Paint Jig Heads Like a Pro with a 4-Cup Fluid Bed!

[@tday99music]

I made a similar setup, only i used barbed to threaded brass fittings i had leftover from another project to put the airline on, and each cup goes to a manifold to turn on and off, fed from a fish tank bubbler. I am going to incorporate the removable part now after watching this. Thanks for sharing

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!

[@ShockSgt]

Built my first single unit some years ago. Thanks for this info to upgrade into a multiple unit combo. You did a Great job, however, I would have taken the time to remove the printed info on the PVC. I normally use acetone to do this on things I make with PVC. This would have improved your multi-fluid bed project from Great to Professional. While gluing your beds to the board worked for you, thinking that I would have drilled a hole in the bottom cap and secured it with a pan head wood screw with some silicone on the screw - thinking that it would be more secure - all I could vision with gluing it is breaking that glue seal and having powder paint all over the workbench. Thanks again for all the great info you provide to us.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

I appreciate the feedback, thx! The glue on the caps held up surprisingly well as I had a similar concern (although the paint woudn't go everywhere as its contained in the upper cups... nonetheless, it would have been a bummer to see them "dislodge" from their place). In fact, when I pull this unit apart and converted to an 8 cup bed (there's a video on that build as well) the glue held so well the wood split before the glue gave way! Couldn't believe it as I had every intention of re-using those cups. Go figure! Thx again for the comment and for watching!

[@smisekscustombaits4621]

I just bought one with extra cups on eBay. I was going to build mine and I was in the process of making a shopping list and adding up my costs when I checked prices online for premade units. I probably could have made it a little bit cheaper but this thing looks so much better than I'd have done it was worth the extra bit of cost. I should be using it on my channel in a few weeks, I have videos for the next 6 weeks lined up already. :)

[@quinnhawkinson894]

Nice job. Definitely one of the better tutorials on building fluid beds down the the filter. Great job and keep them coming.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed and hope it helped you out!

[@quinnhawkinson894]

@@SDGCustomLurecraft I have been doing what you have, and that is multiple individual ones. I love your other vid using the manifold regulator (pvc). That was brilliant. I may build a 3 or 4 bay one now, using this.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Sweet! Yeah, the regulator video didn’t get a lot of views but it was one I was especially psyched about as it was a HUGE improvement to my system... both in looks and performance!

[@Markisuncfan]

that Kobalt inflator is awesome for taking with you to inflate tires. I use it for my truck, camper and boat but not designed for constant pressure. LOL. Your video is a good one. Thanks buddy. A fluid bed fall is on my to do list this fall.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Yup! Live and learn. I ended up getting a smaller inflator to put behind my seat in the truck. Fluid bed actually runs off a larger aquarium pump... 50-60gallon version works perfectly!

[@jalenrose1]

What was the make and model of the pump you ended up with? Thanks for the great content and for your witness!

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey Josh, I ended up with a Fluval Q2 (50-160 gallon rating) adjustable pump. I stinkin love it too… especially the “adjustable” aspect. Didn’t think it was going to be a big deal until I started using it in various situations. Should be about $40 or so, most places online.

[@jalenrose1]

@@SDGCustomLurecraft thanks for the quick response! Again love the content and the name! Keep it up!

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

@@jalenrose1 👊👊

[@kasilofchrisn2398]

I've built several fluid beds over the years. Mine are a simpler build then this one. Mine has less components and is easier to build. For the base of mine I just use a 3-in ABS flat cap. I also use a panhead screw to secure mine to the base board. I never have been a fan of gluing or using silicone to secure the fluid bed down. I also like the fact that I can easily remove my fluid bed cups to switch colors. But to each their own I suppose!

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thx for watching!

[@danielfowler473]

I used a brass fitting with a 1/4 barb fitting and screwed it in the the side no glue or anything screw them in slide on the tube. $1 and change for each brass fitting. Don’t have to worry bout it blowing out then and less messy. Great info good job! Also I found copy or printer paper flows more even than brown paper bags or any other materials I tried.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Great input, thanks Daniel! I was going to go the brass route but I couldn’t find em that cheap, wow! I’m sure the day will come when I build another… maybe just for fun, maybe a refresh if this video. When I do, I’ll be looking for brass! I also tried printer paper but man… I just couldn’t get it to work as well as as a good ol paper bag. Go figure!

[@danielfowler473]

@@SDGCustomLurecraft I think it depends on what lb paper it is and man I just don’t know what mine was both printers had paper in them and I didn’t have the package. Sorry man.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

@@danielfowler473 it’s all good!

[@robertfrance6843]

very nice, great job !!

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thanks Robert!

