Smallie

I found my digital infrared thermometer to be invaluable to controlling my plastic temps in the microwave. Even though I have gotten a good feel for "how many seconds more' will get me to the temp I want, the thermometer gives you complete control against over heating. You can get one on eBay or other web sources for about 35.00

I think a 50/50 mix is too much glue. Thin is out some more.

Yes, it is a PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate).

click on the search tab, select advanced search, type "dull" in the keywords slot and select soft plastics forum in the box in the lower right hand column. This will give you 37 posts to read about this subject.

I seem to remember either the entire jig or just the plastic 'hood' being available a long time ago - maybe twenty years. It never caught on then but maybe it is going to do better the second time around.

If you are serious about getting into this, the first thing you should do is slow down. Become a TU club member so you have full access to this site and then start reading. At the top of the soft plastics forum are three stickies. The don'ts for newbies will stop you from wasting your time and money. The cook book will give you some insite into what colorants to buy. The best plastic poll has some interesting posts about what the guys experiences have been with the different plastics available. Next, read the tutorials and once you have a list of questions, use the search function to review lots of old posts that address the typical questions raised by everyone who has started this hobby. After doing these things, you will be ready to make a good start into what has already been correctly described as an addicting hobby.

Now that is PROFESSIONAL GRADE! Great job. Efficient design. With 3 pots fired up you will really be able to knock out a bunch of baits in a hurry. Did you do the tin knocking yourself?

What do you mean when you say "natural spots"

Yes Sir - you got that one right!

Thanks Zbass - I haven't poured resin molds yet but the rainy Saturday forecast for this weekend should end that. Thanks again.

When you say make the mold thick, what thickness are you talking? How many molds in the 4 x 5 inch range would a gallon make?

The recipies are a starting point. Then you adjust the recipie to suit your tastes or to match what you are copying. Once you get going, you will get good at instinctively adding a drop of this or that to get to where you want to be.

Thank you Rx - this really helps as Lurecraft does not publish decent pictures of the baits their molds produce.

MH - could you post them here so we can all take a look? I am interested in a Lurecraft swimbait mold but their website and catalog pictures are terrible. Thanks

"The differnt tap keeps the valve and nipple much hotter and can go from cold to hot and back and never get one clog. Also allows for almost zero waste as you can pour down to the last drop." I understand how the waste was reduced but how does the tap affect the valve temperature?

Piscivorous Pike - any pictures of the mold and baits? I plan to try this once fishing finishes up in November.

I cut it with rubbing alcohol. I buy plastic 'handled' paint brushes at Walmart and dip the handle in the rubbing alcohol. Then I hold it over the Devcon and let a few drops fall off. I do that several times and them paint the Devcon onto the master.

To have the best luck separating the master from the mold you need some flex somewhere. If the master is solid, RTV will give the best results. If the master is flexible like you are copying a plastic bait, then the mold can be stiff. Note that I said to have the best luck. I have made simple baits like a sluggo style bait where the master was hard and I pressed it down into the DWP. I sealed these with Devcon.

My last order from Lurecraft had labels that were yellow with green trim instead of the orange trim. Is that what you mean? I bought glitters and powders.

Very true Mark - my point was a counterpoint to the question how can you say this is basically a swimbabe. It is a cool looking bait. I like the cutouts in the belly. How is this bait fished? Like a swimbait, bottom bounced, slow rolled above the bottom?

How can you not see the swimbabe in it. In addition to the similar side profile, they share the weighted line tie tube and the fat head looking down from the top. It may be hand carved but it certainly started out with the swimbabe profile. The eBay auction picture shows the same side profile with belly cut outs.

Which site are you quoting these prices from?

We are not paying for sharing ideas; we are paying for having the site available to do it.

My PayPal account is paid for with a Capital One card. I got ripped of by the Bucknutts guy who was selling molds and plastic pouring pots. He strung me along for 6 weeks then disappeared. eBay said too much time had elapsed and PayPal offered me 20%. I was watching TV and a Capital One card advertisement came on. when it said Whats in your wallet or whatever it is they say I got the idea to call them. They refunded the entire 156 dollars.