New here, having major problems

[slow-rollin]

I am new to pouring plastics and thought I had read up on it. My problem is, no matter what time frame I use, my plastic never gets to a gel or lumpy state. It gets clear, then if I keep going it gets yellow and burnt. I am using a 600w microwave, any suggestions? Here is the formula I am working with:

1/2 cup Calhoune plastic

1/8 cup Calhouse softner

1/4 cup salt

I mix the plastic and softner at the start. What am I doing wrong? I am trying to pour stickbaits in a 2 piece alumnium mold.

[Richard Prager]

Try 2 1/2 minutes on high, then 30 second shots with stirring after each.

[slow-rollin]

I may have it now, but when they come out of the mold they are still very soft, how long does it take to harden up some?

[saint308]

I let them sit in the mold for two minutes. I will let them sit longer as th emold gets hot. I am sure the plastic was gelling up but you just did not see it. If it gets clear, it is good to go. Like 152 said, about 2-2.5 minutes as an initial blast. By that point it has gelled and turned back to liquid. Saint.

[slow-rollin]

Will it harden any over night or stay as it is coming out of the mold? I am letting it set 5 minutes before taking it out, but seems to soft to hold a hook. Next batch I might try with no softner so I can see the difference.

[saint308]

If they are sitting 5 minutes and still coming out soft, then we have a problem. Either too much softner or you are not mixing the pastic enough before pouring. Someone else will chime in and offer some other suggestions. Saint.

[Delw]

Did you mix the gal of plastic extreamly well before you started? if they are too soft like a wet noodle then you didnt mix it.

when usinga microwave for the first time only use 30 seconds at a time, yes its a pain but it will get you used to your microwave, then you can go for a min or min. and a half etc.

if it turned clear its paste the gel state

shake the plastic up really good in the gallon container then put it in for 30 seconds at a time.

what happens if you dont shake the plastic up very good is you run all the softener out of the gallon jug. then you next batch will be harder.

I'll be at the shop tomorrow, feel free to call me or shoot me an email with your phone number and I can calll you back. and I can guide you through it step by step. only takes about 5 mins and much easier to do it on the phone than on a pc .

[ghost]

I had the same thing happen when I first used my new gallon. And as Del said I forgot to mix up the gallon. Haven't had a problem since then.

When your new it is easy to forget things. I have forgotten to mix the gallon, add salt, I have even been distracted and forgot the microwave is on.

FYI, I recommend newbies do not put scent in there plastic until its done cooking that stuff will kill you when it burns LOL

[slow-rollin]

uummmm...mix the gallon....ut oh.....ummm...I call you tomorrow Del, thanks

[Delw]

We can still make it work, don't use it till you call me or at least we talk. shoot me an email with your phone number and a time to call

del-mart@cox.net

Delw

[alsworms]

This is THE most common problem for new pourers. Del is right on. You need to mix the crap out of that plastic. I don't care what brand it is. Get yourself something that will fit lengthwise in the gallon jug (I use a long screwdriver) and work the hardener up off the bottom of the jug. Some guys use an electric drill. Whatever it takes to get the hardener free. Once the hardener is cleared from the bottom, you should be able to shake the jug and the mixing will be sufficient.

Whenever working with plastisol, there is no such thing as "too much mixing".

[One Sock]

This is THE most common problem for new pourers. Del is right on. You need to mix the crap out of that plastic. I don't care what brand it is. Get yourself something that will fit lengthwise in the gallon jug (I use a long screwdriver) and work the hardener up off the bottom of the jug. Some guys use an electric drill. Whatever it takes to get the hardener free. Once the hardener is cleared from the bottom, you should be able to shake the jug and the mixing will be sufficient.

Whenever working with plastisol, there is no such thing as "too much mixing".

I use MF super soft and just have to shake the gallon up, I usually pour 4 and 6 ounces at a time, so I have containers in those sizes that i fill up, then just pick them up and shake them by hand, works great

But your right,you can never over mix

[Delw]

Calhoun and mf you only need to shake as the separate not settle, Lurecraft settles

all the plastic is pretty much the same main thing is mix it good, if you dont mix it it wont be consistant