Combo jig pouring, powder coating and jig tying bench

[CrappieDreamer]

A friend of mine heard I was thinking of trying some jig tying and call me to let me know he had an old vise, a bobbin, some thread, and a few small bags of maribou I could have.

And then the addiction started...

I bought a couple of cards of chenille and made a few jigs with jig heads I already had in my tackle box. When I ran out of jigs, I went looking for some barbless jig heads that would tie better. Couldn't find any decent ones at stores around me.

I talked to my "friend" that got me started and he reminded me that he powder paints his own. So I got in touch with my supplier of jig heads for swim baits and had him make some jig heads for me.

I found lots of helpful advice here on Crappie.com about powder painting and fluid beds. I decided to try building my own fluid bed and bought a couple of jars of powder paint to give it a try. It turned out pretty decent.

I ended up painting and tying the jigs I had and was thinking of ordering more jig heads from my supplier.

Talking to my "friend" again, he reminded me that he pours his own, but unfortunately didn't have any barbless molds.

So in my spare time I researched here and everywhere and decided to get a small lead pot and a couple of molds. Lots of friendly advice was found here at the site to help me decide what molds, hooks, etc.

I had an old workbench that an old neighbor gave me, a piece of pegboard and hooks left over from a project for the kids. I stopped my jig making for awhile so I could wire in some new outlets and setup a work area.

I finally got it somewhat put together today and can now get back to tying!

I did read all of your warnings that this could become addicting, but I thought I could handle it.

Maybe I SHOULD have looked a gift horse in the mouth? LOL

Warning to the next guy... be careful of "friends" who want to do you a favor and give you something for free

Here is a picture of my bench. Not sure what if anything to do about more lighting.

[Micropterus salmoides]

Really really nice n clean setup!


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[jab]

Now all you need is a lathe ...

[CrappieDreamer]

It's out of view to the right... I've used it in making my fluid bed cups. The four jaw chuck works well holding the cups while I true up the cuts with a skew.

[Cray]

It's out of view to the right... I've used it in making my fluid bed cups. The four jaw chuck works well holding the cups while I true up the cuts with a skew.

That ain't fair wish I had one.

[Cray]

That picture makes me ashamed of my mess. Fine job setting that all up.

[Fishaholic_Jim]

So jealous right now...I have a corner in the nook of our bedroom because the kids are living with us until they can find a house.

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[skiptomylu]

Very nice and yes it's a bit time addiction with no end in sight, lol! Just enjoy it and don't try making a living out of it as that will take all the fun out! It's a wonderful hobby even though it's so addicting and every time you see new materials you get to thinking about how you can add that to what you want to tie, lol! It's just the addiction taking it's room and pushing you to spend more and more and just like other addictions you buy more and more!

Enjoy it,

Skip

[CrappieDreamer]

Thanks Skip!

I've always enjoyed making things with my own hands. It's a skill my father taught me when I was young. I try to get my kids involved with things like this but it's hard to compete with all the attraction of electronics, etc.. it's a little scary to think what our nation is going to be like in 10-20 years.

For the most part, you really can do just about anything if you try. I am so thankful that everyone here is so helpful and has so much experience they are willing to share.

Will there be mistakes? Oh yeah! But that's how we learn, right?

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[tahoe 50]

that is just the bomb.