Keeping plastic at same temp?

[RudeZ20]

Hello Guys and Gals,

I know there havce been multiple posts here on TU about dipping tubes. I have finally gotten my machine shop to make my 75 dipping sticks that I wanted and have dipped about 300 tubes so far over the course of the last week or so. Here is my delimmia:drool: , I can not seem to keep the plastic at the perfect temp consistenly. I heat the plastic up in a microwave and then move it over to a hot plate. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on this. I much appreciate the info and good luck on the water!

Marty

Rude Z20

[bojon]

I also use the micro wave to heat the plastic using a Pyrex measuring cup,then put it in a loaf pan that on the hot plate.Try this:when you put the raw plastic in the measuring cup before putting it in the microwave,insert a wooden craft stick(tounge suppreser),into the plastic.leave it in the cup as you heat and stir the plastic.When the plastic is ready use the stick to pour the plastic into the(PRE HEATED)loaf pan.Then keep the stick in the pan of plastic to gentley stir the plastic.I use the dipping rod to gently swirl the rod thru the plastic.When you bring the rod out of the plastic let it drip for a second in a far corner.It helps to spray lube the pan,and the pyrex before use,and wipe it in with a cloth.The rods should also be sprayed and wiped.I use garlic Pam,or Kroger brand.Once you get your temp set on the hot plate,mark it with a permenant marker.If the hot plate is dedicated to tube lure dipping you should never have to change it.(around med setting)The tubes are dipped in rather cool temp,relitivity speaking,and if you got the temp right you will have very little oder or fumes.Use wax paper under the drip zone and tube cooling area,and clean up is a snap,and all of this plastic can be reused.Tubes can be made with very little waste.Example: as the plastic in the pan gets low ,just tilt the pan to one side so you have enough plastic to cover the rod.If you are useing a lot of salt you might want to keep the last few for your own use.They are fragile and tear up easy because of the salt content.They are great,but you would have mad fishermen when it is one tube,one fish....Like a senko.SORRY ABOUT THE LONG POST. BOJON