alsworms

Hey Jeff, I use a Sony Cybershot P-71 3.2 MP and I love it. You can get a super close clear shot, and it also offers streaming video. I first bought the P-51 model and found out it didn't have a macro lense (which is crucial in our line of business), so I traded it in and got the upgraded version. I believe you can get a camera in the 2 to 3 MP range with a macro lense for around 300 bucks. Chris

Great lookin' baits! That's normal with the salt, especially the lighter colors. There's not much you can do about the bright and fluorescent colors (except add more coloring), but with the others you might try adding your color when the plastic starts to gel. Seems to work better for me. Chris

Nope - sure haven't Sam. I've had Devcon sitting here for 2 years; still unopened. Needless to say, I'm terrible at trying new things. I did try some kind of a brush-on material when I first started making molds, but the baits came out dull. How does the paint and enamel work for you? Chris

I use the Clear Satin Polyurethane spray from Walmart and have no problems. The only downside is it takes a couple days of drying time before you can pour. If you try to pour too soon, the plastic will pull the poly from the mold, causing bubbles or ripples in the bait. Once that happens, the mold is ruined. Chris

You guys are the best Chirmy. Can't wait to see it. Chris

Very cool. Now THAT'S an attention getter!!

Interesting Sam. I never really noticed that with the hard plastic containers. I DO know that when you purchase a 1/2 pound or more from Lure Craft, they send it in the large baggies, and you are actually getting what you pay for. I think when a customer buys 2 ounces of glitter, they should get 2 ounces of glitter, regardless of how much the container weighs. Otherwise, it's kinda like ordering a 22-ounce T-Bone and 12 ounces of that is bone. Chris

You will also need to buy the special glitter. The stuff you get at Walmart or other craft stores are not coated with polyester, so they'll all turn brown with heat. I recommend buying a gallon of plastic for starters. If you've never poured before, you'll go through a quart just trying to get it right. Make sure you keep your plastic mixed really well. Shake the jug before you pour. Once you pour a few decent baits, you'll be like the rest of us........Hooked! Chris

I don't think it's the glitter, but more the color. I use MF and Lure Craft glitter. Red is the only color flake I can't add to purple or black grape without problems. Chris

Same to you Coley. There's nothing more special than watching little ones learn a craft that you take great pride in. This site is full of great people who care about others. That's what makes it so successful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the members. Chris

Del, How about softener. Any plans on carrying that? Chris

Well-deserved Uncle Wes. Great readin'!!! Chris

Hi Mark, The only time I have a problem with purple is when adding red flake - like you mentioned. It will turn a brownish color with both the pots and cups. I add the red flake just before I'm ready to pour and it has helped a lot, but you still have to be careful about overheating the plastic. Chris

Calhoun's number is 1-706-629-9077. Ken Parker is the guy I originally spoke with at extension 107. Chris

Calhoun is only 10 bucks per gallon if you order directly from them. The problem is they are limiting their shipping zones now. All of the west coast guys must go through distributors now. Some of you fellas in the eastern states could probably still get a good deal. Chris

I use all those colors Sam. When you get the figures down, I'd like to see some prices on 1/2 pound and pound sizes. Chris

I use about 20 drops of black in 4 ounces of plastic and it works just fine. Black and brown are touchy colors though. You need to mix those just as the plastic is starting to gel. For most other colors......1 to 2 drops per ounce of plastic should be plenty. Chris

Go to MF's website at www.fishingworld.com/M-F-Manufacturing and check out their "Stink Bait" mold. This looks like the closest thing to the Doctor. Not a bad price either. Chris

See......Patience DOES pay off. Never had it - never will. Don't know how I have the patience to pour worms.

Oooops.....forgot to mention that the hardener will do the trick. Try one part hardener to 2 parts plastic. Chris

Great title for the thread. I had to make sure I was on the right site. Basskat brought up a good point. I get my plastic in 5-gallon jugs and as soon as UPS delivers I set 'em upside down. Makes mixing the hardener a lot easier. Chris

What kind of container are you transferring the pints from? Sounds like the problem is not the pints, but the main jug. Like Woodsac and Chirmy said, the only thing that would cause this is hardener settling to the bottom. If you're giving your pint container more than a few shakes and it's still gummy, you don't have enough hardener in there. Concentrate on keeping the main container mixed (1 gallon, 5 gallon, etc.) before making the transfer. Chris

I never got mine to work. Could never get the temperature right. Ended up giving mine away. I thought maybe I just wasn't patient enough, but I honestly don't know of anyone who was happy with the gun. Chris

Have you tried adding the color before heating? This will sometimes solve that problem. Also, there are some dark colors (black & brown) that are best mixed when the plastic is in the gel state. If you wait until the plastic is runny, sometimes the color will separate. I'm assuming you're putting enough color in? A good rule of thumb is 1-2 drops per ounce of plastic, depending on how dark you want the bait. Lastly, where are you getting your colors? Some of Lure Crafts and MF colors can be completely different. Example: MF's pumpkin & watermelon will be transparent no matter how much color you add. These are all things I've learned from previous mistakes. Chris

Nice fish Basskat. I can relate to that picture, but usually my wife is the one holding the bigger fish. Chris