Cedar plug trolling jigs

[mmayo]

I have had a plan to make a "cedar plug" like trolling jig for a while and finally tried it. I made these three just to get a feel for how to get started. I used red cedar, Padauk and purple heart.

I have tried various spare brass tubes to get the protective end cap to work. It starts with a four ounce egg sinker ( this one is a two ounce ) to make the head and a pen blank for the body. BLO and CA was used as a finish, but traditionally they are unfinished cedar.

The large hook goes like this.

Here are three sizes of cedar plugs for sale at a tackle store rigged.

We'll see if they catch fish this summer.

 

[mmayo]

With a plan and a little practice, they look better and more uniform. Last one not turned and none have BLO/CA yet.

 

[mmayo]

A little practice has refined the product

I have shipped 20+ and have paid orders for another 40 on my workbench! My email brings a new order almost daily. Who knew? If I ever sell high end pens this fast I might run for political office...NAH!

They are a good chance to refine the BLO / CA that seems to seal the wood and deepen the color, but is not too pretty as pure CA. Several folks are purists and have insisted on unfinished. Same price, so I figure OK the customer is right.

 

[mmayo]

Just shipped my 130th plug today with three on order. Even with this success, I am anxious to turn a pen. After making 260 tenons, bring on the Euro/Designer/etc. I will happily make your tenon.

 

[79spitfire]

Congrats!!

 

[hanau]

Nice job, Hope you sell a lot more.

 

[mmayo]

Happy 200th cedar plug!

Yes, somehow I have managed to get 49 people to purchase 200 of my cedar plugs. My price has not and will not make me rich, but I am getting to be more efficient. I have added safety equipment to my shop (a cutoff sled with hold downs) and some nice new carbide tools. I found AZ Carbide for buying carbide replacements - they rock.

This is the last order for 18 plugs 5", 6" and 7' in overall length in process.

Here are a couple 7" models finished.

The best news is that I get to make an ebony wood Jr. Gent II this week too.

 

[mmayo]

The number of plugs ordered just for display has steadily increased, who knew? Here are a couple of higher end models.

Wood makes me smile...