Posts: 4266
| Hi guys, been a while since I've been in the basement or garage or whatever. Back problems are still getting in the way of me making lures, and at last count I had 256 1" thick hard maple blanks in various sizes and styles, not to mention over 100 blanks, no two alike, made from CA Redwoods. The figuring and colors leaves me with the ease of not having to paint anything but their bellies, tops and some Kameleon scales. I've also ventured into making some crankbaits....screw eyes, no thru-wire for me.
Which brings me to another point. With my back pain keeping my lure-making in slow motion, I've had to make some adjustments that might benefit others with back problems. Right now the only thing that I do standing up is cutting blanks on the bandsaw, and routering, but routering will be the next to drop....literally. Since that 10-20 degree bend at the waist was killing me, I built platforms for my belt/disc sander and table saw that allows me to sit with a supported lower back while I sand and cut. The router is next, but that might be tricky because I still like bending over slightly for a proper view. For that one, I'm thinking of mounting it on.....imagine a heavy drafting table, so I can watch without straining my neck. Weighting my gliders...I don't pour, I use the tons of old egg sinkers that I have and pound them. But now I sit on my exercise ball and rest the lure on a 24" x 8" soft maple stump that has the top surface cut at a 30 degree angle facing me and a shallow groove chiseled into it. If I can figure out a way to change the base of my band saw, I'll be able to do everything while seated, which should make the whole process much less painful.
Just thought I would check in and say something. I do check in often and admire what you guys are doing. Lots of new faces with no shortage of talent.
Keep it up and Happy New Year, Beaver |
