Getting Started, Cost Analysis Logistics Question

[ParkerFly]

Just getting started pouring plastics, and getting started for one main reason. As a super-finesse bass angler, a bunch of baits I really like and have tons of confidence in have, over the years, been discontinued either because the small companies that made them went under, or big companies just couldn't make money on these type baits. As a result, all my pouring will involve making template molds from my small, dwindling supply of these baits to ensure their future in my fishing. I don't have a ton of room for error as a result.

I have read a lot on the forums and will continue to do so this week to ensure that my first molds turn out as clean as possible (again, limited master stock to work with). I have decided to start working with either DWP or Resin due to the durability of these two materials.

How many small molds can be made from a quart of resin? How many small molds can be made from 4lb. of DWP?

Ultimately, I will primarily be making 6-10 cavity molds of these small baits. Do you suggest that I make some 1-2 cavity molds first to increase my stock before risking valuable masters on larger multi cavity molds?

What tips do you have to ensure I get the molds right the first time?

Initially, I plan to re-purpose about 10 years worth of old plastic baits I no longer use for plastic material-- i.e. I will be re-melting old baits. Any special hints on this aspect of the process? Thanks in advance.

[FishBones]

There is no way to tell how many molds can be made from a given amount of resin etc. without knowing the dimension of the bait itself, after that, it's just a volume calculation.

As for remelting old plastics, remember that color is going to be an issue. Colors often change with remelting etc. If you mix several different colors, all you get is mud brown.

[Kajan]

I prefer RTV, but with dat said, I also prefer single cavity molds , much easier to do laminates with a presto pot with a valve, which in my opinion is the only way to pour one pc molds.

[wchilton]

There's a bit of learning involved in making molds. Since your supply of originals is limited I would suggest you practice on other, similar baits you can easily obtain and hold off on making the molds you really want until you are confident in your ability to make a good mold. You're going to find things like care in mixing to minimize bubbles, and even the way you pour your mold material can have an effect on the finished mold. Go through the whole process, setup mold box, fix masters in place, mix material, pour, extract masters, finish the mold, and pour a few baits. The mold material I've found easiest to work with is RTV silicone and even with RTV you'll occasionally encounter a problem. It's hard to say what, exactly, you might run into on your first few tries. Some guys here have been making molds for years and make it look easy, but there are a lot of little details you have to pay attention to and they have all developed a process that works for them.