Okay back on track, big thanks to Needfish and Smitty for hosting the sat surfchat last week..
This week our "Monster Builder" host,, is Corey from Iron Lures,,, as always we will give out some lures,,and share some great conversation.....looking forward to hanging with ya'll....peace,,,
Welcome.... Corey

missed u skipp see ya on saturday bro ...

lookin forward to havin corey luv his work ....

First off, I'd like to thank Smitty and Skippy for the opportunity to do this build for everyone. Its always interesting to see how each of us build our lures. Most of my techniques and knowledge were learned from hours on online research and tons of trial and error. I have give the props to the originators of wooden plug building, musso, pinchey, gibbs, etc., these guys built fish catching machines with little or no one to learn from.

My build is going to be my Slugger popper. Ill start from 4x4 beams and finish at the completed lure. My objective in the build is to give you guys some insight into my process (which is pretty simple) and hopefully inspire you guys to make some wood chips! So lets have some fun!

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I buy my AYC in different forms, 1.5" balusters, 2x6, or this example 3.5x3.5. I then rip it down into either 1.5" square or 1.625" (1 5/8) depending on what lures im making. The Slugger uses 1.5" stock as do most of my lures. Thanks again to Louis for the lead on the AYC.
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After the wood in ripped into the desired stock, it must be cut to the length needed. I usually do my plug bodies in batches of 25-30 units at a time. I write the stock length on each of my templates so i know how long to cut them in the chop saw.

The next step is to mark the center. I use a cheap 3 dollar centerfinder and always mark on all four sides as sometimes the wood isnt exactly square especially when buying it already in baluster form. The final step before going in the lathe is to mark the centers with an all.
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Heres a pick of on one of my templates for the vega.
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I like to write the stock size, and weight sizes, and any other info on the templates with permanent marker.

Next stock goes in the lathe. I recommend upgrading the steb centers, the better ones hold the stock with more contact points which help lower the chances of the wood flying out of the lathe. Always where a face shield, and respirator.
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I line up the follower with the marks on the templates that indicate the eyes,belly weight, and hook. I then mark the plug with a pencil while the plug is spinning.
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Heres a pic of the plug at this point in the build. Also the sand paper i use. I like the durability of the plumbers paper, plus it vents of the sawdust thru the holes.
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The next step is to drill all the appropriate holes. I use fostners as much as possible. I built jigs for each of the size stock i use. The jig is centered directly under the bit so the weights and eyes are perfectly centered in the blank. I dont hydro orient as its not feasible with the amount of lures i make, plus i dont find its worth it on a lure that has a bellyweight.

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Now the lure goes to the next jig in the chop saw. This jig ensures the poppers are cut all the same, and quickly.
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awsome tutor on how u build a slugger

hope I can make it....COREY does some awesome work!

great tutorial to us all Cory.