Nascar#48 Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Is there a way to strengthen plastic while still keeping it soft? I had a guy tell me he wants the same thing I make but he wants it a little stronger without losing the softness. I'm using lc medium 502. Do I have to order a different plastic or what are my options?? I'm already using salt and softner if that helps, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass100 Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 I am not familiar with anything that can be added but getting rid of the salt and adding a little bit of softner will give you what you want, unless you are using the salt to give them weight. I too use 502 but I don't add salt or softner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rock Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 This is a product that was recommended in a previous thread on the topic. http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/HD-Sinking-Additive_p_386.html I am going to give it a try this year, but have no personal experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass100 Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thanks Rock. I just ordered some to give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 It is funny that we as bait makers want to make a more durable product. We even use durability as a selling point. I manufacture for a few resellers and I have been asked if I can make my baits less durable. If they tear after a fish or two they can sell more baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 Yes the Caney HD is the only additive I know of that makes the bait very soft and more durable. Only prob (unless doing sticks) is that it make the bait sink and clouds the plastic white making transparent baits not possible Standard formula for sticks is 4 oz medium plastic and 2 tablespoons HD. You can try 1 tbsn HD per 4 oz to see if that makes them soft and durable enough. They will still sink some but you may be able to get a semi transparent bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelhains Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 How well does this sinking additive work with MF super soft plastic? I think I'm going to order some but if anyone has some personal experience with it that would be great. If it makes super soft even softer and more durable at the same time I think my swimbaits are going to be awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 It works great for swimbaits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Recently, I bought some knock-off senkos and supposedly they had the sinking additive in them. If so, I've gotta be honest........... I wasn't impressed at all. The texture and hardness were very similar to Yamamoto's, but they were very inconsistent. Some sank, some didn't, some sank slow, some sank like a rock, etc. My first thought was the guy didn't mix it right, but all baits looked the same.......and I held them up to the light and studied them like a school kid preparing for a final. LOL. Really had me baffled. Again, this is my personal experience, but some guys swear by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Al, I've had inconsistent weights when I hand pour with lots of HD and salt, and I don't stir constantly and vigorously. And, if I pour around 340 degrees, the HD and salt seem to settle to the bottom of my vertical Ika molds. It's not necessarily a bad thing for me, because it puts more weight toward the bottom so it actually helps in casting, but it does make me have to pay attention to everything when I'm pouring. I hate to have to pay attention! Hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 Good point, Mark! LOL Now don't get me wrong. These were some GREAT looking baits. In fact, I was blown away by the detail. I just wasn't particularly thrilled by the action. Again, just one man's opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudd Butt Baits Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I bought all of LureKrafts plastic to try, in 5 gallons. The 500 is great! I was ripping baits after a couple fish with the 502, I put 536 and 502 50/50 that was good also. I am moving to all 500 for my floating and keeping the 502 for sinking baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
