vishezfish Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 Just was wondering whats the best way to heat up the plastic and what you prefer.... I been using the Microwavw but I find that if you don't keep onit you will burn the plastic... I was thinking of buying a double burner to see if thats better.... Just trying to get your thought! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 The double burner requires just as much care, though the microwave produces microbubbles where as pots do not. I still prefer the microwave. It consumes much less energy and is quicker. I'm learning to zap at small intervals and stir frequently. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 I second that. Going with strictly the burners will make it a much slower process. The microwave heats your plastic from the outside in, which will cause the plastic to easily burn if you don't stop it and mix thoroughly. Like Sam said, try a minute or two, then mix your plastic, and let it go for another minute. You might have to mix your plastic a couple times, depending on your heat. Overall, it shouldn't take any longer than 4 minutes if you have a decent microwave. The flip side is 10 to 12 minutes using the burners. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigZ Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 I prefer the microwave as well. I have Lee Pots and burners and they are just not as easy to use as the microwave. Surely the pots come in handy, but even in those I have learned to at least premelt the plastic before I put it in the pots to pour. Like everyone else said, stir frequently and check the plastic often. My microwave cycle is like this, put 1 cupp plastic in a pyrex, run it for 2 min. Check the plastic, it should look like gel by now. Stir the hell out of it. give it another minute. Stir the hell out of it. Check to see if it is clear liquid now. It should be the consistency of hot pancake syrup. If not, check at 15 second intervals. If it is smoking too much or turning dark, you burnt it. You should try with just plain plastic so you can see what it's doing. Also, the best thing I ever got for pouring is a good thermometer. Most worm plastic is ready at 340-350 degrees. I use an IR thermometer so I don't have to put anything in the plastic, it really helps. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 I prefer the microwave, hwoever after about 5 mins of pouring its time to nuke it again, or when you fill up your molds you have to wait before you poir again and your plastic is cooled off to much. one way around it is to fill your pots up with the microwaved plastic. just to keep the plastic warm. but then the down side of the pots is cleaning in between colors. where as pyrex it peels right out. the nice thing about microwaving plastic is that it dont stink or smoke like in a pot(calhoun doesnt anyhow and m-f is minimul) so I can use my wifes microwave. Delw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigZ Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 You're lucky you live in a warmer climate Del, I get about 3 minutes of pouring before I have to do the 30 sec trick. Your plastic is the best I have used so far. A little LC heat stablilizer helps it along, especially in the pots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 A big advantage of microwave over Lee's pots is that you can use larger flakes and not be concerned that the tiny pour spout will clog or that the salt and flakes will start to bake on the bottom of the pot, occluding the hole. A candy thermometer has revealed that plastic pours well and flakes maintain color and shape better under 300 degrees. I add both once the temp starts to drop below 300. My zap intervals are 30 sec - stir - and stir every 15 sec. until liquid. Remelting plastic is more in need of short zaps than new plastisol and new flakes are usually needed. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 BIGZ you can have this weather its hotter than Heck right now. I am working on my boat(putting a kick ass stereo in it) and its too hot to do that. the eye candy is always good at the lakes though Senkosam good point on the glitter and pouring through the small spout, salt will have problems as well. Delw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigZ Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 I can't fish at clear lake in the summer, I keep getting whiplash and backlashes from not paying attention...LoL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted May 31, 2004 Report Share Posted May 31, 2004 In my microwave it takes 2:35 for 8ounces of plastic to go from storage to pourable. I have not had any problems ever with burning. Be wary, these units do vary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vishezfish Posted June 1, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Lots of info thanks again, I have to say u all are a great bunch of lure makers!! In any case, I been remelting old lures and getting use to the Mic, I read so much on the burners, I do like the fact that the burners keep the plastic warm..... but i'll stick to the mic. I'm also going to pick up some calhoun from delw, been saying that for weeks!! But I will, evryone on this board seems to use it and is sounds great, I like the fact that it does not smell!! One question, is it harder to pour 2 colors using the mic? I actually did it using 2 pyrex cups and it turned out pretty good!! Again, thank u all for your info!! Vishez fish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 You did it the quickest and easiest way possible for handpourers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted June 2, 2004 Report Share Posted June 2, 2004 The microwave doesnt work very well on old plastics. most of the plastic from major bait companies is injection plastic not the hand pour type like calhoun, lure craft and mf. There is a big difference, some of the plastic doesnt even firm back up after remelted in the MW Delw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vishezfish Posted June 2, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2004 WOW, I can't wait to buy some of that calhoun plastic... I'm happy with the results of old plastic... can't imagine what this stuff is like! I made a new bait too.... Gonna try it out next week... Delw, do you make molds for customers?? If so, what is the cost?! Thanks Vishez fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted June 2, 2004 Report Share Posted June 2, 2004 Agree with Delw, even the colors of remelted injection plastic turn to crap. Forget salted remelts. Lures may do alright for personal use, but no way for resale. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
