Tally Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 sorry to have to ask but I searched and can't find a thread. I will be using 4 ounces of plastic and need some starting points. How long do I need to microwave? how many drops of color? how much salt ? is the color and salt added before or after heating? Thanks in advance for getting me headed in the right direction. Tally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fern Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 1 hour ago, Tally said: sorry to have to ask but I searched and can't find a thread. I will be using 4 ounces of plastic and need some starting points. How long do I need to microwave? how many drops of color? how much salt ? is the color and salt added before or after heating? Thanks in advance for getting me headed in the right direction. Tally for 1/2 a cup go 1 minute at a time. once it starts to thicken and turn clear i'd probably start microwaving in 30 second intervals so that it doesn't burn. take temp and ensure you're at 350 before shooting it. how many drops? depends on the color you're using and depends on how transparent/opaque you want the color. start with 1 drop considering the amount of plastic youre using. stir it in with a butterknife or something and check the knife to ensure your color looks right to you. you determine how many drops go in depending on how you want your color to look. I dont use salt but if I did, id probably add it after. what are you making? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 Make sure to write the recipe so you won't have to try to remember later. Also, salt will cool the plastic, change the color, and weaken the bait, all to consider when shooting baits. The amount of salt depends of the bait and personal preference. Good luck and enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tally Posted August 23, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 Pretty basic bait... just a #11 frog for jig trailer. black, brown, maybe green pumpkin but all solid colors with salt and a little glitter. What are you using to take the temp of the plastic?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 A cheap digital thermometer from Amazon. Stir the plastic before you take it's temp, because microwaves heat from the inside out, so you won't get a true temp if you just measure the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tally Posted August 23, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 2 minutes ago, mark poulson said: A cheap digital thermometer from Amazon. Stir the plastic before you take it's temp, because microwaves heat from the inside out, so you won't get a true temp if you just measure the surface. that you stick in the plastic? or is that a thermal? thanks Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 It's a hand held thermal that you aim at the plastic and shoot/take the temp. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-TP30-Thermometer-Temperature-Adjustable/dp/B07VTPJXH9/ref=asc_df_B07VTPJXH9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=367639077358&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18311921748109823317&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032002&hvtargid=pla-854702792598&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=76601507416&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=367639077358&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18311921748109823317&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032002&hvtargid=pla-854702792598 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 Tally, there is a learning curve with plastics, just like with carving crankbaits. It isn't rocket science, but it does involve some science, so take it slow, and read up here to learn as much as you can. The plastic is HOT, so be careful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tally Posted August 30, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2020 Big thanks to u guys and this site again. between the search and a few simple questions and answers, I poured my first soft plastic. One lesson learned and dumb on my part...... shake the color well before adding ...... I am very happy with the hardness of the plastic even with salt and glitter added. The test will be on the water to see how well they hold up to a hook. Again, thanks for the help!! I am sure I will have more question in the future lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
