March 7, 2019

Jitterbug 3/8 oz

STL’s for this lure are available for purchase from Cults3d (Individually or as a Bundle)

This is another Jitterbug… it’s about the same as the last version just in a slightly larger 3/8oz size.

This is the basic design so far before printing and any testing so things might change.

Here it is compared to the first one. The last one  used stick on eyes where this one is more traditional with the molded eyes that will just be painted.

The first print is completed.

I now just need to assemble it and do some float tests to see if any weights need to be added.

The first step in assembly is to insert the pins and using some superglue tack the tie on’s in place.

Next the other side gets coated in glue and then the two halves can be joined together.

After squeezing the two halves tightly together the excess glue is wiped off with a paper towel and accelerator is use to instantly bond the glue.

I then go back and fill in any gaps using a little more glue and accelerator.

After a little sanding with 220 grit sand paper the lure is ready to paint.

Unfortunately I noticed that I didn’t recess the front tie on enough and I didn’t pin this one in place so with a heavy enough pull I as able to rip the tie on completely out.

Just to save this print I was able to go back and shove a hot wire through the front and then drill it out enough to stick a piece of filament through to tie on to secure it.

After trimming off the excess I was then able to pull on the tie on with everything I had it it didn’t budge.

I did go back to the design and I added a little meat to the front section so I could use a pin on the front tie on. I’m reprinting the lure now to retest it.

Here’s the new printed one with the beefed up tie on point.

With the front tie on pinned in place now I was able to put at least 30lbs of pulling force on it and it didn’t even budge. I thought with how far it stuck out on this lure it would at least rotate out of position but it stayed put. I bet it would take a lot more force but that was as much as I could pull while holding the lure by hand.  I actually broke the front lip but it’s an easy fix.

I printed up some quick stencils to do the spots from a typical bullfrog pattern.

I started with a white base coat, then sprayed a light green on the top and sides, and finally a detail moss green over the top.

The stencils need a little work as they didn’t sit quite flat so paint didn’t have crisp lines like I was hoping.

I also didn’t do a very good job lining them up. I should have made the stencil to encircle the whole bait so it would have lined up better. It worked ok for a quick test though.

Added a few more quick details… it’s not my finest work but once I clear coat it I’m hoping it will look a little better.  As always the fish don’t care.

Here’s the finished bullfrog lure all sealed and ready to go.

It’s not my favorite work but it came out better than I though it would.

The Fire Tiger Pattern. This is becoming one of my favorite patterns to paint. (probably because it looks awesome and is very easy to do.)

I like to add a little blue tint to the top of the standard fire tiger pattern to give it a little extra pizzazz.

The finished weight of these came out to about .33 of an ounce (9.3 grams) which is exactly what the store bought one I have weighs.

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Print Settings

• Filament = eSun Silver PLA+
• Top Layers = 3
• Bottom Layers = 3
• Perimeter Outlines = 3
• Layer Height = .10 mm
• Infill = 25%
• Supports = No

All Information, Pictures, and Material is copyright © 2019 by Stephen Thone and may not be used for any personal or commercial purposes without the consent of the author. All rights reserved. The Author makes no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of, or results to be obtained from accessing and using the Information herein.