Landry Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 I have an aluminum lead mold thy I want to modify. It is a Shad style head saltwater mold that I am using for a muskie jig 3-6oz sizes. I want to add a number two or three size sinker eye to the bottom so I can add a treble and wire extension on belly so I need the loop for the sinker eye cut out on mold. Can I get this done by a laser engraver or do I need a machine shop? I think I could do it myself but if it is done correctly it will allow the eye to pressure fit in place and keep the eye in place before I close the mold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anyfish Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 This topic is probably better suited for the wire baits section, but every time I have modified molds, I just place what I want in the mold (hook, weedguard, etc), close the mold tight in a vice and maybe smack it a time or two with a rubber mallet. In many cases this changes the mold enough. If not I just use a small file or dremel to finish it up. Some people have recommended products to fill in molds but I haven't tried them and don't remember name off hand. The rule I have for myself is not to try and modify a mold I wouldn't want to repurchase if I mess it up to bad. Just remember to go slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowFISH Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 Landry - I don't believe a laser engraver will do the job - those type items usually work best on "softer" materials - Plastics, Leather, Paper, etc. They will "etch" or engrave on aluminum - but not sure it will come close to removing enough material for you. Any machine shop should be able to do what you need on a mill - but I wouldn't rule out doing it yourself. A Dremel with the right bit/grinder can really cut through aluminum quite easily - sometimes too easily! If you go slow and just slowly chip away at it I'd think you can get something that works reasonably well. I've used a dremel on molds to open up vents and small areas. Best piece of advice is practice 2-3 times on a scrap piece of aluminum first to get feel for how much material gets removed and how your best positioned to hold the tool with your hands for control. Once you have that - it's not hard. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basskat Posted December 17, 2021 Report Share Posted December 17, 2021 (edited) I have very few molds that haven't been modified. Most the Do-It lead molds have too small of a hook for our fish. A dremel tool is what I use. Edited December 17, 2021 by basskat Dang spell check reworded my post! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
