hawkman Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 I have never poured lead before and have learned a lot from this site on techniques and safety. Would it be wise for me to start with some thing simple to pour or just jump right into spinner baits ? Is it all just about the same ? Thanks Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 Lee, There isn't much difference in the type of mold you choose. There are difficult molds in each group. As for spinnerbaits, if you have a bottom pour pot you are going to need a ladel as the wire makes it difficult to get the mold up under the pot. The Ultra Minnow Spinner Bait is one of those difficult molds, but the key is to use very soft pure lead. With whatever mold you choose, you will need to learn about it's good and bad habits, but you will do fine. Remember the guys here have extensive knowledge and are always willing to share. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 I agree that "very soft pure lead" could be the best starting point, as alloys like wheel weights are more difficult to work with in general. Do you use sinkers? Might be good to get your confidence level up by pouring a few no frills sinkers since adding wire & hooks to casting also adds a level of difficulty and possible problems. My first time lead casting was with pot & ladle hard lead 3/8 & 1/2 Do-it Arrow jig heads. At best 1 out of 10 were fully formed and I threw away the rest not knowing about melting off the lead & recasting the hooks. Also didn't know that lead had to be hotter than the melting point for functional pouring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reeves Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 hawkman, Some great tips given by Basseducer and Hawnjigs, especially about possibly starting with a sinker mold first. This will build up your confidence, which is important. If you don't want to shell out the $$ for a sinker mold, and are set on a spinnerbait, I might suggest that you do a lot of pouring first without the inserts. May save you a load of time melting down rejects, but that is all part of the learning curve. You may want to select a spinnerbait mold that has the sprue on the bottom side of the bait, so you can use a bottom pour pot. Do-it has a couple that are set up this way. I don't like to ladle pour as I always feel like I am about to wear a ladle full of hot lead, but that is just me. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
