Making hard plastics softer???

[HJS]

I've been pouring my own soft plastics using molds I also make. So far I've only poured using remelt old plastics. Not only do I keep all my old plastics but my bro-in-law also keeps me well supplied with many pounds of old 9"-12" sassy shads he uses on his umbrella rigs for saltwater trolling in the Cheaspeake Bay. These larger sassies are made from noticeably harder/firmer plastics then what manufacturers use to make smaller 4" & 5" paddletails and curlytails.

However, these firmer plastics do not lend themselves well to making smaller action lures like 4" paddletails and curlytails. Seems the action of these smaller lures is dampened when made from old plastics that are too firm. Also, when remelted, molten plastics from big saltwater plastics is more viscous and, as a result, more difficult to pour, especially when pouring 2-piece molds.

QUESTION: Are there any additives I can add to the pot when remelting big sassies that would result in a softer, freshwater grade soft plastics? I remelt small quantities using a microwave.

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[daveh]

buy some calhoun softerner. add a 1/2 cap to 4oz. should work.

[HJS]

Thanks Dave. Sorry for not getting back earlier. My home computer (dialup modem on old country lines) does not working well for this site... really slow So for this site I generally use the lightning fast computers at the local library.

I saw the "softener" on the Calhoun site. Its not that expensive so I think I'll give it a try. And thanks for suggesting the amount to use.

[Senkosam]

The other way is to mix 50/50 the firm plastic with supersoft plastic.