Wood alternative for creating hardbaits.

[chromedog]

I know there is a plastic that is very easy to sand/carve.  What is it, where can you purchase it and what is the cost?

Thanks!

[Fishwhittler]

I believe what you want is PVC board. You can pick it up at Menards or a lumberyard for pretty cheap. I haven't tried it yet but I plan to soon, as it offers several advantages over wood.

Hope this helps.

Ben

[chromedog]

PVC board?  Thanks, I will make some phone calls.

[.dsaavedra.]

yah its expanded PVC.

Lowes sells it with their trim boards and other mouldings.

the stuff i got at lowes is pretty crappy though. i wouldn't recommend it. its soft, breaks easily, and doesn't sand smooth.

the good stuff is called AZEK and i don't know where you'd find that.

[whittler]

Chromedog, PVC is a very good bait making material for cranks or swimbaits, it does take a little getting use to working it however. PVC does not absorb water so no sealer is needed, it has no grain which makes carving and drilling much easier. Pvc does have a very thin skin on the material which must be removed to get an even finish and topcoat. I usually make a very light pass 1/64" through the tablesaw to remove it. It is about the same weight as basswood per square inch.

Azeck is a much heavier product, deck material, but the stuff is tough.

If you will search on this section for posts by jrhopkins you will see some swimbaits made from PVC, which he uses. He makes the kind of baits that most of us wish we could and from that crappy old PVC. John has also written a tutorial on TU on making a swimbait from PVC, good reading.

[wickyman]

I read that swimbait tutorial, and it was awesome!  I want to try it also. 

[BIG M]

idlov2fish has built more crank baits from PVC than any one I know.   I have several of his baits and those run true with good balance and action.   I'm not a fan of pvc but that because I'm in love with balsa.   I did not give pvc a fair chance from the start.   idlov2fish is a expert on this material, listen to him with both ears.   Dude knows his stuff.