Wood type for smaller surface / sub surface plugs?

Hey fellas,

I'm going to try and make some smaller stuff this year (3.5-4.5" & .75" diameter). I tried to make some surfsters and surface / sub-surface swimmers out of some scrap cherry I had laying around, with litte success (too heavy with hardware). Here is a pic.....
I'm going to try a smaller hook and a smaller aluminum lip to see if it will work better. I also have some Basswood in the same dimensions for turning, will that work better?

For all you guys who build smaller stuff, I'm interested in your thoughts. thanks in advance for you help. I hope the fall is treating everyone well and all are getting the shops ready for building season to start ;)

MS

I've heard of guys using Basswood and Red Cedar but never used either.

But I do know that I love that bottom plug body shape. I just started using those lips to MS on a few new plugs.

I don't really build small stuff, but I'd say give red cedar a try....love that stuff.

the flaptail should work fine with cherry, chin loop to keep the head up...the reg flaptail from moores or salty is heaver to keep the tail in the water....the other 2 plugs the lips might be too big...I've never had great luck with them(those lips) they push alot of water,,,you might want to try a pikie1 or a lefty 1 lip in those bodies...high slot...for the surface with those lips I'd stay away from the red ceder try ayc first it'll float good and have some weight to control the lip...I got a lip like yours from salty its the smallest one( he sells 3 different sizes) i put it in a rm smith peanut and showed it to ryan he looked at it and said that'll work....it swims great

Thanks fellas for the tips......i'll give it a try.

MS

WRC is nice, because its so light. If you don't wear a dusk mask, definitely wear one with the WRC, or you'll feel like you got the flu for a few hours :)

I agree with Eddie, those lips are to big for those plugs. The other thing that might help is to center your lip slot, it looks like it's cut to high in the center plug. Also try the surfsters lips from NJT they are better quality !!!

I've had good luck using pine,wrc, basswood and mahogany on smaller type plugs.