longhorn

The top lamp is approx. 4 1/2" from the inside bottom of the pan, the bottom lamp is 3 3/4" from the bottom of the pan. In theory the plastic is in the middle.

The lamps are 250 watt. The lamps (top and bottom) are a few inches from the pan. I spaced the lamps so the plastic in the bottom of the pan would be in the center. I'll measure the distance next time I'm at the shed. Have a good day.

Great photos and good looking bait.

This is really apples and oranges. I was comparing my way to a microwave. I pour mostly two color laminates. The heat lamp system is superior. You either run out of molds or plastic...no reheating in the microwave. I can make 24 laminated swimbaits in minutes. Pouring single color sticks is another thing altogether. We all have our own ways. That's the reason I like this site so well. Have a great weekend everyone! Gary:)

They are not the red ones. They're clear with silver reflectors. I adjust the heat by turning on/off the top or bottom lamps. I don't use a thermometer....just do it by feel.

I made them...30-35 years ago. I formed the spout by bending with pliers. Back then they were the cheapest pans that K-Mart had. I cut off the thin aluminum handles and used old broom handles to make new ones that were burn-proof. Last winter I replaced every old handle with new ones made from dowel stock. I have searched high and low for old cheap pans like that but have found none. This method of heating is far better than the microwave. As I've said before...if I had to pour with a microwave and pyrex I think I'd give it up.

There is one more way. It uses infrared heat lamps. I think I am the only one on the planet using this method. http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/attachments/soft-plastics/3831d1225373711-basic-workstation-cimg0021.jpg

I also dip a lot of baits. I've found that no matter what brand it turns yellow after a few reheats. I re-use it for colors that the yellowish tint won't matter so it's no big deal to me.

That's funny

Great! I'd love to see some of the baits. You must have tons of molds. Welcome to the Machine;)

That's great!....you should be getting an onslaught of orders

Here's another option I saw. Cabela's -- Pro Weld Plastics Welder

You've got nothing to be sorry for. It's up to all of us to experiment as we wish. I don't even thin the paint anyway. So chill...you may worry to much....like me. You're a great contributor to this site and a pioneer and have helped countless people Have a great week!

Thanks, Bojon. How in the world did you figure out to thin it with Windex? I'm with you on the vapor of the made for plastic paint...that stuff's bad. I've bought my last thanks to you.

I must have missed that post from Jim....so Thanks, Jim also.

Was in Sears looking at stuff and found that their $49.99 thermometer was on sale for $29.95 Don't know if this is nationwide but probably. Heck of a deal.

My infrared lamps don't beep...another plus for heating that way:wink:

Apply a 10 lb sledge hammer....repeat as necessary.

The only paint I use on my baits is for the kill spot. A while back someone posted that they used acrylic paint...even for spraying. I can't remember if it was Bojon or Nova but thanks to both since I have learned much from you. Anyway I bought some regular Plaid paint at you know where and it worked great for my spots. It stuck to the plastic with no preparation. I dip my baits right after adding the spots. It takes only slightly longer to dry but no problem. Sure beats that awful smell of the plastic paint and way cheaper. Again thanks to Bojon and Nova for this idea. Y'all have a great weekend.

Please explain more about what urethane and method you're talking about. I don't recall ever hearing about a urethane mold. I'm always open to new ideas though...have a great weekend.

Great looking bait. You're welcome. I cannot take credit for discovering the Elmer's Glue All sealing method. In 1975 I wanted to make a lure that I couldn't buy where I was...there was no Internet...so a very nice person I met at a small sporting goods store told me about making molds out of POP and sealing them with Elmer's. Back then in the Fort Worth area lots of stores sold MF plastic ($8.00 a gallon). I will take credit for passing it along though and that makes me feel useful. Y'all have a great weekend.

I use aluminum pans with wooden handles so no gloves needed and haven't had a plastic burn in 35 years. Another advantage of heating with infrared lamps:twocents:

Interesting thread. I've made colors with just floured salt and flake...you'd be surprised how much the flake colors reflect...you'd think the plastic had coloring in it. I've thought about coloring some salt but never followed through. I was going to try plain old food coloring...let it dry and flour it...I can visualize some nice pastels that retain light..

Dipping a hollow bait was not for me either. Too much trouble. I think the hollow baits are over-rated. Solid body with hook slot is what worked for me..both in pouring and catching fish. I don't think a fish can tell the difference.

If you're pouring in any reasonable temp. (I'd say as low as 40 deg. F) no pre-heating is necessary. I have never pre-heated a POP mold.