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I also started using "build cards" for nearly every lure. These come in handy to reference things like Vega template position, spindle depth, lure dimensions, exact weighting, wood type, etc. Although these can just be added to the Vega template itself, sometimes it takes me quite a while to work out all the particulars -- this lets me track all the changes in the various lure versions.
One benefit of this data is to gauge wood density before turning. We all know that blanks of the same wood type (even from the same piece of lumber) can sometimes vary wildly in weight; referencing the blank weight of a winning lure can help with wood selection before starting to turn. I've started swapping wood types to meet blank weights rather than just stick to the same type of wood -- helps with consistency.
Another benefit of the data is related to buoyancy and weighting. If I know a certain lure floats, suspends, etc at a certain weight it helps me use the right amount of lead on subsequent lures -- I just need to reference the build card on lure that worked best.
I also sometimes write out the paint combinations I used on a lure if I really like the finished job, so I can recreate it again sometime in the future.
I'm pretty sure most of us don't go through all this minutia, but I like the detail and the challenge to consistently create the same action in a certain lure.
I have a bunch of these build cards printed on canary card stock, I just pencil in the particulars as I build. When done, I hang them in my shop so I can reference them -- which is especially helpful if I haven't turned a particular type in a while. Truly finished designs are printed on blue card stock as a master...I only have one.
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