Soft Plastic Bait Making > Getting Started / Customer Support
Clamps and Clamping
BassDetective:
Hey Guys-
Need some knowledge here and I know you guys are the best. I am having some trouble getting a clean bait on some of my molds. I am using the 6 inch Quick Clamps by Irwin (same ones as on the site). Can someone break it down for me? Do you clamp in a certain direction? How tight? As much detail as possible would be helpful. Do you clamp different molds, differently?
All thoughts much appreciated!
Steve
Jason:
Always 2 clamps, on long molds (over 10") I use 3. With the small Irwin clamps I snug them as tight as they will go. They will give out over time - once they slip never trust them again. When they do, it is worth investing in clamps. I like the 24" and 36" bar clamps, the 600lb ones. They are a little pricey but really hold your molds securely and evenly.
Don't use c-clamps, or if you do be really careful. They can put a lot of pressure in a small space and can aid the warping of a hot mold.
Jason
pjmcla:
I am not very experienced; but if there is a way to foul up I usually find it pretty quick. I was using two of Jason's clamps on a small mold, clamping the one closer to the hinge first then the other. Tried to keep the clamp pads about in the "verticle middle" of the mold. Then not much downward pressure on the injector. Worked great. Getting this down pat.
Being the not to swift person I am; I thought "two clamps seam overkill, why not just put one dead center". Well, I guess CC plastic is about like water and doesn't compress very much. On the next injection plastic politely sprang forth from several areas of the mold. Physics works don't it. Went back to the original way and all is working as it should.
One other free tidbit; if you push down on the injector body too hard and put too much pressure on the plunger; hot plastic will squirt out between the injector and mold with pretty good velocity. Physics works don't it, Chapter two. Was not injured, just a DUH moment.
Reminded me to always wear heat resistant gloves and eye protection.
BassDetective:
Thank you both for your comments and advice. It does seem to matter where you clamp and some molds are more sensitive than others.
BassDetective:
I am curious to know what brand and size clamps you all are using on the following molds:
4 inch Croaker
3 inch Croaker
7.5 inch Ribbed Ribbon Tail
4.5 inch Big Foot
3.75 Mud Bug
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version