brendandrage Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Hi all, Just thought i'd ask how people clean up the jig head after the spru has been cut off. I have been using a sanding block and putting the jig in the vice and giving them a quick clean up. It works well but I have to admit it becomes very tedious when doing bulk quantity. Does anyone do it differently? Also on a side note has anyone been to icast? I am thinking about going to the event but thought i might ask if it was worth while as a learning experience or just another tackle show? Regards Brendan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Brendan, I use several files. The one I use most which makes the quickest removal of sprues is a half round bastard cut file. I don't like sanding because of lead dust, but I'm sure you are wearing a respirator, so that would be no problem. I'm sure others will reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 I use a good set of gate cutters so very little is left then like cadman I use a file. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 (edited) I use an old Wood Handle Bait Knife. I drag the blade ove the area to be smoothed .. takes a little practice. On large flashing I will use the knive to cut it off. A cheap knife that you dont mind putting on a grinder once in a great while to sharpen it up. I have tried the other ways but this one has worked best with me .. Files do an excellent job but lead "Clogs" them up so much that you have the extra work of cleaning the file. Side note= I cast is mostly a Mfg, Distributor .. and big retailer Show ... if you are going as a Mfg it is best to have a Rep (or more) to represent you ... 2 Cents Worth JSC Edited January 27, 2010 by JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Brendan, I break off the spru most of the time which leaves a very small scar. To smooth the scar I took an old sewing machine motor and foot pedal. I mounted the motor to the bench and attached a saddle leather disc to the shaft. So I can step on the pedal and touch the jig to the spinning leather. The leather is strong enough to smooth the scar and remove any flash, but soft enough so it does not leave any tool marks. I can do several hundred in a relatively short time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatman Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Like others I use a small file, after I break off the spru and lots of times I dont even need it. Fatman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiTackleGuy Posted January 28, 2010 Report Share Posted January 28, 2010 I've used files over the years and found it to be tedious and time consuming. I think what I used most was something like a fine/med cut flat needle file and a file card to clean it when needed. Also used to use the back of a pocketknife as well. Last season I came up with something pretty slick. I used my dremel with their finishing/abrasive buffs. What I did was fasten the dremel down to a board with some velcro and went at it like it was a mini bench grinder. Depending on how you have the dremel situated the dust either flies up in the air (not cool) or is flung down towards the table. I put some damp paper towel under the thing to catch some of the dust, plus I'm wearing a respirator just to be sure. Both hands are free to safely hold the jig and the buffing wheel does a great job smoothing out the sprue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatsrat76 Posted January 28, 2010 Report Share Posted January 28, 2010 Brendan, I break off the spru most of the time which leaves a very small scar. To smooth the scar I took an old sewing machine motor and foot pedal. I mounted the motor to the bench and attached a saddle leather disc to the shaft. So I can step on the pedal and touch the jig to the spinning leather. The leather is strong enough to smooth the scar and remove any flash, but soft enough so it does not leave any tool marks. I can do several hundred in a relatively short time. I dig the sewing machine getup but I use a small file or sandpaper. Icast is a huge event, it was in Orlando last year and a friend of mine had a booth and got a ton of sales/leads Flatsrat76 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brendandrage Posted January 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2010 Firstly I want to say thanks to you guys, when I posted my question I thought it was a bit stupid but it seems as per usual the collective has come up with the goods. I will give them all a go and see what works best as I have 300 jigs to do. It is interesting to read that you guys wear protective gear when sanding the lead, I have only been wearing a mask when pouring and gloves when cleaning but I'm hearing loud and clear that lead dust obviously becomes airborne pretty easily so I will make that change straight away. Seems no point in making the lures if i'm not around to fish them. If I were to come to the states what fishing show would you guys recommend as a must see? Once again thanks for your help guys. Regards Brendan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted January 28, 2010 Report Share Posted January 28, 2010 (edited) I've done thousands of buzzbaits and spinnerbaits over the years and breaking the sprue off with a pair of pliers is the best way to go. It leaves just a small imperfection as opposed to cutting it off which just makes a mess.(my opinion) I had a very large file which set on my bench that I would pass the head over to smooth it off. (only took a couple of passes) As far as heath hazard goes; I would lick the head of the baits at the collar so that the skirt would slide on easier. Then, with all the flap about lead poisioning that was going on years ago, I became concerned and went to my DR. Blood work was done and the results were negative for lead. After licking thousands of them I showed no abnormal amounts of lead in my system. That being said, I'm not suggesting that you should overlook any safety procedures or that everyone should start licking bars of lead,lol. www.novalures.com Edited January 28, 2010 by nova Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatsrat76 Posted January 29, 2010 Report Share Posted January 29, 2010 I've done thousands of buzzbaits and spinnerbaits over the years and breaking the sprue off with a pair of pliers is the best way to go. It leaves just a small imperfection as opposed to cutting it off which just makes a mess.(my opinion) I had a very large file which set on my bench that I would pass the head over to smooth it off. (only took a couple of passes) As far as heath hazard goes; I would lick the head of the baits at the collar so that the skirt would slide on easier. Then, with all the flap about lead poisioning that was going on years ago, I became concerned and went to my DR. Blood work was done and the results were negative for lead. After licking thousands of them I showed no abnormal amounts of lead in my system. That being said, I'm not suggesting that you should overlook any safety procedures or that everyone should start licking bars of lead,lol. www.novalures.com Nova I have to ask, Are you still licking the lead you are working with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted January 29, 2010 Report Share Posted January 29, 2010 Nova I have to ask, Are you still licking the lead you are working with? No, I haven't made spinnerbaits or buzzbaits(other than Buzz the Mouse which doesn't require licking,lol), for about 15 years now. I found it took too much time away from pouring plastic; which I really like doing. I did "lick" them for about 10 years though. Like I said, I made thousands of them. ( I still have a lot of Do-it frames left for spinnerbaits and 1/8 buzzbaits if anyone is interested), www.novalures.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
