Air Raid Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 Just seeing what would be the best way to mold a crankbait bill. Like a bill that goes into the Poes Cranks. I want a mold that will last. I'm sure this has been posted here but I can't find it. A link to a discussion on this would work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 Molding a lip wouldnt be that tough, what is tough is finding a durable casting material that is clear. Thats why most are injected from high impact thermoplastics or cut or stamped from polycarbonate (lexan) I've tried casting lips from Epoxy & clear polyester resin years ago. way too brittle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Raid Posted February 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 So what are the bills like Rapala's made out of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 Well, if its a modern wooden rapala, they'll glue in a injection molded plastic lip. If its a plastic bait, the bill is part of the entire lure body mold, injected as 2 body halves (left & right) then sonic welded or glued together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 While I've got you here, are you sharing a PC with another TU member? I ask because the site is telling me you are posting under 2 different usernames. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Raid Posted February 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 Yes, I'm talking about something like a Rapala where the bill is molded then inserted into a wooden bait. You said it is hard to get it clear. What kind of plastic do companies like Rapala use to inject into their molds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Raid Posted February 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 I live with Thad. We go to school together and share the hobby of lure building. He is the one that showed me this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) They use a high impact thermoplastic like polycarbonate or high impact acrylic. it comes in pellet form, its melted into a liquid state, then injected into metal molds to cool. I'd venture to say Rapala does not do this in-house, they likely outsource that process to a supplier. You can check the supplier directory here to find diving bills ready for purchase, or you can make your own: http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/hardbait-how/13549-polycarbonate-lexan-lip-former.html http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/hardbait-how/12155-compound-bending-lexan.html http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/hardbait-how/5192-kb-how-make-your-own-lips.html Or some search results: Tackleunderground - Search Forums Edited February 8, 2009 by redg8r Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 I live with Thad. We go to school together and share the hobby of lure building. He is the one that showed me this site. Understood. Welcome aboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Raid Posted February 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 I remember coming across a company on the internet at one time that did this stuff but I can't find them now. They did the injecting for some bigger lure companies but have no idea what the site was now. It was American too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redg8r Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 Well if you need something custom & making them yourself isnt an option, you can try Land o Tackle Tell Bob that Tackleunderground.com sent you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Raid Posted February 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2009 Thanks for all the fast help. I'll take a look there. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted February 9, 2009 Report Share Posted February 9, 2009 Great link Jerry, I might have a closer look at those 'Rapala' like blanks. Thanks pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
