12-02-2006, 01:23 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I edited in the pics you sent me by email. We all like to see them. They look good to me...better than most first attempts. I assure you that they will catch fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]A couple of things on the wire. My first impression, after looking at your pics, is that you are using wire that is too heavy. I know you bought the wire forms, but they are usually heavier than you need for the small spinners you will be making. I usually use .024 - .026. That is plenty heavy but is still supple enough to be easier to work with...and to cut.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Second, you are probably right about your cutters. I have a small pair of good wire cutters that usually trims the wire tags nice and close (blue handle in the attached pic). However, whenever the cut is not as close as I would like, I use my longnose pliers to squeeze the point down parallel with the wire shaft and/or use a small file or stone to grind down the excess...or at least to dull the sharp edge so it does not nick my line.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Excess wire sticking up after the cut will not pick up any more algae or create any more snags than a closer cut. But, it does have the potential of hanging up on your line, on a cast, or of nicking the line if the edges are too sharp. More than anything it is a "cosmetic" thing. It does not look good to a fussy fisherman. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I would not recommend using the model builders enamel on your lures. It does not hold well and will chip off quickly when banged on underwater structure. I recommend one thin coat of either clear vinyl jig enamel or (better) a coat of clear 2-part jig making epoxy. Do not use the epoxies from the hardware store. Most of them are not waterproof, over time, and often turn yellow. That can ruin a light color or bright shine on a lure. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You can also experiment with mixing some fine glitters into your clear coat, for extra sparkle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you want a better looking eye, try making a preliminary bend of about 30 degrees...and then bringing the wire around your round nosed pliers from there. That will avoid having the round loop sitting off to one side. Once you get the hang of making good round loops with the round nosed pliers, you can avoid having to pay more for the wire forms and you can both save money and use the right size wire for any project.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]A couple of things on the wire. My first impression, after looking at your pics, is that you are using wire that is too heavy. I know you bought the wire forms, but they are usually heavier than you need for the small spinners you will be making. I usually use .024 - .026. That is plenty heavy but is still supple enough to be easier to work with...and to cut.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Second, you are probably right about your cutters. I have a small pair of good wire cutters that usually trims the wire tags nice and close (blue handle in the attached pic). However, whenever the cut is not as close as I would like, I use my longnose pliers to squeeze the point down parallel with the wire shaft and/or use a small file or stone to grind down the excess...or at least to dull the sharp edge so it does not nick my line.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Excess wire sticking up after the cut will not pick up any more algae or create any more snags than a closer cut. But, it does have the potential of hanging up on your line, on a cast, or of nicking the line if the edges are too sharp. More than anything it is a "cosmetic" thing. It does not look good to a fussy fisherman. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I would not recommend using the model builders enamel on your lures. It does not hold well and will chip off quickly when banged on underwater structure. I recommend one thin coat of either clear vinyl jig enamel or (better) a coat of clear 2-part jig making epoxy. Do not use the epoxies from the hardware store. Most of them are not waterproof, over time, and often turn yellow. That can ruin a light color or bright shine on a lure. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You can also experiment with mixing some fine glitters into your clear coat, for extra sparkle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you want a better looking eye, try making a preliminary bend of about 30 degrees...and then bringing the wire around your round nosed pliers from there. That will avoid having the round loop sitting off to one side. Once you get the hang of making good round loops with the round nosed pliers, you can avoid having to pay more for the wire forms and you can both save money and use the right size wire for any project.[/#0000ff]
[signature]