How to make crankbaits

Im thinking bout starting to make my own lures i was wondering what all i needed to make a crank bait and how much it would cost to do it
Thanks

It can be done without the use of power tools, though the use of a few power tools will make it a lot easier. I rough out the shape of mine with a band saw (skrol saw would do the same). Use the beltsander to get the general shape, and then finish by hand sanding. You can buy the lips for them, or cut your own from lexan. Seal the wood, epoxy in screw eyes (or make a thru-wire harness), prime, paint, and clear coat. Paint can be rattle cans or you can get an airbrush and go all out. Cost really depends on the route that you take.

Andrew

would i be able to make a lipless crankbait

Like a rattle trap? Yes. I've done a few and know others who have done plenty. The rattle will be different due to the wood versus plastic.

Andrew

Would balsa wood be the best

Different woods will give a different action. Thats something that you'll have to experiment with to get the action you are after. Balsa, basswood, various cedars, white pine, all work for crankbaits.

Andrew

My brother in law was a tool and die maker, he worked with an old german who made his own version of rapalas. Used balsa, wired through the bait, wepainted them with a sealer, used foil, metal brass lips, and coated them with epoxy paint. they used to tear up walleyes on the wisconson river and the mississippi also. One the die was made, they could knock them out in a couple of hours. He was a great fishing buddy, had a brain anurism at 34 yrs old.We would fish almost every week end, while the wifes watched the kids and went to bingo. Its true the good die young.