you got to be extra careful with maple. i seal the whole plug inside and out, I use a pipe cleaner like slip said, make sure you get plenty in the swivel hole too. i dont even thin my boiled linseed oil, just straight out of the can.
are you putting lead in them? how do you lead them if yes? i think i know what might be your problem if you are putting lead shot in the belly.
nice picture.
