Sand?

[Rmullen99]

I have about three 50lb bags left over from a job around the house. Is it possible to add small amounts to your soft plastic for weight? I know normally it's floured salt but was wondering if it would work.

Thanks

[ipt]

really depends on how fine it is.

 

ive used some of the finest sand out there and it still is too thick. 

 

you can still do it, it just wont suspend as well as something thats powdered.

[mark poulson]

If you're doing open pour worms you could probably sprinkle some on top after you fill the molds, but it would be hit and miss at best.  There would be no way to insure consistency.

[MonteSS]

It is rumored that Yamamoto Senkos have some sort of sand in them but I dont believe it and it just isnt neccesary. Salt works fine.

 

...Bill

[toadfrog]

If you get a chepo hand griss mill you could probably gring the sand to powder . Don't know how long the griss mill could take that much abuse tho . If it were me I'd use glass .

[carolinamike]

Bill, why do you not believe GY uses sand? When Do-It's sinking additive is a type of sand called sillica, the same thing that glass is made out of. So its basically its powdered glass (sand)

[bryanmc]

I'd always heard Y used salt AND silica sand.

[carolinamike]

Bryan you are right silica and salt are both used. Thats the reason some people have trouble duplicating the fall rate, they are only using salt and silica is heavier than salt.

 

Anyone can buy silica sand and use it as a plastic additive. GY was probably one of the first companies to incorperate it into their manufactoring process regularly. 99.8% of things used in the plastic industry have been used before by other folks.

[bryanmc]

I heard his trick to using the heavier silica in plastic was water cooled molds.  I don't know for sure, but it was a knowledgeable source and it makes sense.

[smallmouthaholic]

I've been using a salt/sand mix for 7 years in various baits.One has to be willing to break away from the pack -think outside the box so to speak  and not be afraid to experiment until they find the correct type/color and  the ratio to salt &  plastic for specific baits and sink rates.

[carolinamike]

Bryan you are also right about the molds being water cooled, all the production molds I have are. Cold water is continuley circulated through the molds while the product is being manufactored.

[bryanmc]

Damn..  I feel so smart now!  LOL

[carolinamike]

Maybe you need to change your name to "Brain"mc

[Lonestarbaitcompany]

Bagged Sand can hold a lot of moisture - be sure to spread out the sand you plan on using and let it air dry.

[Baitjunkys]

I've been using a salt/sand mix for 7 years in various baits.One has to be willing to break away from the pack -think outside the box so to speak  and not be afraid to experiment until they find the correct type/color and  the ratio to salt &  plastic for specific baits and sink rates.

Exactly. I love when people post that you have to do this or that. Those people are just to scared to try something new. I think 100% outside the box. 

[carolinamike]

It's really hard to think outside the box when it comes to plastics.  Most likely anything you think of has been tried by someone else some way or another.  But it is nice when a truly new idea comes out.

[Baitjunkys]

Lots of people try things. Many don't succeed, were someone else can. Ill try many things others claim don't work.

[mark poulson]

If you buy #30 silica sand, it comes dry.

[Lonestarbaitcompany]

He stated he had 3 bags of left over sand from around the house - I have used a ton (literally) of this stuff store bought sand Is very rarely dry.

[Rmullen99]

That's right...three 50lb bags of general purpose sand. Going to experiment a little here to see how it works

Smallmouthaholic....any advice on adding the sand? Thanks everyone

[Baitjunkys]

Silica is blasting sand, It has to maintain dryness. You wouldn't want to blast metal with wet sand. Tho it is done that way sometimes, but it is chemically washed afterwards.

[smallmouthaholic]

That's right...three 50lb bags of general purpose sand. Going to experiment a little here to see how it works

Smallmouthaholic....any advice on adding the sand? Thanks everyone

I spent a great deal of time and frustration learning to use sand in the mix w/ salt & plastisol.Adding copius amounts of salt to obtain a better sink rate never made any sense to me.You want the whitest,dryest and finest sand you can buy. Forget sand trap sand used in golf courses,bar sand and general purpose sand- it's all too course and off white.. Sand can and will change some of your colors. You need constant agitation or it settles quickly to the bottom of your pot.

 

Sand is like salt in so much as the finer the product ,the easier it is to keep in suspension.Mix both salt and sand in a seperate container thoroughly ,then add it slowly to to hot plastisol w/ agitation from a stirror. You will need to add softener to the mix as both salt and sand stiffen up your finished product.

[Painter1]

Great thread.  It certainly adds an element to consider.  

 

Silica Sand is 18% heavier than salt, assuming they are both dry.

 

Super fine silica sand can be bought as small as 5 microns.

 

Sodium Chloride weighs 2.16g/cm3 and silica sand is 2.65g/cm3  

 

On the opposite course -  It occurred to me that one may be able to form a portion of a plastic bait with fumed silica to make it stiffer without adding hardly any density

[Senkosam]

Sand drops too fast to stay suspended long enough to pour.

[gone2long]

Sand drops too fast to stay suspended long enough to pour.

That's not accurate if you use the right sand you can achieve excellent results, does it require a little more attention, of course like any other additive including flake additional stirring is needed.