BIGUN

Hey guys. Just some more thoughts on RTV (if they're silicone and not urethane) molds. Silicones, Inc. sells a product that is specifcally designed to extend the life of both Platinum-based and Tin-based silicones. It doesn't have solvents in it like WD-40- it is just basically silicone oil. It also makes the castings glossy. We don't really use it in our shop (decoys) because we don't want glossy parts plus it makes it hard to clean them enough to make paint stick but it is an AWESOME product. I would avoid putting solvents on any silicone mold and also you are way better off to keep the mold at a fairly constant temp than to heat it up and let it cool over and over- even though, in our laziness, this is what we do most of the time- he he. If you want bubble-free parts, you need to relieve the surface tention on the mold surface. Talc is the ultimate way but it sounds like you guys want a glossy finish? So the silicone oil will help with that. You can get it from Stephenson Pattern Supply (503-228-1222) probably alot of other places if anyone is interested. Dave

thanks, bra

Wutsup, bruddahs? Cool site! Just wanted to say hey. I have never made a fishing lure in my life but it's on my to do list- he he. My name is Dave Smith, I am an avid swimbait fisherman from Oregon. I make field hunting decoys for a living and have made fish replicas, taxidermy mannikins, NIKE shoe models (clay) and all kinds of molds and castings both professionally and as a hobby. If I could make time, I would like to make either a hard or soft swimbait (or both) i think it would be cool to catch a PB on your own design so I am going to need your advice! All I can offer in return is maybe some help with moldmaking or casting foams and elastomers. Triton Mike showed me this site- thanks, Mike! Dave