Rods/Dipping

[EastEnder]

I'm kind of new to this and was wondering about making tubes. I've read some posts on the subject, but am a little confused. If you go the dowel/Elmers or JB Weld route, do you dip once? douple dip? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Zbass]

Eastender,

Try doing a search for "tubes" or "dipping". That should lead you to all the info you should need.

As for me personally, I have only made very few tubes. It will boil down to preference on how many dips you do. The more you dip, the thicker the bait.

I use a 6" bolt with the threads cut off for my dipping. Just put some scent or worm oil on it and dip, dip, dip.

Hope this helps.

Zbass

[EastEnder]

Thanks Zbass.

[Delw]

typically they are dipped 3 times to achieve the thickness,how hot your plastic is will determin how thick they will be.

Basically you will dip it until you have the desired thickness.

a #2 pencil or even a round tent stake works fine. if you have a home depot close there are lots of things that will work.

[EastEnder]

Thanks Del.

[King Bait Co.]

I don't know if you can use these to dip with. I am going to go and get some rods from an old junk V8 at the junk yard. I just haven't had time to go and pull some out yet. I might have to do a little cutting and sanding but I think they will work well. Plus their is and endless supply of them. I think I will have to use Chevy one's because Ford won't get you home(LOL).

[bojon]

I use aluminum rods with multiple dippings,with a cooling period, when I want a slighty thicker tube.When using #500 plastic they get thick,and a harder in the process.A quick fast dip is what I prefer.They seem to catch more fish,but tear up easy.I have used rods made of dowel covered with JB WELD.Worked great,but now I'm in the process of making Elmers,and 2 Ton epoxy covered wood dowels to use as dipping rods.I use Auminum,brass,steel,and wood covered with JB WELD.Good results with all.I like the idea of using the coated wood,because I find it easier to work with.I will let you all know how these new rods work as soon as I get to using them.

[Delw]

push rods from a car would work really well and if the rod was coated in light oil you could use a airgun to blow the tube off the rod instead of pulling it. push rods are pretty smooth, good idea I never thought of that. They are also about the right dia,

[NorDoor]

I have loads of aluminum and carbon arrow shafts, those could work if I find a diameter I like I would think.The aluminum arrow shaft being hollow would allow for quick heat disapation.They already have a threaded insert on one end too.Just cut them to length and plug up the end with some JB weld.

The RTV that M-F sells for making molds would be a dynamite product to coat a wooden dowel with.Way pricey stuff though.

These are just some ideas I'm bouncing around as I have yet to start another addicting hobby.Rod building being my first.

[King Bait Co.]

Delw I never thought of the air for removing the tubes. I think I might draw somthing up for a hi-production tube dipper. It would almost would be hands free. I will have to wait till winter to try and build it. Good throwback on the idea. Two heads work better together.

[Delw]

nordoor

I havent tried the carbons but the xx75 arrows burn your fingers after 2 dips. a pencil can be shoved in one side to hold it so it doesnt burn.

I am betting the carbons wouldnt get hot to fast

[NorDoor]

Delw

Thats good to know.I'll give the carbon a try first then.How did the tubes turn out on the xx75's other than the shaft getting hot to handle. Good ole duct tape could be built up on the end of the arrow for a grip too.

[Delw]

I have come to the conclusion that anything round will work so its just up to your imagination and what junk you have lieing around LOL

every time I make a tube they come out perfect, lol I only mess them up when I cut the tails. so now I give them to my 7 year old she likes to cut stuff up lol.

I dont make many tubes maybe a few here and there before a tourny, I just started getting into using tubes( meaning I am going to use them alot this year) here in AZ most guys don't use them here.

[Garneau Baits]

I use stainless steel ejector pins that a buddy gave me and they work great.

[BigBassBo]

What should the temp of your plastic be? i kinda took it as a lil on the cool side? I prefer scorching(figuratively) hot plastic when i pour dark colored senkos because of the ease of pour. Of course with light colors I have to turn the heat down to insure I dont scorch the plastic.

[bojon]

Like Delw said,you can use most anything and come up with a good tube.The only thing I found out that wouldn't work was uncoated wood(BUBBLES OF AIR),and pvc pipe(MELTED).I'm in the process of making rods from wood dowel coated with 2 ton epoxy.I'm going to dip six at a time horozontally,in 6 onces of plastic.Looks like a old garden rake.I never have trouble cutting my tube tails.I solved that twenty years ago.That doesn't mean I quit looking for different ways.I like the challenge of trying a new way of doing things.I usually like my plastic a bit cool,after heating it to the 350 degree range in the microwave,I set it on a warm hot plate in a small loaf pan.I even leave a wooden tounge depresser stirring stick in the dipping pan to act as a heat sink,it will blacken after a few pours,but protects the plastic from scorching.This stick was in the microwave during the heating process so it is dry.I can't even remember the last time I over heated the plastic to effect it away from clear.I worry that over heating would effect the strength of the plastic.I may be wrong.Anyone else know?