Calhoun plastic

[Fuzzerr]

I have been using MF plastic in the past and have been very pleased. I brought in Calhoun because of the pricing. I poured some baits with Calhoun (the same process as MF super soft) and they came out sticky and too soft. Before pouring it, I had mixed it by using an one inch dow rod so I know it was well stirred. What experience has everyone else had? I just ordered some MF plastic so I can get some baits out but I do not want to give up on Calhoun just yet.

Thanks for any advise.

Fuzz

[alsworms]

Hey Fuzz,

That's one I haven't heard yet. Usually, Calhoun is quite a bit harder than MF. I know that Calhoun DOES take awhile to settle. The baits feel really gummy when first pulled out of the molds. How did the plastic look and feel while you were mixing it? Did it gel the same way as MF? Also, check your baits the next day and see if there's a substantial difference in hardness. I usually don't treat the worms with salt until they've set for at least a half day. There's usually not too much hardener on the bottom of those jugs, so I don't think that's your problem. I hate to think you got a bad batch of the stuff. Hasn't happened to me yet.

Chris

[Delw]

Fuzzer,

before you take the calhoun plastic out of the bucket did you stir it very well? if not you will get the wet bugger feel.

Dont shake it in the buck it, this doesnt mix it very well at all.

When your heating it , you should get it to gell then it will get liquidy again.

Also what are you adding to the plastic? how much softener / worm oil(some people do) heat stabilizer scents or other things,all these have an effect on the plastic in some way or another.

I use it alot and dont have any problems, mine sets up really nice as well unless I add to much heat stabilizer/softener , thens its sticky depending on the amount.

If your still having problems call me or shoot me your number and I will try to help you figure it out.

Delw

[Fuzzerr]

Del,

Thanks for the reply. I bought this before you started selling it, therefore I could have a different product than what you sell. I used the product when I first got it and stirred it very well with these same results. I thought I would try it again and stirred it even more this time.

I do not use heat stableizers, softeners, hardeners, worm oil... I have all these products but have no need in adding them most of the time. If I want to pour a harder plastic, I use Salt water plastic, for softer baits I use Super soft and I use reg for my everyday. Someone be sure to chime in if this is wrong or you have a better way.

I will say that the baits feel better after setting out all night and drying. They are still very soft but not as sticky. I bet the grubs I poured have some awesome action.

[Fuzzerr]

Chris,

Thanks for the reply. I do not know how it gelled due to heating it in a microwave. As far as the product, it looks thinner than the others (this made me think I did not get it stirred well). I stirred it with a dow rod for about 3-5 minutes before taking it out of the 5 gal container. As for the baits now, they are still super soft but not as sticky. I think the grubs I poured will be awesome but I am afraid the worms will stick to itself when cast.

[Mattbell]

I have the same problem. I stir it with a mixer, and I have to add hardener just to get a soft bait. The baits produced out of the straight plastic are too soft and won't hold a shape almost like snot. Adding hardener solved the problem for me, but not all hardeners have worked. They tend to burn when you heat it. They don't burn a lot but you can't make a clear bait, they have a tint to them. I heat in a microwave which may be the problem.

[Mercury]

Gee I had just the opposit reaction. The plastic was not thin enough when melted I have to add about 1 - 1 1/4 cup softener per gallon.

LC plastic (536) gets verry thin when its cooked, so it flows into thin mold cavitys easialy.

[woodsac]

I'm another one that added softener. I put a little over 2 cups into 5 gallons. I haven't had a problem and my 5 gallon bucket is almost empty.

The plastic does seem to stay 'jello-like' a little longer than the others, but once it sets up, no problem. The Calhoun also seems a little tougher even though it's softer. I like that!

[alsworms]

Yeah I've noticed that Calhoun is more durable while maintaining softness, which is an A+ in my book! The other side of the story is really strange to me. Wish I could figure it out.

[BassnG3]

I added a cup of softener to a gallon of my calhoun and for making sticks I am thinking of adding some more just too soften them up to get more action. When my sticks first come out they are sticky as well but firm up quite a bit in a day or two.

BassnG3

[SRPLASTICS]

I just had 2 more 55-gallon drums delivered last week and both of them are fine, I do add stabilizer to my transparent colors just to be safe and softener only on special requests.

[siebler_custom_baits]

Scot i am going to try to get by and see you tommorow. i have a couple questions and want to see one of the new baits up close.

[Fuzzerr]

Del,

This may be a shocker from the original post but one of the stores I pour for loved the soft baits I poured. They want me to use nothing but the ultra soft plastic for them until I run out. My question for you is can I get more of it. Wow! What a change from the first post.