Custom Baits - Forum
Soft Plastic Bait Making => Safety / Do's and Don'ts => Topic started by: AbeFroman on 06/05/20 15:32 UTC
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I've seen some posts (not just here) that people say that they use infrared thermometer, is there a reason why you use infrared over a probe thermometer to determine the temp of your plastic??
Also, doesn't infrared read just the surface temperature? (It may be different with plastisol and read a more internal temp, I don't know, I"m just starting out, currently in the process of buying stuff), but wouldn't you want the internal temp to be 350?
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Infra Red will read the surface temperature (usually a solid)
A digital probe thermometer will read the temperature of a liquid. Especially effective if you use it to stir the plastic.
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https://www.restaurantsupply.com/media/catalog/product/cache/47f90410e89ec696b19c8b5e4c63b554/3/5/3516_taylor-1.jpg
Most grocery store have something like this. Don’t touch the Pyrex with the probe or it will give a false reading. I move mine around after stiring.
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A digital probe thermometer will read the temperature of a liquid. Especially effective if you use it to stir the plastic.
This is my practice exactly... it gets pretty important when shooting cores a bit hotter while avoiding the potential of scorching the plastic.
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I have been using the Char-Broil instant-read digital thermometer for years. As mentioned, it also makes a great stir rod!
This Instant Read Digital Thermometer will read temperatures from 32°F (0°C) to 392°F (200°C).
Make sure you get this model because it reads to 392F ! (Double check on the package and make sure this is still true. I've had mine for many years). The Char-Broil website still states that it reads to 392F.
(https://www.charbroil.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/85e4522595efc69f496374d01ef2bf13/4/5/x4567720_instant_read_thermometer_a.jpg.pagespeed.gp+jp+jw+pj+ws+js+rj+rw+ri+rm+cp+md+ia=100+im=-1.ic.z36UBQWuKP.webp)
INSTANT READ DIGITAL THERMOMETER
MODEL #4867720
https://www.charbroil.com/instant-read-digital-temp-gauge#questions[
https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/char-broil-instant-read-digital-thermometer/0000000257262?bc=
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Broil-Digital-Probe-Meat-Thermometer/1000105743
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Just curious Andy....why is the one from Lowes listed at $5.99 and the other two at $19.99? Are you certain the one at Lowes is the one you're referring to? seems odd to see such a disparity in pricing.
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One thing that I found, by accident in my early days with plastic is the it usually burns from the inside out.
This for sure means it's way hotter on the inside/core.
A thermal thermometer reads the surface temperature and that can be different depending on the color and even if it is glossy or dull.
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I don't know why there is a difference in price. i wonder if the Lowes price is an error.
I bought mine at Fleet Farm.
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One thing that I found, by accident in my early days with plastic is the it usually burns from the inside out.
This for sure means it's way hotter on the inside/core.
A thermal thermometer reads the surface temperature and that can be different depending on the color and even if it is glossy or dull.
I believe you meant to say that an Infra-Red thermometer measures the surface temperature. Which as you mention is a bit of a problem if the center is a lot hotter!
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I believe you meant to say that an Infra-Red thermometer measures the surface temperature. Which as you mention is a bit of a problem if the center is a lot hotter!
Yep that's what my brain was thinking, fingers were not.
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The ball of heat center mass in the plastic is why a vigorous stirring is needed between shots of heat