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The Turning Point:

  • Writer: stevencowell
    stevencowell
  • Jan 20, 2025
  • 2 min read




How Strike Force Lures Are Crafted on a wood Lathe.

At Strike Force Lures, our process begins with precision and craftsmanship on the wood lathe. Turning timber into high-quality lures isn’t just about shaping wood—it’s about creating a fishing tool that works seamlessly in the water while maintaining durability and balance. Here’s a closer look at how our unique turning process sets us apart.


Off-Centre Turning: The Secret to Versatility

Unlike traditional “centre-to-centre” wood lathe turning, which is often used for simple designs like poppers or plugs, we’ve developed a method of off-centre turning. This technique allows us to create lures with unique body shapes, enabling a wide range of swimming actions and movement patterns.

The off-centre process lets us tailor each lure’s shape to its intended action. For example:

  • A streamlined body can produce a tight rolling action for faster retrievals.

  • A more rounded shape can create a gentle sway or a glide that mimics natural prey movements.

  • Specific adjustments allow for darting or weaving actions, ideal for drawing out even the most elusive fish.

This versatility gives anglers the ability to match their lure’s action to their target species and water conditions.


Step-by-Step: Turning the Perfect Lure

Here’s a breakdown of how we craft each lure body on the lathe:

1. Preparing the Timber

  • Each piece of timber is dressed and cut to size before precise lathe slots are added to hold it securely.

  • The blanks are cut to the required length and inspected for consistency.

2. Shaping the Lure

  • The belly and back are turned separately, with the lathe adjusted to an off-centre position. This step is key to achieving the unique body contours that influence the lure’s swimming action.

  • The nose and tail are trimmed and shaped carefully, ensuring the lure’s balance and movement aren’t compromised.

  • Once the shaping is complete, the lure body is sanded down to a smooth finish, ready for the next stage.

3. Drilling for Hardware

  • After shaping, we drill precise holes for the hooks and hardware. The placement of these holes is critical for ensuring the lure sits correctly in the water and performs as intended.

This meticulous approach to turning not only ensures that each lure is functional and balanced but also allows for design variations that stand out in the water.


Why Off-Centre Turning?

This method might take more time and skill, but it’s worth it. Off-centre turning gives us the freedom to design lures that are truly unique in shape and action. Whether it’s a surface lure that creates a splash or a lure designed for deep diving, we can tailor the body to suit its purpose.


It’s All About the Details

From the first cut on the lathe to the final sanding, the turning process is where the magic happens. This is where the foundation for every Strike Force Lure is built, setting the stage for the painting and finishing processes that bring each piece to life.

Our goal is simple: to give anglers a lure that’s not only effective but also crafted with care and attention to detail. Whether you’re chasing big cod or experimenting with new techniques, a lathe-turned Strike Force Lure is built to help you succeed.



 
 
 

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