[@sjbill1793]

I know I ask a lot of question of you, and I know these are some of your older videos, I just like learning this stuff. So, here I am with another question. Your base is made up of 1 2" pvc 2" long (bottom), 1 2" coupler, and 1 2" pvc 3" long (top). That makes the entire "base" approximately 5" tall. Once you mount your actually "paint cup" to it brings the total height to about 8". My question is, what if you made the bottom piece say 1.5" long (just tall enough to give space to drill hole and place tubing), then made the top section just long enough to allow the connection of two couplers (base coupler and fluid cup coupler)? Basically once the paint cup is mounted the two couplers practically touch, therefore decreasing the volume of air required in the base. Just kinda wondering if that would decrease the amount of pressure needed across the entire system. Just thinkin outside the cup so to speak. Thanks for your videos man. They really help me in my quest to build my on baits.

[@sjbill1793]

Sorry, please disregard my prior question. I just watched your 8 cup fluid bed build and I see you eliminated the upper 3" section of pvc on the base and only had the one 2" as the base and then the paint cup itself.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Yup, I thought the upper piece would separate at the lower coupler, but found it was an unnecessary add. 1 coupler is cleaner and all you need!

[@georgetalley4756]

Looks good I actually got a five way Aquarium valve set up off amazon it was $7 and it’s capped on the end for if you want to add more later

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Very cool! I ended up revising the design (which also cleaned it up a bunch) by adding a manifold/air chamber on the side and running each cup off it using the separate valves. Posted a quick video on that modification as well if you want to check it out!

[@edernest3996]

Thanks for the tutorials, they are great. I followed your design (latest) to make a fluid bed. The fluid bed appears to work correctly, but the texture of the paint on my jig head looks like sandpaper. Is this a result of not getting my lead hot enough? Thanks.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Great question Ed. Best guess, yeah sounds like you could stand to heat your heads just a bit longer. If that doesn’t work it may be a paint issue (not all work as well as others).

[@edernest3996]

@@SDGCustomLurecraft Thank you for the prompt response. I will try more heat first.

[@davidwiebenga172]

Great video

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thanks David! Appreciate the feedback, glad you enjoyed!

[@1MoreFish]

Thanks man!

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

My pleasure!!

[@almondjoy0921]

How much powder coating paint do you put in 2” / 2.5” deep fluid bed cup for painting jigs?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Depends on the paint actually. I can get the whole 2oz in when using heavier paint that won’t rise as high. For the lighter/standard stuff it takes about 3/4 of a 2oz container. I’ve often thought about cutting the cup longer to make it easy… dump the whole container in every time. Just haven’t tried it yet.

[@jimmyallard1]

so I have been making these from your videos and I am getting alot of air shooting up along the sides and I wanted to know if you have any suggestions on how to make them flow properly

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey Jimmy, it could be a couple things. The most common issue is the filter. Assuming you are using the same kind of thin, brown, paper bag material, it could also be a seal problem around where the tubes insert into the bottom of the cups. Generally air along the side means your air pressure isn’t high enough (either for the filter material, in general due to a leak, or because the powder is too heavy - which leads me to my last question…). Are you using ProTec paint? 2oz jars but not putting the whole amount in the container? Sorry I can’t pinpoint the issue for you, as it could be any number of culprits. Hopefully some of these questions/things to check will help!

[@jimmyallard1]

yes I am using protech paint. and brown paper bagsyou get at super 1 for lunchs. also my air pump is a small one. one that is made for a 10 gal tank. I ordered a bigger pump and will try again. should I be adding all the paint from the 2 oz bottle?. also what is your code again for Barlows tackle again. I get lots from them and if that helps you out great.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Good deal, a stronger pump should 100% do the trick. Mine is rated 50-160 gallons, so without enough umph, the air will leak through at the points of least resistance (ie sides). With that size top (3” lengths, if I recall??), between 1/2 and 3/4 of a 2oz jar will fit and work properly. Every paint is different, so you can load more of a heavier paint and less of the lighter stuff - either way, I rarely put the whole jar in, initially. When you run the new pump, be sure shake/stir the powder before turning in the pump… get it loosened up… then I like to use my forceps (or pliers, or screwdriver, whatever you have handy) to tap the sides as you open the value. That helps the powder move a bit and the air more evenly distribute. I’ll be curious to hear back from you once you get the new pump going! Appreciate the Barlow’s question as well! That code is “SDGCUSTOM”. Thanks for the support (both for me and Barlows! Great group of guys over there!)

[@robertchadwick2925]

Good video content. I've been wondering if it's worth it to make a bed and you made a garden of beds! You're set up is really well organized. Do you typically leave the heat gun on the wall when you use it for jigs? Thanks.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thanks for the feedback Robert. Yeah, I do leave it on the wall so it shoots sideways. My shop is in the basement/unfinished space with low ceilings, so when I set it up (as its often used by others) the heat shoots straight up and makes it way to my fire alarm, LOL! THAT was a wake-up call the first time I tried it! So, I shoot it sideways so the heat disperses and alarms don't go off. This was one of the first videos I made (now over 100 on the channel) and I still use this setup to paint just about everything. If you didn't see it yet, be sure to check out the follow-up to this where I add a manaifold/air chamber to the front. It both better equalizes the pressure to each cup AND it cleaned up the design a bunch. Definitely a must if I was going to build another.

