redg8r

Thanks Fellas, yeah the clay is neat to work with because you can do a little at a time & if you like what you have so far just bake it & then add more detail & bake it again. the master for that one cooked about a dozen times. Al, I just sculpted the bait around an aberdeen hook & molded (w/RTV) the hook & all, now when I pour a bait, theres a slot built in for the hook, so its pre-rigged. the RTV is flexible, so you can get away with different sized hooks without having multiple molds. hope that helps.

lol, I just replied to you over a TM, Then I see you posted here at home I just finished up a swimbait mold, but its only 4 inces & MINE But if you have an original, you can cast one in RTV The hardest part is the master cast, its pretty darn time consuming. I did this master out of polymer clay. I poured clear to see how the hook sits in the bait.

I'm interested & actually workin on somethin similar... 10 Tackle Tokens for ya if you can get me a pic & a few paragraphs on how to use it. We'll add it into the Tutorials section, credited to you, of course Thanks for sharin.

That dang "macro" eluded me for the longest time, too. :oops: Like bigsplash said, Ive seen some real good images coming from scanners too, the only thing I've found odd is that it sometimes leaves a rainbow like reflection on the clearcoat, it looks so good Ive actually asked a couple guys how they got that finish, & they said "scanner did it" but for simplicity, its the way to go. awaiting to see those baits.....

Superior work Big Splash, Great pattern & a perfectly tied tail. Keep it up.

yup skketers on target, heat hastens the catalyst & cold does the opposite. whew, its still that cold up there huh? & I have troubles keeping it below 100 in my garage.

The picture does it no justice, Ive had an opportunity to own a few of Nathans baits.. all of em are truly inventive, & his craftmanship shows. This one's on its way to the Florida Keys, to see if it can stir up some big gamefish I'm gonna guess the first fish caught on it.......... mmmmmm Dolphin are hittin hard right now, if not a dolphin maybe a monster wahoo. I'll keep ya posted. Thanks Nathan

Whelliibe Now thats A Hybrid lure, very ingenius Nate, I bet she swims nice. Thats what its all about, I like to see stuff like that.

When that happens to me it usually because I didnt mix the epoxy well. If your using 2ton, overnight should be sufficient for handling. I would suggest that the humidity might effect the cure but I live in a virtual rainforest so thats not the issue..... Did you cut or thin the epoxy befor applying?

I did a lil "horse trading" with a guy that makes signs for a livin, he was nice enough to send me some scraps & samples, but they dont hold up well to hot plastic. they have a ton of other uses though..nice & flashy too. the one on the far right has no pattern, like whats used on YoZuri's lures.

This is the stuff I'm talkin bout, aluminum foil might work, but....naa, I need some Flash Thanks for the thought, & if you do find somethin, let me know. Thanks

actually I'm looking for sheet stock, any size really, as long as I can get enough to imbed in a 6"+ swimbait & other assorted soft plastics. Thanks Nate

That was gonna be my comment Jim, I know most epoxies claim to cure in hours, but ive found that with most 2 part catalyzed components [resin, rtv, paints catalyzed, etc] that the smell usually lingers for a couple days at least. I'm not saying that it still dont have an effect, maybe i should give it a try down here too. thanks for this post.....interesting test.

Ken sent me this pick of his latest dryin wheel. I think we might be gettin a tutorial from him soon on makin one, if anyones interested drop a line here, or send him a PM here: http://www.tackleunderground.com/board/privmsg.php?mode=post&u=55 Solid work Ken!

Hi Fellas, I've been tryin to put some holographic foil in my swimbaits, like storm & others are doing, just wanted to pass along my findings & maybe gather some new ideas from someone else who might be trying this. typical mylar, like what's used in most craft foils & common glitters dont like hot plastic at all...... the glitter curls & fades and the sheet type instantly turns to something resembling thin tarnished aluminum foil. Ive been using a variety of materials, holo-lazer foil (adhesive backed) along with some samples of signmaking mylars sent to me from a fellow tacklemaker (thanks Count Dracalure Ive found some glitters that work (embossing type, meant for heat) but no sheet type holographic foils. I'm wondering what the big boys are using that withstands the heat? polyester?, can that even be available in holographic?....sigh. anyway, back to the shop/lab......

for real?! Wow, add that one to the gallery's trophy room, for sure. Tell your boy, good catch!

Just curious, but how fresh was the epoxy coat on your trial jigs? thanks

Sweet, Well if all goes well with the plaster, upgrading to RTV will give you a more durable mold & using it is similar in fasion as pouring plaster. Kidlizard uses alot of Plaster & looks like he does well with it, if you have any issues, maybe send him a private message & he could help, if need be. Good luck Sam

Hi Sam, The problem with latex is that it only cures properly in thin coats. So in order to get a mold suitable for pouring plastisol would require many many coats of latex to build it up. if you put too thick of a coat on, the top will skin over & the inside wont cure for weeks. the price you mentioned ($10 per pound) is similar in cost to RTV silicone. Take a look at Smoothon.com for "Oomoo 25" its 2.8 pounds for $22 & cures in an hour or so. You could also do resin for molds, Ive used & still use Bondo fiberglass resin. Some guys prefer plaster of paris, & Durhams water putty. Those are the most economical for guys startin out. Good luck with your craft.

Oh no, She's gone & done it.... :oops: I scored a nice 1 piece Ugly Stick combo. Already tried it out, works nicely. Also got a new keyboard, one without coffee & snack stains. I'll miss the old one but the new one is great. I be XXVIII today! Thanks guys & you too luv, [no that wasnt for you Toby ]

check your local goodwill or thrift shop for a used microwave. I found alot here & the one I bought for $15 actually is in better shape than the big one in my kitchen. using pyrex, ive found it hard to burn the plastic & the thick borosilicate glass keeps a cup of plastic in a pourable stage for quite a good while. Ive poured a few molds, & let the plastic (in pyrex) set out long enough for the plastic in the mold to cure, then was able to pour the same mold again, without reheating the plastic (in pyrex) what formula of MF plastic you usin? (number) P.S. if you try the pyrex, find a piece of corkboard, wood, or similar material to set the hot glass on. I set a hot cup of plastic on my ceramic cooktop after heating & POP, it shattered...... I guess hot pyrex dont like touching cold or cool surfaces.....hope it helps.

[Topic moved to the Docks (from the Soft Plastic forum)]