DIY: Building a Cup Turner for Leveling Epoxy on Fishing Lures

DIY Lure Rotisserie (Cup Turner)

A cup turner is a device that turns something coated (with epoxy, for example) that you want to dry evenly—it's like a rotisserie. In lure making, this allows you to evenly dry the epoxy when sealing your lures.

Materials Needed

  • 3/4" Plywood/Hardboard/Particle Board

  • 7/8″ Dowel Rod

  • 3/16″ Dowel Rod

  • Microwave Motor

  • Alligator Clips

Step 1: Cut the Frame for the Turner

Begin by cutting the 3/4″ board into 3 identical pieces measuring 13.5″ x 5″. These measurements can be adjusted depending upon the desired size of the cup turner.

Step 2: Mark the Center Point

Mark an identical center point on two of the side boards. I chose to drill through to ensure they were exactly even.

Step 3: Bore the Holes for the Large Dowel

  • Using a 7/8″ Forstner Bit, drill a hole halfway through at the marked center point of 1 board.

  • Using the same bit, bore a hole completely through at the marked center point of the second board.

Step 4: Attach First Side to the Base

Using screws, pilot holes, or a tack nailer, attach the side with the half-bored hole to the base.

Step 5: Prepare the Dowel

  • Size the Dowel: Cut the dowel to 13.25″. Double-check your size during assembly to ensure the dowel spins freely.

  • Bore Attachment Holes: Mark the center line on the dowel and bore 3/16″ holes at your chosen distance. Mark another center line 90 degrees from the previous one and drill holes at the midpoint to allow more lures to be attached.

  • Reduce Ends: Wrap sandpaper around the dowel ends and widen the holes by turning the dowel to ensure it spins freely in the frame.

    • Tip: You can drive a star-pattern screw into one end of the dowel to turn it with a drill for faster sanding.

Step 6: Attach the Motor

  • Bore the Fitting Hole: Center the attachment point of the motor in the large dowel. Bore a hole slightly smaller than the attachment point and "press" (hammer) the fitting in so it is snug.

  • Mounting: Slide the dowel-side with the fitting through the side with the through-hole and attach it to the motor with set screws.

Step 7: Final Assembly

  • Attach the second side with the motor to the bottom frame, ensuring the dowel fits into the half-bored hole on the opposite side. Secure the motor to the side with screws.

  • Using the 3/16″ dowel, run it through the holes to the desired length and cut the ends even with a flush-cut saw.

  • Slide on the alligator clips. Use needle-nose pliers to open up the clip attachment point if needed to ensure a snug fit.

Wrapping Up

You should now have a perfectly functioning cup turner to let the epoxy level smoothly on your lures.

Liability Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | © 2026 Reckon I'll