tje1989 Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 I am going to start attempting to dip tubes for fun. I have several questions about the process. If any one can help me and guide me through this, it would be greatly appreciate it. The questions for you guys is as followed: 1. What is a good basic recipe for tube dipping? ( how much plastic, softner, etc) 2. What type of container is good enough to put hot plastic into and with a decent deph to it? 3. Where can I get the aluminum rods to build the dippers? 4. How many times do I dip the rods into the plastic and how long between each dip? I am sure I will come up with more questions about his topic but would be happy with any answers about tube dipping. Thanks in Advance, tje1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubeman Posted May 17, 2007 Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 Ok, here goes... 1) Keep it simple and consistant...buy a tube formula, all the plastisol retailers carry one (about 35-40 durometer hardness) 2) I hear Fry Daddies are the least expensive way to start if you are going to dip vertically. Other options are Rite Heat or Sta Warm pots, 500-800 dollars. 3) I buy my 1/4 aluminium rod from a specialty metal dealer. 20 ft of it dirt cheap...30 bucks and you can make a lot of rods. If thats too much go to Home Depot and they usually have a bin of assorted diameter rods. If its possible thread 3/4 to 1" of the rod and use a nut on both sides to secure it to a plate...its bullet proof and most of all safe ! Nothing worse than a loose rod with hot plastic falling in your lap 4) Now this sounds too easy and after you try it you'll see why. Set your pot temp around 340 and make sure the plastisol is agitated to suspend the salt (about 10-20 % by volume is good) You can you a paint mixer on a drill, but you have to stir alot or the salt will settle and burn your plastic. 2 dips for the body and another 1 half way for the head, wait about 30 seconds between dips (longer for a thicker tube)....its that simple. You can coat the rods in a light film of worm oil or most silicone sprays, to ensure the tubes will slide off after you dip them. The hardest part to learn is how fast you remove your dipper from the pot.....slow is best, then quickly remove the dipper and turn it upright to stop the plastic from running...you'll learn this through trail and error, it's not something you'll master right off the bat. There you go, thats all there is to it ...now get at it and show us some tubes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tje1989 Posted May 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 wow, its more in depth then I thought. Great information, can't wait to get the supplies and start dipping tubes. Really appreciate all the help. tje1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassnRandy Posted May 17, 2007 Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 Has anyone used the fry-daddy. The ones I have seen do not have a temp adjust on them. Just curious what temp they heat too and how long you can keep the plastic that hot before it burns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabefishing Posted May 17, 2007 Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 BassnRandy... from what i've read, there's a plate on the bottom of the frydaddy' with a screw underneath that can be used for temp adjustment, i'm sure i saw a thread on here about that a while back.. i was see tubeman cutter, heard from the local bass guys it's a wild setup that can cut alot of tails in an hour!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tje1989 Posted May 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 i was see tubeman cutter, heard from the local bass guys it's a wild setup that can cut alot of tails in an hour!! Wannabefishing, what tube cutter are you talking about? Do you have any specs. on it? tje1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabefishing Posted May 17, 2007 Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 that would be all upto mike to post about, haven't seen it myself, but when he was down to the local bass meeting he did mention it... i don't have any details of it, just that he can cut ALOT of tails per hour lol just one of them things that are trade secrets, ya' know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tje1989 Posted May 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 yeah i understand, just was hoping you had the inside scoop. Ask him to post about it, alot of people would find it very interesting I bet. THANKS Again, tje1989 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabefishing Posted May 17, 2007 Report Share Posted May 17, 2007 he was the first reply in this thread, no inside scoop, it's like area 51... you know it's there, yet it's not lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubeman Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 area 51 ...its just a bearing press with exacto blades that cuts one tube at a time....its the operator that makes it fast not the machine...maybe up to 500 an hour if you have someone to pick the tube tails for you. Also, try doing a search on this site for an arbour or bearing press, there is a picture of one from another member. Wannabefishing, who are you ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tje1989 Posted May 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Another question(s) for you Tubeman, Would any type of deep fryer work that has a temperature control work? Not just a Presto pot or a Fry Daddy. Do you heat the plastic in the fryer pot or do you heat the plastic in the microwave/ stove first? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabefishing Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Tubeman.... i'm good friends with the tackle shop owner in the falls Reg(Gill Finigans) i know a couple bass guys through him. I was gonna head to that meeting but totally forgot about it, gonna join the club this year finally (i think)... news travels fast in small circles LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GB GONE Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 I haven't made the first tube but I can tell you right now...You are getting your info from a master!!! I ended up with some tubes that Mike made from a friend in Canada (Laurie....in case you were wondering Mike). All I can say is WOW!!!! And WOW!!!!! And WOW!!!! The fish eat them up like candy!! Follow Mike's lead and you can't go wrong!! Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubeman Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 Hi Jim, yes Laurie has told me how great your baits are as well ! Also on your generousity / involvement with Ontario's BASS casting kids program Thanks for helping out bud, it's much appreciated Wannabe, I figured that...just easier to chat on a first name basis. Tje, preheating really speeds things up. I've never tried a deep fryer...the most important thing is to have a stable heat source as well a mixer running constantly in between dips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
