Tool question/idea, help needed

[Zeal]

Well I am sure by now I became a certified PIA making question threads this much, but guidance at my neck of the woods is lacking....

My father during his lunch break walked into a store that apparently makes custom wood leg shapes and such (I don't know the specifics). He asked what do they use to shape the wood and the gentleman was kind enough to show him. Turns out it is a Spindle Sander. Later that day online I found an article showing that you can make your own Spindle Sander by combining a router table with a router. To me, it looks like a vertical and stationary dremel. Though, would it be worth using to make lures with?

The thought rolling around in my head is would it be possible to make that a vertical lathe by anchoring one end of the lure body to the bit and have something hold the top end while it spins?

Either way, would it be worth the trouble?

Any input would be appreciated as always!

[Diggin Jiggin]

There are lots of things you can do with a router/table but its a pretty unforgiving tool, atleast when using bits. I am sure you could get a drum sander attachment and use the table as the spindle sander, you could also do this on a drill press.

I've used my router table a lot of projects I've built for the house (dovetail joints), panel doors etc, but I've only used my router for one type of flat sided plug I was making a few years ago.

I'm not sure if you have a wood lathe or not, but if not thats really a much easier tool to use for shaping plugs.

[Backbeach Jake]

I've seen such a thing done on a drill press. I can't remember where but on a bass site for sure..

[Pete F.]

This might be what you are talking about. I did it this way for a few years till I found a lathe that fit in my plugbuilding budget.
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...ess-lathe.html

[VTBasser]

Originally Posted by Zeal

The thought rolling around in my head is would it be possible to make that a vertical lathe by anchoring one end of the lure body to the bit and have something hold the top end while it spins?!

Three problems I can think of. First the router has one speed - fast. Second, a lathe is driven by a belt. I just used the weight of the motor to set my belt tension. If a tool were to catch I might get some slip instead of the tool launching. Don't think you would get that with a router. Third, vertical might be an awkward position to carve in.

[sorethumb]

I'm not a plug builder but I do use routers and only bad thoughts are running through my head.I'd buy the lathe and even b4 I did that I would take some lessons or get some help from someone that knows what they are doing.Can't fish w/o fingers just my .02 cents

[Raven]

Don't re-invent the wheel

Lemme see your certification !!!!