anglersambush Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 I was wondering if anyone has tried to use silicone for a jig mold? Is it even possible? I have never poured a jig but I was just thinking if a traditional mold was the only way to pour a jig. Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basskat Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 (edited) I have seen posts on how to make silicone lead molds but have never tried it. Maybe someone will come along with more knowledge on this subject. Edited February 25, 2013 by basskat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglinarcher Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 Yes, some silicone will work, but not for production molds for the big boys. Silicone has a normal melting point around the same temperature as lead, so you need to use the higher melting Silicones and consider that it will not last for a long time. I also suggest using spray PAM, a mold release, or silicone oil on the silicone mold to increase the life span. If you do it, I suggest that you use the Silicone Mold Putty to do your mold. That is what I did. I wanted a specific jig shape with a connection for putting a stinger hook on it. I could hot find it in a pre-produced product or in a Do-It mold, so I get some Alumilite Amazing Mold Putty from Hobby Lobby. I took my desired jig and drilled a hole in the spot I wanted the stinger hook. I then glued the wire loop to the spot. I mixed the Mold Putty, formed it around the jig, and 15 minutes I carefully cut the jig out from the top. This left an envelope that I could insert the hook into and carefully pour hot lead (welder's gloves keep you safe). I treat my mold with silicone oil after each dozen of so pours I do so it works very well and the mold is still working. You can also form your shape using Sculpy Clay or Femo Clay and heat curing the clay. Once it is formed and heat treated, it is perfect for molding in mold putty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 I have made several RTV (room temp vulcanize) silicone hand pour molds to pour lead in. they work good with lead. they don't last forever so I'm told. The most I have ever poured in one of these is maybe 50-60 pours and they have no visible damage from the heat. A different kind of silicone molds are used mainly for mass producing lead heads. Those molds are vulcanized with pressure and heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
