I recently picked up a 3D printer at a G- sale. I had never considered buying one, but for $40 figured it was worth the investment. My co workers both print and helped me shorten the learning curve.
I started printing some trinkets for the kids. A few tools, tool hangers, etc .... It didn't take long before I started searching for lure models to print. I tried two different Whopper ploppers. The second one I tried is very close to the original.
On my first prototype, the hole printed too small to get the wire through. I carefully drilled it out, but must have compromised the wall to the inner air chamber. Also, when I assembled, I made a loop on both ends. This turned out to be a mistake because the wire can spin, although the body stays put. This made really bad line twist.
But, it caught fish! First trip out with rev 1 I landed six bass, but lost at least that many. Two were really nice, one was bigger than this dandy.
LMB, SMB both liked it. Even had a trout hit it. After the first few fish, the leak was becoming evident. Especially after I swapped out the hooks since I lost so many hooked fish. I had to work it more aggressive and faster to keep it at the surface, but that still worked.
After my prototype success and failures (having to drill out hole and causing a leak) I needed to make rev 2. I determined the settings in the slicer to enlarge the hole. This made for much easier assembly. I also used an upen ended bent wire on the nose end to fit the oval hole. This eliminated the line twist issue, thank goodness.
I dabbled in larger scale models and played with infill density a bit. Some neat multi color filaments, etc... I'm really happy with how they turned out. I have caught several bass on my improved models.
I started day dreaming again and looked towards salty species, namely tuna. I printed a couple versions of "Cedar" plugs. I really like the 3.5" model.
I will hopefully soon be testing my "Whopper Birdie" and "Tuna Plopper" next month. I will report my results.
Please share what sort of lures or fishing gadgets you have printed? I'm sure there are lots of cool things I haven't thought of yet.
I started printing some trinkets for the kids. A few tools, tool hangers, etc .... It didn't take long before I started searching for lure models to print. I tried two different Whopper ploppers. The second one I tried is very close to the original.
On my first prototype, the hole printed too small to get the wire through. I carefully drilled it out, but must have compromised the wall to the inner air chamber. Also, when I assembled, I made a loop on both ends. This turned out to be a mistake because the wire can spin, although the body stays put. This made really bad line twist.
But, it caught fish! First trip out with rev 1 I landed six bass, but lost at least that many. Two were really nice, one was bigger than this dandy.
LMB, SMB both liked it. Even had a trout hit it. After the first few fish, the leak was becoming evident. Especially after I swapped out the hooks since I lost so many hooked fish. I had to work it more aggressive and faster to keep it at the surface, but that still worked.
After my prototype success and failures (having to drill out hole and causing a leak) I needed to make rev 2. I determined the settings in the slicer to enlarge the hole. This made for much easier assembly. I also used an upen ended bent wire on the nose end to fit the oval hole. This eliminated the line twist issue, thank goodness.
I dabbled in larger scale models and played with infill density a bit. Some neat multi color filaments, etc... I'm really happy with how they turned out. I have caught several bass on my improved models.
I started day dreaming again and looked towards salty species, namely tuna. I printed a couple versions of "Cedar" plugs. I really like the 3.5" model.
I will hopefully soon be testing my "Whopper Birdie" and "Tuna Plopper" next month. I will report my results.
Please share what sort of lures or fishing gadgets you have printed? I'm sure there are lots of cool things I haven't thought of yet.
Not only did you find a steal of a deal on a printer, you've found a new hobby and great way to add more fun to your fishing.
