RipLip Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I'm trying to make a clear bait with a chartreuse vein in it but I can't seem to get the clear without a lot of bubbles in it. I've been trying with pyrex and I believe my stirring creates the bubbles. If I use it with the presto pot on a contant stirrer would that elimimate all the bubbles? I guess my question is " Is it possible to pour completely clear plastic?" Or am I wasting my time? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe S. Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I only use burners, and the plastic will have some bubbles when first turning clear and thin, but by keeping it on the heat it will get rid of the bubbles, perfectly clear bubbleless plastic. It's probably a fine line in the micro between getting rid of the bubbles and burning the plastic, are you using a wooden stirrer? I hear this adds bubbles due to the wood, if so try a butter knife or something to stir with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bojon Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I use a microwave with the plastic in a Pyrex cup.I use a wooden hobby stick(tounge depresser)as a stirring rod.The stick is put into the plastic before it is put into the micro wave,and kept in the plastic thruout the heating process,stirring gently,every time it needs to be,right up to the time to pour into a pan.The plastic is poured down the stick into my dipping pan.There will be bubbles,but by GENTLY stirring,the bubbles will go away in less than a minute.I have NEVER had a bubble problem using this method.I have second dipped hundreds of tubes with a clear coat without a flaw(bubble). This is for tubes,but the gentle stirring should work for other operations.The stick must be dry.I use mine over,and over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RipLip Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I use a butterknife to stir with but I also stir vigorously. Maybe I should slow my roll a little bit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HJS Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Riplip - I use a microwave to reheat old plastic lures. I noticed that when its almost melted just right there are no bubbles. If I do a couple extra 5 second bursts in the microwave then lots of tiny bubbles miraculously appear. So, watch your heating temps & times. I also find that plastic that is too hot shrinks more then plastic thats heated just right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I use a micro torch to get rid of bubbles that are floating on the top. Just bring the pyrex out of the microwave, give it a slow stir and let it set for a few seconds. The bubbles will float to the top and you quickly pass the torch over them. Sometimes the plastic will catch fire, but just blow it out.(not a problem) Do not use a blowtorch. This sounds dangerous but it really isn't; just pay attention. www.novalures.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocnet1 Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I used wood craft sticks at first. They do cause a lot of bubbles if they burn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RipLip Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I know what you mean about plastic shrinking more at different temps. I've lowered the power on my microwave so it doesn't happen as often. Nova what is a micro torch? Is that one of those pen type of torches you can buy at like a Harbor Freight or something? That really sounds like a great way to get rid of the bubbles. I've watch the bubbles rise to the top of the pyrex and even some baits which really looks bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GB GONE Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I use clear alot to dip my paddle tail swims and they must be without bubbles. My method is to cook my plastic in the microwave just to when it clears and there is a small spot of white plastic still on the bottom of the pyrex cup in the center. I remove the cup, stir (with metal butter knife) and cook for 15-20 seconds. Longer if I have a larger cup of plastic. My plastic clears perfectly and the bubbles are cooked out. If there are a few bubbles, I will stir and cook for another 15 seconds. This will give you bubble free, clear plastic. This is all conducted with M-F plastic in all types, medium, super soft and saltwater. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RipLip Posted June 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 Thanks Jim, I think from all this feed back I have been cooking a little too long, maybe stirring too hard and my microwave power level needs to be turned down a tad. I will give it a try this weekend. If anyone has any pics of a clear bait they poured please show them so I can see where I need to be. Thanks alot:tipsy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artificial All The Way Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 I pour 9 to 12" Slugo's and they work GREAT! I put one cup of 500 in the micro for 1 minute. Stir hard with a thin long SS spoon. Put it back in for 30 then stir again. It's thicken by then. Last time for 30 seconds and pour. No bubbles. If any bubbles are made from pour fast (which I do) I touch them with the end of the spoon (Tip end not spoon end) and this pops them leavinf no marks. Once a skin has started if you pop any bubbles they leave marks. Try placing some Aluminum foil strips in the clears. Looks really cool and works very good on Stripers I can tell you that. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
