I’ve always wanted to do a creeper, so I started working on some concepts.  After working on it some I noticed the eyes made it kinda look reptilian, I think I’ll try to emphasize that look a little bit more.  Don’t think I’ll be able to justify an injection mold so I’ll probably do a through wire resin cast mold.  I’d like to be able easily modify it for some prop and flaptail versions.  What do you think? 

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It’s a CAD system called Solidworks.  I can use that file to cut prototypes from wood, then when ready I’ll cut an aluminum mold for casting.

Well all right, thanks! That’s interest enough for me.  The creeper just got bumped to the top of my list.  I was going to do a 11” MDR Chopper or 14” Molly Bait next, but I can’t wait to figure this creeper out.  This is what I love most about bait making, feeling that passion to overcome and figure out all the challenges.  Has anyone ever done a flaptail creeper?  I think that may pose some unique challenges.  Cheers!

I use a cnc milling machine that’s used for metalworking.  Since I design the baits to be molded, I first figure out my parting line and make sure I have no undercuts and plenty of draft for release.  I design a flat around the parting line of around .080 so I can either insert mold some figure 8’s or a thru wire.  Since I have this flat, it becomes a 2D profile.  I use that profile and the parting line flat to become a web I leave standing in the wood when machining.  Since everything is “in the direction of pull” I can use a ball endmill to reach and cut all details.  So you design a piece of wood with the bait centered in it that has this web profile, run it through the CAM system to create the cutter paths, clamp a piece of wood in the vice, machine one half, flip it over and find zero again, machine the other half, take it out and punch the bait out of the web, sand the flat off, and “voila” a prototype shape is ready for testing.

How’s that for a bunch or run-on sentences?

Did that answer your question guest?  No I don’t do any hand shaping; the prototypes look exactly like the molded part because they are made from the same file

I increased the eye area so I can fit a 10mm glass taxidermy reptile eye.  Whew, with the glass eyes, wings, and flaptail, this thing is getting pricy! Lol  Expensive Hobby!

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Hey thanks guys, ya I definitely can see a few different topper version baits to go along with a few different creeper styles.  I thought about some lipped options like ghitierman said, with and without rubber.  So the concept’s a go and I’ll have other options besides the creeper.  So thanks for the input guys! Heck I even received a PM to do an offshoot of the coot concept – lol

Esoxlucifer, hey thanks man, I like hearing that, I hate tooting my own horn, but I also think my baits are underrated like you said.  I’m a bad business man; I hardy do anything to promote the baits or even focus on sales efforts for that matter.  I’m mainly motivated to do R&D, but hey that’s why I do this.  Maybe someday a big shot will come along, buy me out, and give the baits the proper attention they deserve –  ha ha! Wishful thinking!

I will do that crank, probably next year.  You’re right, no it won’t have that lip, not that I couldn’t get it to work, but I need to lessen my capitol output when doing these.  It will have a standard shape polycarbonate lip.

Yes I have used Mastercam and other cam programs as well.  I use standard metal working VMC’s – Mazak, Hass,Fadel etc...  When you design your bait, design a web about 1/16” into it and apply your cutter paths including that.  Surface cut both sides with a ball end mill then use a standard endmill to slowly cut down the web profile and then beak it out and sand.  Any shop in your area should be able to quote this for you. 

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LOL, How about you give me a PO for 2,500 pieces @ $11 ea. and I’ll put you in business, you can help develop the color patterns, own the tooling, and take over from there