are darters the only plugs you hydro-orient?

I hydro all metal lips too. Only takes a second not a pain in my opinion. I use white pine not ayc for them. Top water and needles I don't bother. Just my 2 cents.
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Paul when you hydro say birch or soft maple do you seal it prior to hydro- orienting?

No. It is only in water for a few seconds. Wipe dry with towel and let dry for a few days grain raises a wee bit but a little sand paper and good as new.
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When you hydro , no tenons. Drilling your holes requires a jig. Am I correct?

I don't understand Billy. Are you asking if I have the square ends on? If that is the question than no. I don't machine any plugs with square ends left on. They are drilled thru if required or drilled partially thru in the case of metal lips and then hydro'd.

Yes Paul that's what I meant. Then you have a jig to use the drill the hook and weight holes correct?

Yes sir. You want a picture or I can bring it to your show in Sat.
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Yes sir. You want a picture or I can bring it to your show in Sat.
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You going to CSA day Paul?
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A picture will do. Maybe demo it at Plugfest. Can you bring some small dupe cutters?

Yes Chris. I am out of cutters right now Billy but hope to have some maybe next week if not week after. If I get some before Sat. I will bring some if not plugfest or mail.

Here you go Billy. I was making a copy of Mike M.'s needle a few years back before I lost it.

AYC seems to be the most inconsistent. Last time I weighed balusters they averaged 34oz all the way to 50oz. The heavier stuff is great and I have use for the lighter stuff but I get stuck with a bunch of stuff that I don't know what to use it for.

Basswood is pretty inconsistent too. One piece feels like balsa and another feels like maple.

As much as I hate sealing/turning maple its usually pretty consistent in weight.