I have become inerested in making crankbaits, just a few questions.  What type of tools would i need, whats a good place to get them, what type of paints are used, etc...  I would like to learn the basics for this season and try to make some because i have ideas for colors that i dont really see to much of.

Airbrushing is another one of my hobbies so i have all that stuff and I have saws to do the job and sanders I used to do construction as a side job so if thats what I need I have it.  What style is best to start out.

Here is a small list of materials:

1. SS wire 18 and 20 guage (soft wire)
2.ballast weight (egg sinkers, finess weights, bullet weights)
3.wood (balsa and cedar are the woods I've used)
4.bill material (garolite and/or lexan) buy pre-made if you can

Take your fav crank and make a profile copy of it on a copy machine.   Mark the lip angle, line tie, and hook hanger positions.   Draw the pattern on a 1/2 thick board and cut out on a band saw or scroll saw.   Cut the lip slot first while the stock is still square.   Mark the center around the blanks and drill ballast port on a drill press, drill out line tie and hook hanger holes.

When you get this far make another post with a pic of the bait.   I will take you the rest of the way.   I'm better at building than teaching, just bare with me.