NJFishRGuy Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 Poured my first stickbaits today using a Del-Mart mold... they came out great after a few hour learning curve! Here's what I think I learned... I'd appreciate input from you experienced guys to see if I understand it right. 1. I tried pouring clear plastic without softener, salt or color to get a feel for using the mold. I got a long (1") hollow area on the top end every time. Once I added softener, it got better. Once I added salt, it went away entirely. Conclusion; even though the constant mixing is a pain, it's much easier to pour with salt and softener! 2. It seemed I had less problems with sinking when the mold was warmer and when the plastic wasn't as hot. Is this common? 3. I used 1/4 tsp. of flake in 4 ounces of plastic, with one ounce of softener and 2 ounces of salt. I think I should have used 1/2 tsp of flake. Other than that, does that sound about right? 4. I occasionally have an area on the worm that seems a little indented, but all the ribs are there. Any idea what that is? Many thanks to all those who gave advice while I was getting to this point! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siebler_custom_baits Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 answer to 4 is that plastic shrinks as it cools. Formula is only right if you like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 1. you are just creating an air bubble when you are pouring. Try to consistantly pour to one side of the opening at a rate not to cause a jam. I don't ever want the mouth of the opening to be filled with plastic until it is full. Get a consistant stream pouring in to one side until it is filled then filll the mouth. I don't ever want to have to stop to let plastic fill the mold. Just make sure you always have and area for air to escape and you will rid yourself of this air bubble in the neck of the bait. Although I do this intentially also to create a rattle chamber or a void to fill with attractant. I like my plastic as hot as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassnG3 Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 When I first started I poured to one side. I then started pouring right down the center with a slow consistent flow and achieved much better results. Hotter plastic is easier to work with. Formulas=preference. Experiment with your formulas until you get a product you are comfortable with. 'Tis the season Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojo Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 The thing to remember is that plastic shrinks as it cools. The hotter your mold is and the cooler the surrounding air temp is the more the plastic will shrink. It is better to pour a 2 sided mold like this with the plastic as hot as possible, without burning. The best method in my opinion is to pour slowly down the middle of the hole with the mold standing straight up. When the plastic reaches the pour hole continue to pour plastic until the funnel shaped hole is completely full. When you've finished the other cavities go back to the first one and top it off with plastic, then the rest of the cavities as well. This ensures that you have a "reserve" of plastic in the pour hole to fill up any shrinkage that occurs. As far as salt and glitter, it's personal preference. Some guys will add 50% salt like you. I prefer closer to 30-35% because our Oklahoma waters aren't as deep, and I like to slow the fall to keep it in the strike zone longer. You'll find that you need to add more glitter and color when adding salt, as the salt will make the plastic more opaque, and you won't see the glitter and color as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJFishRGuy Posted December 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 I poured straight down the center and tried to have no contact with the mold until the cavity was filled. I found that I needed to refill the "reservoir" above each cavity after I poured the subsequent worm. (EG, I pour worm 1, then pour worm 2, then top off worm 1, pour worm 3, top off worm 2, etc....). Maybe the plastic needs to be hotter. I didn't know the salt would affect how much glitter to add; I'll have to adjust. But overall, for a first try, they worked well. I may try some laminates later today... Thanks for all the comments! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 Hi Charlie, What lakes in NJ do you fish. POP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJFishRGuy Posted December 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 Hi, Pop... I fish Farrington Lake most often... this year I've also fished Dallenback's Pond, Stone Tavern, Lake Wawayanda, Cranberry Lake, Aeroflex Lake, Mercer Lake, Big Swartswood, Pompton Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Monksville Res., Budd Lake, Weston Mills Pond, Merrill Creek, and Manasquan Reservoir in NJ. Farrington is closest to my home and I consider it my home lake. I've also fished the Hudson River in NY and Big Bass Lake (which is two lies in one) in PA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
