alphawolf Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 If the sticks are coming out soft and you want to make them firmer, Do you add more salt or less softener first? I am using Dels standard stick recipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBC Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 If the sticks are coming out soft and you want to make them firmer, Do you add more salt or less softener first? I am using Dels standard stick recipe. Do they sink at the rate you want them to sink? If you want them to sink faster or slower I'd adjust the salt level accordingly. If you like the rate of fall I'd adjust the softener. I don't remember how much softener Del has in his formula on his site (I think it's a 4:2:1 ratio between the three - plastic, salt, softener) but I'd try a couple different levels of softener until you get what you're looking for. I personally don't use any softener in my stix but I'm using MF plastic which is much softer than Del's. You may want to make a small batch without any softener and see what you think as well. It makes life easier if you can eliminate additives that you don't need. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 As bbc said, using different plastics brands get different results, I think we had a thread going on that and how much softener per brand. the formula I have is pretty much for calhoun only and needs to be adjusted per brand and type. If I remember right lurecraft 536 doesnt require any softener - 1/8 or less cup ( providing you mix it extreamly good and you have no settling on the bottom f you have settling on the bottom you wont use any softener at all) and MF super soft requires about 1/8 cup. 1 cup of plastic 1/2 cup salt 1/4 up softener is the forumla for calhouns soft plastic. it doesnt cost any more to use this one versus other brands as your getting more volume of the plastic forumla which equals more baits. remember the salt is for weight so that will always be the same( providing you are happy with the sink rate) just adjust your softener. are you checking these when you pull them out of the mold or the next day? this also makes a big difference. for best results check them 6-20 hours after you pour them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Fish Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 1 cup of plastic 1/2 cup salt 1/4 up softener is the forumla for calhouns soft plastic. Hey, Del... I use this recipe for my T-Stiks and the sink rate is perfect IMO. I just want to soften them a little bit. Any recommendations on an amount of additional softener to add to accomplish this? (Sorry about jacking your thread, Alphaone. It kind of goes with the theme, however.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robalo01 Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 About how many t-sticks do you get, say per gallon, with this recipe? Can you poor it through a Lee pot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphawolf Posted May 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2007 Hey, Del... I use this recipe for my T-Stiks and the sink rate is perfect IMO. I just want to soften them a little bit. Any recommendations on an amount of additional softener to add to accomplish this?(Sorry about jacking your thread, Alphaone. It kind of goes with the theme, however.) No problem at all, but how much sotener do you want them. Are you using dels standard recipe....I am. Everyone I let try said the ripped too easy. sometimes coming off with the cast. Others who wacky rigged with an o-ring loved them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Fish Posted May 13, 2007 Report Share Posted May 13, 2007 About how many t-sticks do you get, say per gallon, with this recipe? Can you poor it through a Lee pot? With's Del's recipe (1/2 cup salt, 1/4 cup softener to 1 cup plastic) I can pour 30 t-sticks. So, that comes out to 480 t-sticks per gallon if my math is right. I pour mine with pyrex so I don't know about the production pot. Alphaone -- I'm using the recipe that I referenced above. I believe that's Del's standard formula. Are you pouring the thicker T-stick like I am, or the thinner senko type? My t-sticks seem a bit tight to me, but I had a guy giving them a good workout today and I'm just waiting to hear. I feel like I could go a tad bit softer with them, however. As far as durablility, my sticks should stand up to quite a few fish before they need changed but we'll see.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted May 13, 2007 Report Share Posted May 13, 2007 Hey, Del... I use this recipe for my T-Stiks and the sink rate is perfect IMO. I just want to soften them a little bit. Any recommendations on an amount of additional softener to add to accomplish this?(Sorry about jacking your thread, Alphaone. It kind of goes with the theme, however.) Try an ounce and go from there. Can you poor it through a Lee pot? salt doesnt pour very well through a lee pot especially that much, also you will have to make sure its constantly mixed as the sale settles to the bottom pretty fast when its hot. best way to pour is with a pyrex cup out of the microwave, mix it very well with a spoon every 2 cavities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
