bojon

Good luck!I had a tendon replaced in my right hand,and it was a while before I could use my hand.Don't rush it.

When making my tubes they are on a aluminum rod with a wire handle.I use paint from Hobby Lobby,Wal Mart,the cheap stuff.After cleaning the cooled plastic with alcohol,or Windex,dry off and don't handlle the plastic(finger oil).When you finish the paint job,you dip in the heated clear plastic,for probably a half second and then cool.Before the painted tube is dipped for the clear top coat and cooled,the paint film is very fragile.You can destroy it by barely touching it.Of course if you don't like the paint job,just wipe it off with a rag.You might want to try this someday just for fun.I use mostly Qtips as a brush for a test paint job.You can make them as fancy as you want.E-mail me your e-mail address and I'll send some photos. kocron@comcast.net

I also paint some of my tubes,but use acrilic,followed by a clear dip.I can't handle most solvent smells in my kitchen.So I have to adapt to water based paints.Thin paint with acrilic floor wax for airbrush,instead of water.

Bear,email me and I will help all I can. kocron@comcast.net .I apologize for not advetising,but I don't sell much of anything.The last month I placed a add I lost $12.00.:(Not much of a buissness man,but I do make nice tubes.LOL And of course I don't sell them,but my fishing buddies never have to buy a tube,of the custom color of their choice.:)I only started to help the tube makers,so that they could get started.At times I'm overwelmed.I spell bad and type with one finger.

Agree,I have never used worm oil,I use the scents right from the bottle,into a baggie,of course I never sell my lures,but they sure do smell nice in most cases,because I like watermelon scent.I use it on my tubes prior to cutting the tails.

I have never found that cold temps effected the materiel.I had to have a portable heater when working in my garage during the winter.Everything was stored on the table unprotected. Way back when,long,long ago.the plastic came in a metel container,and had to be stored in above freezing.But this was close to fifty years ago.Much better plastic today.A lot of lures since then,and enjoyed every one.

Nice job.They look good.I hope to see a picture of some nice fish you catch on them.You are a good student.

Yes you can.Shows how similar the formulations are.

Use a ventilation system,and a mask.The best you can afford,or make.My lungs are shot,and I think that a lot of it was when I first started to pour,my basement would have a constant haze,and coughing was the general rule.There was no vent.STUPID,STUPID!!!:eek:I always use a vent at least,Even when I made the CD about tube dipping I had to hollar over the venting.I always use a vent,or dip outside.Most of the time I have the stove vent going,and a gentle fan coming from behind me.Works for me.

I have been missing some thing.What is this sugar type and where do you get it?Sounds good.

I remember when I first started pouring lures,that the raw plastic had to be protected from freezing.I think the plastic was then called Plastinol and was from from Herter's.Anyone else remember that? Nova,when it is cold do you find the walls on your tubes thicker?

Two things. Use the #500 formula from LC,or any other salt water formula to get the hardness.To get thicker tubes(the walls),let them cool down for a few minutes than dip a second or third dip.They will get thicker,but not harder.It doesn't take too many dips and you will find that they will be too thick,just cool the tube down between dips.

Thanks guys.I will pass the word!!!!

I dipped tubes thru winters in North Alabama in a unheated garage,and feel it was better for dipping.Seems I could make nicer tubes.As long as you watch the Pyrex cup,ther should be no problem.

I have been asked how to make the nose on the tubes,smooth,and more rounded.I have never worried about it,but some seem to want the end smoother.I just pinch the ends off after they cooled hanging nose down.Any help?

I have used both brands,and usually pick the one with a narrow pouring spout.Both work just fine.If buying a used one,make sure there is not even a slightest chip in the surface.Follow the saftey instructions on this site.Temp shock,and chips are what to avoid.

This dipping sounds a lot like horizontal dipping tubes.If you have it on a 90deg dipping handle you can dip it in a second color,example,a darker back.

Enjoyed the video.Makes me want to try pouring again.Excellent molds,and a really nice end product,Thanks again for taking the time.I'm going to have to learn how to post pictures,and video.

If you are making tubes,I would suggest ,letting the tube cool on the rod,then clean with alcohol,wipe dry,then paint with acrilic paints purchaced from a craft sore.Handle the painted tube with care,because the film will be very fragile.Dip in clear and your paint job wiill be preserved.Eyes can also be added before the final clear dip.Because of my severe astma,I have to be careful with vapors. I have some pictures but can't post them.Total brain fart.If you send me a request with your email I will send the photos.

Sorry.email should be kocron@comcast.net

Dave, Let me know how the windex works out.Who better to test it?!My Son uses it to keep his airbrush clean,and I think he uses it to thin some paints when painting models.Plastic,not female. Keep me posted.kocron@comcast.net Thanks.

I have dipped a coat over a tube that had been cleaned with rubbing alcohol,and then wiped dry.I think that some oils come to the surface and you have to remove it to get a good bond.This has worked for me.I have heard that Windex will work,but I never tried it.

Dave,those look great.Good job! Wonder if a divider could be put in place using JB Weld! Wouldn't two small motors like used for models,like 1 1/2 RPM,be geared to a paddle motion rather than circular be a workable solution.Micro Mark has them in thier catalog. Just thinking out load!

Cooler tempeture,and more stirring should solve your problem.When dipping tubes I use the dipping rod to stir the plastic at each dip.Works fine,like two birds with one stone.

You are very fortunate to have found this site.By reading the info on this forum you will be able to make your own lures in a hurry.Start slow,take your time and you will succeed. Don't be afraid to ask questions,because the members on this site will share knowledge to steer you in the right direction.When I started I pretty much was on my own,and have enjoyed this hobby for over fifty years.I learn something new from this site on almost a daily basis.Have fun!