Cormorant Lures Posted June 14, 2011 Report Share Posted June 14, 2011 Hey guys... I am still in the process of waiting for my supplies to get here... In the meantime, here is a question or two that could use a few opinions... 1. What temperature do you heat your plastic to in the microwave? (360 degrees sound about right)? 2. Do you always use 30 second intervals or do you only use them until you get comfortable with your microwave? 3. When pulling your plastic from the microwave, how long do you have to stir in colors and salt before the plastic starts to lose to much heat? Once I get comfortable with my color recipes, I will start adding the color before heating if this is going to be an issue. 4. When making stick baits using "soft plastic" plastisol formulas, is using softener a must or just a personal preference? If I think of anymore, I'll post them this afternoon... Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cormorant Lures Posted June 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2011 Here's my problem... In the midst of all my ordering, I totally forgot to order softener!!! I will be using Calhoun's soft from Bear's and my initial molds are going to be 4" and 5" stick baits a long with (2) 4" centipede molds... I am not necessarily in a money crunch, but it's hard for me to convince my wife that I should pay extra shipping just for one item... Is there anyone that pours sticks without softener or do you think its a dire necessity? Do you add the softener prior to heating? Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nedyarb Posted June 16, 2011 Report Share Posted June 16, 2011 I use Calhouns soft plastic. I add 2 tbsp of salt per every 1/2cup of plastic. And they weigh the same as a senko. But I have dels stick mold which is very similar to a senko. I do not use softner and the stick is I tad stiffer than agy, but I do not sell many baits. I only sell to friends. Bears stick that I had 2 years ago was much smaller diameter than dels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 If you're hand pouring with a pyrex cup, one way to extend your pouring time is to use the Norpor silicone cups. They hold heat a lot longer than pyrex. http://cgi.ebay.com/SILICONE-MEASURE-STIR-POUR-1-2-CUPS-MEASURING-NEW-/190490076167?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7216ef2a2c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Hey guys... I am still in the process of waiting for my supplies to get here... In the meantime, here is a question or two that could use a few opinions... 1. What temperature do you heat your plastic to in the microwave? (360 degrees sound about right)? You don't have to worry about temperature as much as you need to watch how the plastic goes through it's changes. It will go into a thichk gel state and then to a thinner clear state. When it starts to clear and thin out, you will see just a tiny bit of white on the bottom of the cup. When that last bit stirs out and everything is clear, then it is ready to pour. Everyone finds what works for them. Some guys swear by thermometers, others just by the viscosity of the plastic. 2. Do you always use 30 second intervals or do you only use them until you get comfortable with your microwave? You really only need to do that in the beginning and while getting comfortable with you microwave, plastic, etc. I would nuke my plastic in one shot. All microwaves are different as well as other variables such as different plastics, colorants, etc. But i would normally nuke one cup with colorant already in it for 2:20 on high, add flake, stir and pour. 3. When pulling your plastic from the microwave, how long do you have to stir in colors and salt before the plastic starts to lose to much heat? Once I get comfortable with my color recipes, I will start adding the color before heating if this is going to be an issue. You have enough time not to be frantic about it. It is something you will figure out hands on, but nothing to worry about. 4. When making stick baits using "soft plastic" plastisol formulas, is using softener a must or just a personal preference? Personal preference as all is what I wrote above! have fun and make sure you have proper ventilation. If I think of anymore, I'll post them this afternoon... Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 When i said 2:20 for one cup of plastic, that is without salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
