JD

$45 plus shipping?

Powerworm, how much for both tube molds delivered to Massachusetts? Thanks JD

I purchased the flake salt. I think the flake allows my baits to be more translucent than floured salt. I don't have salt/glitter settling problems provided I stir after pouring every 2-3 sticks. I use a Lee pot.

Hopefully the pic uploaded. Otherwise, I will email pic to moderator.

So far, I have tried: Tomato: 10 drops of LC Strawberry Red 7 drops LC Golden Yellow 8 oz Calhouns plastic w/salt black glitter gold glitter Heres a pic. Hopefully it works. I think it may be a bit on the rusty side. I may switch to a brighter yellow. Any thoughts? JD

I have noticed that if I add my coloring while it is in a gel stage I am able to use less coloring to achieve the color density I am looking for. Have you guys noticed this too? Also, anybody have a recipe for Tomato by using a combo of basic colors? (don't want to place an order for LC tomato yet) Thanks JD

I use a mask for every pour. I used to get slight headaches and a dry throat when I poured. I purchased a mask from a gelcoat supplier. It's a 3M organic vapor mask, $20 disposable or you can get refill cartridges. You'll smell the plastic once it becomes ineffective. They work. http://www.shopmaninc.com/safety.html

I was looking for a bullet head style but will consider others. Thanks!

Elken, I am looking for a bullet style head spinnerbait mold for about 15-20 $$. Thanks John

Hi folks, would anyone happen to have a spinnerbait mold that they are willing to part with? Thanks John

Hi folks, got a request to pour this color. http://www.baits.com/cgi-bin/order/222 It says watermelon, but it looks more like a green pumpkin? Anybody have a good recipe match for this one? thanks JD

Hi-lite powders added in small quantities prior to heating the plastic should give you the effect you are looking for. JD

Hey massbass, JD here. I'm from Western Mass (Southwick). This is a great forum to get started into this addictive hobby with. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions. Everyone here has been very helpful and accomodating with information. Proper ventilation is a must! A mask (for paint fumes) is also recommended. I pour from multiple Lee pots (most others here pour from a microwave). I pour single sided and double sided molds which I make from plaster or Durham's water putty. They are then coated with acetone-thinned 2-part epoxy. I get most of my supplies from Lurecraft or Delw. I pour stick baits, chunks, creature baits, frogs, lizards, sluggo-style baits, and I just started pouring 6-inch grubs for stripers. This is a fun hobby in the winter!

Ryan, I stir the mix fairly regularly. I pour about 3-4 senkos before I need a re-stir. I do not flour the salt. I get slightly clearer baits this way. I use Alberger fine flake salt and try not to overheat the plastic. By not overheating the plastic, the salt suspends better. This method works well for senkos, but not that great for creature baits where I found you have to slightly overheat the plastic in order to pour into tight crevices such as the paddles of a brush hog or beaver. The large Lee Pot has the larger spout so I have never had a problem with clogging. Whenever the plastic at the spout solidifies, it just takes a few pumps of the lever to get it flowing again. JD

I have had very good luck pouring salt and glitter baits with the large Lee pot. With it, I can pour 70-75 5-inch senkos in about 60-80 minutes. And that is with using the pot exclusively (no microawave to pre-heat). JD

I would try a light smoke color with a dash of gold highlite powder with black and gold flake. The gold flake may bleed a bit and actually help approach the sand color you are looking for.

I have caught some big fish on those stickbait rejects seen in your photos swimming them nose-hooked and un-weighted like a sluggo or fluke. I have actually thought about molding that reject pattern.

If you plan on adding salt to your lures, you will definitely need to add softener, even to Calhoun's.

with my 12oz lee pot filled to the brim, I can pour about 35-37 5" sticks.

Now that's a reason for me to want to pour my own tubes. Thanks for sharing! JD

I was reading Barlows Tackle catalog as I fell asleep last night and read a subtle little tidbit on their plastics page that plastic softener can be used as a worm lubricant. Could this be the holy grail, just add scent? JD

I don't think you'll be able to achieve the red in the Yamamoto bait you referenced by using a red hi-lite. I'd try LC's strawberry red with a bit of black to darken. You can use the red hi-lite in the black half of the laminate. This will give you that red reflective look over the black base. JD

There are a few camo recipes in the cookbook above that might get you close. It looks like a green pumpkin with small gold and black or brown flake. Maybe add a bit of pearl white to the green pumpkin to try to get more of a creamy effect.

Kidsquid

I have been using a small Lee Pot for almost a year now. And yes, you have to reverse the stand and let the pot hang over the edge of a table or you must elevate the pot in order to get a 2 piece mold under it, especially if its a senko mold. I pour 2-pc senko molds nearly vertical without any problems. I use 8 oz of Calhouns plus a dash of softener then I fill to the top of the Lee Pot with salt. Not sure if this is considered 33% (4ozsalt/12oztotal) or 50% (4ozsalt/8ozplastic). It never clogs as long as you run it hot enough (6 on my pot). I pump the lever to get it moving if it slows down and pour the heavy salt mix that initially forms on a piece of scrap wood (like starting a soft serve ice cream machine) then put that back into the pot. You have to mix well after every 2 pours. I can do about 35-40 5" senkos an hour starting with a cold pot. I don't use a microwave to pre-heat. I just bought a large Lee Pot but haven't used it yet. Let us know how it works for you. JD