Brand new swimbait head jig mold jigs sticking!

[Kasilofchrisn]

So I just got in a brand new swimbait head jig mold. It's the do it mold with the four larger sizes 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2.

The problem I'm having is that the jig head stick in the mold to the point they just won't come out.

I have a hardwood dowel that I normally use to tap out jigs that are slightly stuck in a mold. But this does not help at all.

I'm actually having to melt them out of the mold using my plumbers torch.

It is always the same side of the mold that is sticking.

I went back and checked on Barlow's website and there are several reviews with others having the same issue.

I used dropout in the mold but that didn't do anything to help.

I ran a q-tip through the mold but cannot detect any serious burrs.

So I scrubbed all the mold cavities on the side that was sticking with an old toothbrush and some toothpaste.

But that didn't seem to help.

So then I made a paste with some 400 grit powder for my rock tumbler and again scrubbed the cavities with the toothbrush for several minutes.

And I still have not fixed the issue.

Is there a way I can fix this mold or do I need to contact do it and see about getting a new one?
This is the first time I've had an issue like this with a do-it mold and I have a lot of molds.

[21xdc]

It's the shape of the sled under the head... It' s too flat. Needs 1 more degree of angle. I like the flat design, But it almost seems under cut they way they hang up. I have near 10 of these molds and they all do it. Try just de-burring the edge slightly where the sled meets the flat surface of the mold half.

[ctom]

And use drop-out or candle the cavities.

[Do-It Corp.]

You should not have to modify any of our molds.

The one thing to make sure is that you are using a softer pure lead.  Lead with other alloys are less malleable and will stick in small crevasses. 

If you have still having problems, do not hesitate to call us at 319-984-6055.  We will take care of you.

[21xdc]

You should not have to modify any of our molds.

The one thing to make sure is that you are using a softer pure lead.  Lead with other alloys are less malleable and will stick in small crevasses. 

If you have still having problems, do not hesitate to call us at 319-984-6055.  We will take care of you.

That's nice and all... But they all do this. Read the reviews. It's a design issue, Not lead. I have been pouring baits for 35 years, And I have 10 of these.

[Fishermanbt]

I have the smaller size mold and they hang up too. I admit I’m one of “those guys” that uses wheel weights. Don’t know if this will work in your case but I use pliers to demold. Just grip on the flat sled part and give it a wiggle and they come right out. I should also note that I am using a graphite lock lubricant spray I found at Home Depot rather than drop out.

[Kasilofchrisn]

So I tried some pure lead and that didn't solve the problem.
But I did a little filing on the edge of the mold and then used the pure lead.
After that I had to tap the mold with my hardwood dowel and then with a little jiggling of the sprue with a stout pair of pliers I was able to remove the jigs.
They wouldn't come out from tapping on the mold nor would they come out from just pulling on the sprue itself. I had to do both to get them released from the mold.
I only poured one cavity at a time because the mold is very hard to open when I poured all four cavities at once.
It does appear this is some kind of design flaw in this mold as there are quite a few reviews claiming they have the exact same problem.
I think with a little more filing I may be able to get this jig mold to work at an acceptable level , but we will see.

[ctom]

Personally I think the sled offers too much or a square edge for opening on a hinge that creates an arc. The cavities closest to the hinge have a tighter arc to get past. If the mold was done on a pinned alignment format where the two halves simple lifted apart, I think things would go easier.

[21xdc]

Personally I think the sled offers too much or a square edge for opening on a hinge that creates an arc. The cavities closest to the hinge have a tighter arc to get past. If the mold was done on a pinned alignment format where the two halves simple lifted apart, I think things would go easier.

I see what you mean, But the hinge is not the problem. Even after the mold is opened, You can barely get the part out of the other side. I'd like this mold better without the sled anyway. I clip them off for a lot of applications.

[ctom]

As mentioned, I use drop-out on this mold and have fairly easy casting removal so that's my suggestion. I use pure lead in mine and can live with it. I am not using the mold for the larger jigs though so maybe issues are specific to that mold. I make mainly the 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 ounce heads and with the drop out they remove pretty easy for me.

[Kasilofchrisn]

As mentioned, I use drop-out on this mold and have fairly easy casting removal so that's my suggestion. I use pure lead in mine and can live with it. I am not using the mold for the larger jigs though so maybe issues are specific to that mold. I make mainly the 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 ounce heads and with the drop out they remove pretty easy for me.

As I said in my original post I used dropout in this mold and all the molds that I cast with.
And that had zero effect on being able to remove these jigs.
Using a combination of drop out, a hand file, pure lead, tapping on the mold with a hardwood dowel, and wiggling it out by grabbing the sprue with pliers I was able to remove some useable jigs from the mold.
About reading other people's reviews it does appear that is it is a common issue with this mold.
And yes I do have the bigger size mold because, well, fish in Alaska just get bigger.
I mostly plan on using this mold for the lake trout at the cabin.

[21xdc]

Tom don't read well...    I use drop out as well... Works great on my other 300 molds.    Not these molds, And I have all of the sizes offered.