Resin Swimbaits

[Hoytdaddy]

have watched make a lure and aluminite vids and looked on their page but its just so confusing. I have been making pvc baits but want tot try resin. I was wondering what materials do I need to buy. the materials I need for making the mold as well as the resin used for making the swimbait. thanks guys.

[A-Mac]

I suggest checking out makelure.com

This is Larry Dahlberg's site, but it is directly linked to alumilite.  More specifically, it targets products used to make lures.  You will need casting resin, a filler if you want buoyancy (microballoons).  I am satisfied with the alumilite white so far. 

 

You will need rtv silicon for the mold.  I use an rtv from aero marine

http://www.aeromarineproducts.com/silicone-mold-making.htm

Both the purple and the clear work great.

 

Hope this gets you on the right path.

[Hoytdaddy]

how long do these molds last? and how much do I need of the material, like how far does it go.

[A-Mac]

Mold life depends on the shape of the lure.  Typically, the more detail in the lure the shorter the life.  Resin is based upon volume, so it just depends on how big the lure is.

 

I can get 35+ crankbaits from a mold.

My swimbaits have more detail, so 20-30 is more common.

 

Not that the mold will fall apart, but if the detail starts to deteriorate than I just make a new one.  Also, keep in mind that the finer the detail the harder it is for the resin to fill in before setting.  This can create air pockets in the cast that you have to touch up later.

 

More often times than not, by the time the mold starts to fail I have made improvements to the lure and implement it into the new mold anyway.

 

I normally buy stuff by the gallon or two.  You will go through a good bit of rtv, especially with swimbaits.  Each lure design has its learning curve for making a good mold.  Once you make a few, you'll start to understand how the lure should be oriented in the mold to acquire a good cast.  

 

My suggestion, start with a simple smooth finish lure.  A swimbait is fine, but I wouldn't get too fancy with the master until you understand how it all works.  This will save you more time and money in the long run.