Custom Baits - Forum

Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: Brent on 05/14/12 23:09 UTC

Title: Heating options
Post by: Brent on 05/14/12 23:09 UTC

I like the panfish molds...A LOT!!! The down side is that they take so little plastic , which leads to a lot of reheats. So my question(s) are, what are some other options?
I have heard of guys using presto pots, Fry Daddy pots, hot plates.
Whats the best option for small amounts? 
IS there a time limit for how long plastic can be kept at temperature?

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: Dave on 05/14/12 23:57 UTC

Brent when you get into presto pots and fry daddy's, the plastic is normally a larger amount. My suggestion is to heat 1 or 2 OZ at a time in a small pyrex cup with heat stabilizer added to your plastic.  Don't be skimpy on the stabilizer either.

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: captian chaos on 05/15/12 03:51 UTC

fry daddys ??????? ???

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: toadfrogbaits on 05/15/12 05:14 UTC

Fry  Daddy is a mini presto pot .But you have to install a thermostat control in the cord to adjust the temp. Because it does not come with one . That is unless you are partial to the smell of burned plastic . Just thought I'd toss that in before somebody tried it.

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: ghostbaits on 05/15/12 08:16 UTC

I have looked at smaller Pyrex options such as 1/2 cup containers.

Best solution I have found though is to buy more molds!!!! (1% commission Jason...LOL!!!)

Jim

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: andrewlamberson on 05/15/12 08:48 UTC

How would you install a control? Is that something you can buy at a big box store or hardware store? I did some Google searching and I'm not looking for the correct item!! (voltage control ??)

The Fry Daddy would be the perfect size for me.

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: Brent on 05/15/12 09:42 UTC

Andrew,
I stopped by the local Walmart and they had the Fry Daddy for 19.99, it is pretty big when you look at how much it holds. It would be great if I could figure out a way to reduce the "pot" to about half

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: pjmcla on 05/15/12 10:13 UTC

Unfortunately ( or fortunately depending on your position ) Ghostbaits is right.  More molds allows more options.  If you have a 1.75", a 2.5", and a 3.5" Fry; and a small carrot, a 3" skinny and 3" regular, and a 3.5" Carrot you can clamp up a set of big molds and a set of small molds.  You can balance the capacities of the selected sets to "consume" a full injector ( and possibly cup ) of plastic.   Then the sprues and the injector heel are the only remelt issues.   This may not be financially possible at the present time.  Then pick one on the 3" and up molds that you like.  Now; the 3.5 Inch Carrot will take a full CCM injector all by it's self so it probably won't be a good selection for this purpose.  If you step up to a 6 oz or 8 oz injector; the 3.5" carrot it will come into play.  If you use an 8 oz injector ( or get Jason's model when it comes out )  You can consume a full 6 oz. "work up" of plastic into a set of differing molds and pretty much inject it all.  This will make a bunch of baits if you use all your smaller molds and one larger to consume the "left over".    Typically; all these molds are ones that use the same bait colors. 

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: andrewlamberson on 05/15/12 10:19 UTC

I got a good tip from T-Billy that is working pretty well for me.

He suggested getting a small Lodge Melting Pot (for butter,etc) or 1 pint country kettle and use that on a single burner. It works really well because the cast iron evens out the heat...and holds heat like crazy!!!  I made a simple lid for it with a piece of aluminum to help hold the heat in.

This set up works really well when using the laminate plates and two colors. I have two pots on my double burner electric table top from Wally World.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-14-Ounce-Melting/dp/B0002CX9FE/ref=sr_1_28?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1337094618&sr=1-28

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-1-Pint-Country-Kettle/dp/B00063RXM4/ref=sr_1_75?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1337094681&sr=1-75

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: ghostbaits on 05/15/12 10:24 UTC

That is how i plan Paul. I set my molds out and shoot the same colors in multiple baits. Very efficient with very little plastic waste.

I have a Presto pot that I bought from Bear. Rarely use it but it works real good!!! Might sell as i have the stirring apparatus as well. Great for high volumes. You can get some discoloring on lighter colors regardless of how much stabilizer.

Jim

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: Dave on 05/15/12 22:05 UTC

Here is something to consider if you're really wanting something bigger than what we started with.

http://www.target.com/p/Presto-Electric-Deep-Fryer-Silver-1-liter/-/A-12833912#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton    ;D

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: captian chaos on 05/18/12 17:49 UTC

Hi Jim,
Why do you get the discolouring with bears pot doesn't it stir the plastic adequately for the temp it is holding

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: ghostbaits on 05/18/12 17:55 UTC

The pot holds so much plastic you cant shoot it fast enough. By the time you get fi ished injecting, the plastic discolors somewhat. Only happens with whites and transluscents.

Jim

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: captian chaos on 05/18/12 18:06 UTC

good info thanks mate
how much do you want for the set up ?

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: ghostbaits on 05/18/12 19:16 UTC

Ill see what i have in it and make you a good deal. The full set-up was pri ey..

Jim

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: captian chaos on 05/18/12 19:50 UTC

thanks jim just slip me a pm
thanks

Title: Re: Heating options
Post by: ghostbaits on 05/21/12 09:49 UTC

PM sent.....

http://www.bearsbaits.com/Presto-Pots_p_160.html

I have full system, used twice......

Jim