[@zachfisher915]

Did you use a ball valve or the straight valve?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thanks for the question! It’s a “1/4 in. O.D. Polypropylene Push-to-Connect Valve”.

[@jerrykolling6432]

I’m late to the party, but where do you purchase your jigs?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

I make all my own from scratch :)

[@ronniemartin8391]

Whats your favorite trailer,wish Uncle Jish was still around?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Thanks for the question Ronnie! I love a selection of trailers, but my favorites are definitely the molds I have bought and make myself. The BTS 702 Craw is fantastic for jigs and the H-Craws (both sizes) are great as a stand alone trailer (T-rig etc) but especially awesome on a swing head! I also really like the Drax I make when I want a slower fall or more subtle approach (the claw action isn’t as pronounced). I also make some smaller craws for finesse applications, and even the Epic Ned Leech would work great as a trailer when you’re after a different action/profile! All great options my friend - can’t go wrong with any of them!

[@Reidball100]

Wow I could never figure out how to do this

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Well, when I build the next one, we can do it together!

[@Reidball100]

Thanks dad!😄

[@willblountfishing7897]

I might have missed it but what diameter pvc are you using?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey Will, I am using 2” for the cups and bases. I just posted an updated version where I expanded to 8 cups. That video includes a complete materials list and some corrections to this video. I encourage you to check it out!

[@Hawaiibohntr]

Did you use a large compressor? or a fish tank compressor, I have a 40-60 gal fish tank pump and it won't even move one cup no less 4 cups.

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey Mark, great question. While the original setup was going to use an air compressor, I ended up taking it back and went with an adjustable high volume aquarium tank. It runs all 4 very nicely but can also be adjusted to run fewer as needed. Here’s a link: www.chewy.com/fluval-air-pump-aquariums/dp/129588?Fluval&gclid=CjwKCAiArIH_BRB2EiwALfbH1Ktc3gHFfJt-_Os2G-njxDpZs71Jqr5a2M6Mj0xDeIkh00CCfviGHhoCeAAQAvD_BwE If you’re still having trouble I would check all the seals, make sure you’re not losing pressure somewhere, and then look at the filter material. I use “lunch bag” brown bags, which are thinner than the “grocery bags” a lot of guys use. I also tried most of the other typical options and nothing worked better than good ol lunch bags. Hope this helps!!

[@danielfowler473]

I used a big aquarium pump it will run four. Walmart. It has two outlets just run them together with a T and make all the air run through one line with the T.

[@bradnelson3119]

@@danielfowler473 How big of an aquarium pump did you use with the T? Do you have the model?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

I use a Fluval Q2, adjustable pump. It’s rated for 50-160 gallon tanks. Works great for my 4-Cup bed.

[@CatfishWeekly]

How did I miss this?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

LOL, it’s a classic! One of the first videos on the channel - within the first 10 anyway! Hope you enjoyed a little throwback!

[@TalkingGIJoe]

so where is the upsized fluid bed? you mean just multiple beds not bigger bed?

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey thanks for the question. Yeah, upsized in terms of 1-2 cup system to 4 cup system, although, if you wanted to go to a 3" pipe instead of 2, all the same principles apply - you'd just need a wider board. Appreciate the feedback!

[@mannyfeeesh]

How can I use a fluid for 14oz 16oz jigs and how much power to put in

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Great questions. I recently put together a single stall bed using 4” PVC so I could dip Spinnerbaits (extra space needed to accommodate the wire). It works well with the pump I have (Fluval Q2, rated for 50-160 gallon tanks), but does take a lot more powder paint to use effectively. My guess is… you’ll find the same to be true if you go this route. Measure the size of the jig (diameter/across) and double, or even triple that to get the right pvc size. Limit the use to just one stall and use the adjustment knob on the pump to dial in the powder (with the extra surface area and heavier load… it may take “full blast” from the pump to get it going/maintained). I also found the lightly shaking the bed as the powder rises reduces volcanos, until the powder regulates. Hope this helps!!

[@mannyfeeesh]

@@SDGCustomLurecraft thx I pour 300g jigs and it's about 8in or so I will try it

[@taylormarcel5074]

Yo I was just watching smalljaws new video and he gave you a shout out so I checked out your channel, just subbed man. If you don’t know small jaw you gotta check him out also 👍

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

Hey man, thx! Definitely a Smalljaw fan! He was a huge inspiration for me to get started. He and I have been chatting a bit in the comments on another video where he said he was going to give me a shout out. Awesome guy!

[@taylormarcel5074]

SDG Custom Lurecraft heck yeah love him

[@13cranium]

I don’t understand How air goes into a paper? 10:54

[@SDGCustomLurecraft]

The paper is thin enough that the air can pass through. 👍👍