oscarsteel Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 This is my first post here. I have been able to find the answer to every question I had until now. This forum is great for newbies like myself. I have been pouring perfect 1/4 and 3/8 oz ultra minnow spinnerbaits for about six months now. But I can't get the 1/2 oz to pour complete. I get one out of 15 to pour complete. I have tried tilting the mold, added wax as a flux, heating the mold, hooks, and wire. I don't know what else to do. I use a mix of tire weights and soft plumbing lead. It works perfect for the 3/8 and 1/4. What else can try? Any help will be much appricated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Welcome Oscar. Can you post pics of the mold and the resulting faulty casting. Is the problem always identical? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 If the problem is with the collar area not filling out maybe you need to vent it. Scratch a fine line from the collar are out to the edge. This will give the air an excape route. I modified the ultra minnow jig mold and have problems with the 1/8 oz. I ended up having to use pure lead on that one. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Casting Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 You could try adding tin to your lead. This will make your mix flow better. This will also make the sprue harder to break off cleanly. Chuck Vanover Tight Line Anglers Products PH. 440-277-1511 Fax 440-277-9152 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsteel Posted February 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 I have kept any of the bad ones. I remelt them. The problem is always the front or head. Just behind the eyes. It pours fine up to the gate I guess. I will pour some today and try to post a picture. Not real good with a computer but I'll try. You guys are great. I wasn't expecting a reply that quick!! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsteel Posted February 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 You could try adding tin to your lead. This will make your mix flow better. This will also make the sprue harder to break off cleanly.Chuck Vanover Tight Line Anglers Products PH. 440-277-1511 Fax 440-277-9152 Where do I get tin? Would lead free plumbing solder work? Would adding tin make the bait more durable also? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reeves Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Oscar, I had the very same problem with that mold. Could not get the nose area to completely fill. I got the mold super hot, I smoked it repeatedly, I tilted during the pour and nothing would work. Then I vented the area that was not filling. Do it just like Tony Maxwell explained and I think you will solve your problem, it did mine. I wouldn't add any tin until you try that first. Many of Do-it's molds recommend soft lead. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Have the same mold and it pours fine with soft lead and a slight tilt. Venting is the quickest and easiest fix. Be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 There's a lot of info in recent posts in this area regarding tin supply, lead alloys, etc. Whats happening in your mold is an air bubble is forming and not allowing lead to fill in so the suggestions to scratch an air vent to allow the air to escape from the cavity at the trouble spot should help. Or soft lead with 2-4% solder added might delay melt freeze longer and allow the bubble to be pushed out before the sprue hardens. Pouring a thinner stream of melt if possible that doesn't flood the gate will also help. Last resort you can try cracking the mold SLIGHTLY during pouring to allow air to excape - too much crack and the casting will flash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsteel Posted February 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 I tried scratching a small vent in the problem area. It worked!! Now they are flawless. Thank you all for your replys. I knew if there was way to fix it I would find the answer here. I have been very impressed with amount of knowledge shared in this forum. Again THANK YOU all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flippinfool Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I tried scratching a small vent in the problem area. It worked!!How is this done ? I have that problem with my football head mold. 1/2 0z and up the the bait keeper never comes out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsteel Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I just used a center punch to make a small scratch to the outside of the problem area. Worked like a charm. I guess the mold was to tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankee jigger Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I tried scratching a small vent in the problem area. It worked!! Now they are flawless. Thank you all for your replys. I knew if there was way to fix it I would find the answer here. I have been very impressed with amount of knowledge shared in this forum. Again THANK YOU all. That reply sums up my opinion of this site. Every time i had a question,sure as s#$t,it got answered and many times over. Now i just need to contribute more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 What do you know? I do know something, and I can be a "Giver". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reeves Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 Hey Tony, fear not, ya done good man, keep it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charkins Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I have used a dremel to scratch a line to the edge of an aluminum mold. You sure got to be careful or you will mess it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
braveviper Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Were you using a lee pot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsteel Posted March 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Were you using a lee pot? No I use a fish cooker with a cast iron pot and a ladle. I have used the lee pots but, I prefer the ladle myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
