Custom Baits - Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: wubbawurm63 on 09/21/12 10:42 UTC
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Hi guys! Im new to the forum, so bare with me. Im a small one man business and I have been making lures for about two years. until now all I had been getting were small orders,but now things are really picking up! I only have a few molds. I only have a couple of hours a day after my day job to work on my orders. Any suggestions on how I can speed up my production? I am looking at 1 to 2000 baits a month. Do I go with more molds or do I invest in a machine?
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Pro series molds are the way to go if they're available for the baits you're shooting!
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Watch Frank's videos. While more molds/cavities definitely helps, production of almost any level can be acomplished with an organized process and current mold capacity.
Time is the key so whatever you find yourself waiting on in your process needs to be changed or upgraded. I found I was not waiting on molds or plastic but needed another twinjector. Adding that to my process almost doubled my output in an hour.
Just do a time study. Everyone's process is so different that what helps me, may not do anything for you.
Jim
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Watch Frank's videos. While more molds/cavities definitely helps, production of almost any level can be acomplished with an organized process and current mold capacity.
Time is the key so whatever you find yourself waiting on in your process needs to be changed or upgraded. I found I was not waiting on molds or plastic but needed another twinjector. Adding that to my process almost doubled my output in an hour.
Just do a time study. Everyone's process is so different that what helps me, may not do anything for you.
Jim
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But i would also add a couple of pots to the mix. More hot plastic = more baits.
On that note Jason when are you going to start to sell a pot with stirring system ?? Or perhaps something better in the usual CCM style ;)
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Thanks guys! The only thing I find myself waiting on in my process is plastic to reheat. I use pyrex and have to reheat often. I have a presto pot with mixer, but have a problem keeping plastic at my target temp. It varies so much(10 to 20 degrees) quite often I get yellowing. I have been looking at maybe an injection press, but havent heard much about it, or if anybody (other than Frank) really like this machine. any suggestions?
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do you use stabilizer it will help with the yellowing and try and keep your temps down a bit
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Thanks, I do use stabillizer, around 10 drops for every 6 oz. of plastic with pot set at just below 350 degrees. Do you think I need more stabillizer?
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If your pot is 10 to 20 degrees off, try lowering the temp more on the heating element.
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Thanks, I will try that, But Is it normal for a pot to drop 10 to 20 degrees when set at 350? Or do I need to buy another pot? shouldnt it maintain a constant temp? I just dont want to waste anymore plastic.
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Just like every microwave cooks differently, every pot is a bit different. There are many variables that can tweak your temp, so even though your dial is at 350, your pots could be at 360, or 335, etc. There are folks that use multiple pots at the same time that haev each temp control set at a different temp to get them all at the same temp, if that makes sense based on the above. :)
The bottom line as always, is mess around with your equipment and take lots of notes as you go and eventually you will master your tools and it will make things much easier.
-Shawn
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My guess is you are within the abilities of the units design and construction.
Being designed to "sense" having food dropped in at 70 degrees vs holding steady state +/- a few degrees @ 350 might be asking too much from the thermostat. Also I imagine the units heating element is either "full on" or "full off".
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Thanks for all your help! I will keep working with it until I get it right.
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How much plastic do you put in the presto. Mine varies when there is less the four cups in there but it does not last long enough to make it discolor. I often make one gallon in there and temp is pretty stable. If I cant reply on the injection press I can invite you over to use it your self and make your own report on it. Frank
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Thanks Frank! I have been putting 4 to 8 cups in mine as to not waste to much plastic and to try and get used to the presto pot. I guess I will have to take a chance on a gallon. And thanks for the invite to try out the injection press, I might have to take you up on that. I have been stressing out trying to figure out how to speed up my production process with my recent flood of orders. My process right now is ok for small orders,but now Im looking at 1 to 2000 baits a month, maybe 3000 I have got to do something so I can take care of my customers. And pyrex cups and the microwave are just not going to cut it anymore. Thanks again to you and everyone else for all your help.
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Mavbe not a gallon but at least you will see how the temp does not fluxuate with more plastic. Half a gallon would work too. Frank
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Thanks Frank! I will give that a try.
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Frank, what injection press do you have? Is it easy to use?
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I have the jacobs injection press, It is real easy to use and well made. Keeps plastic at a real steady temp.
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I have been eye ballin bears press. I like to do two color. I think I might go ahead and drop the money on it. Do you know anyone who has one?
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I have been eye ballin bears press. I like to do two color. I think I might go ahead and drop the money on it. Do you know anyone who has one?
The guys I have spoke to about it say it can take a little getting use to, but that it is a good system and works well once you get the hang of it.
Jason
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same here. Took awhile to get used to one presto pot. Now you'll have two.
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Not only do you need right set up with pots/injecters...but a very important aspect of pouring on a large (larger) scale is have enough ROOM, and having everything ORGANIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have all molds, clamps, glitter, scissors, knives, stirrers, gloves, stabilizer, colors, scents, et al where you can get to them safely!!!
***being able to move/flow freely and unencumbered is a must for pouring lots of baits!! Pourers are basically mad scientists dispensing large amounts of 350 degree + plastisol; be an organized, safe mad scientist!!
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Not only do you need right set up with pots/injecters...but a very important aspect of pouring on a large (larger) scale is have enough ROOM, and having everything ORGANIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have all molds, clamps, glitter, scissors, knives, stirrers, gloves, stabilizer, colors, scents, et al where you can get to them safely!!!
***being able to move/flow freely and unencumbered is a must for pouring lots of baits!! Pourers are basically mad scientists dispensing large amounts of 350 degree + plastisol; be an organized, safe mad scientist!!
Very well said!!