Custom Baits - Forum
Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: andrewlamberson on 12/31/12 10:36 UTC
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I got a couple PM's after making comments on using a digital thermometer, wanting to know what it looked like...and where to get it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021AEAG2/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p79_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=05KVFKP25N87ERX0GDY3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61btzIjucTL._SL1050_.jpg)
And here is the little cast iron pot that T-billy recommended (and I use):
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GYV3N2STL._SX450_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-14-Ounce-Melting/dp/B0002CX9FE/ref=pd_sim_hg_3
They also have some other small size pots if you need more capacity.
Andy
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If anyone cares to put down a little more ca$h...this is a great product.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202330832/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=klein+digital+temp+guage&storeId=10051
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I just ordered the digital dip-in thermometer shown here by Andy. The aim and read numbers don't read IN the plastic. I have two of the point and read models including one like the one shown here that is going back to the store.
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You have the Klein digital (the $80-$85 one) and don't like it?? Interesting...
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I give up! ::)
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Never give up Andrew !! The ford vs chevy vs mopar has been going on for 50 years. I know this is not quite the same; but; the two schools of thought have their advocates ( even if wrong it seems to work ). I agree that the digital probe more than likely gives a more accurate temp. But; I think in well stirred plastic, and the setting on "Average", if taken while stirring, a good quality IR will get you in the ballpark. I give the Klein good marks when set on average. But the key is consistent repetition and learning observation.
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I have found too many instances where the temp at the surface has caused me to fry clear cover dip plastic, and I do heat in short bursts on a reduced power when dealing with the clear. Stirring hasn't been the answer all the time either. For what the dip thermometer costs, I'm trying it.
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I think clear plastic will " trick " some IR thermometers. I know there are threads about shiny metals driving IR Thermometers nuts.
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I think clear plastic will " trick " some IR thermometers. I know there are threads about shiny metals driving IR Thermometers nuts.
That all sounds reasonable to me...
Jerry
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The thermometer in the pic is what I have...it's done well for me.
Since getting my main issue nailed down, I've been cooking strictly in my 32 oz. Cuisinart Contour on a single electric burner. I have a Cast Iron Pot as a result of T-Billy's suggestions/reports, and while I like it (20 lb. Lead Melting Cast Iron Pot from Barlow's), I like the Cuisinart better...the Stainless Cuisinart heats up faster, the thick bottom hasn't burned an ounce of plastic, it cools fast enough to use again in a short while, and it's slick interior releases the cooled scrap with ease...the Cast Iron Pot is fairly rough and holds onto cooled scrap, but that's not major. The Cast Iron holds heat with seriousness, of course.
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pmjcla wrote But; I think in well stirred plastic, and the setting on "Average", if taken while stirring, a good quality IR will get you in the ballpark. I give the Klein good marks when set on average.
* was assuming everyone stirs their plastic well. While the other one shown I'm sure does a great job, the klein does an acceptable job..and seems a bit easier to use. I pour in 4 or 8 cup pots; it does the job for me..but I do stir plastic quite a bit.
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Florida...
I do all small batches because I don't need a pint of cooked plastic to do crappie baits. And yes, I stir the heck out of my plastic. I am still finding a wide spread of temp ranges using the IR thermometers, especially when the clear comes out of the micro, gets stirred and re-checked a couple seconds later. I am convinced that this is not because of the thermometer per se, but rather that the plastic can continue to heat from the middle after it comes out of the microwave and has been stirred and the temp shot a second time. Its like the hot spot can be mixed , but it re-forms in the center of the plastic in the bowl as it sits between shots. I just want to try a probe to get inside the plastic to see if the center is at 370 while the top is 320. This is almost without exception a clear, no-glitter or hi lite or colorant issue for me.
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wasn't a point of contention here (perhaps someone was trying to make it one). Klein digital works for me and I make pretty large pours amd am very satisfied w/product, the other thermometer seems to work for a lot of folks and I believe it's cheaper, so as u or someone said...Ford, Chevy, Dodge...maybe Toyoto??
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Not sure why you need an exact temp on a batch of plastic. Unless it is clear. But after awhile I would think you could tell just by the viscosity. But either way works but some need to know an exact temp so the thermometer is better for that. Now if you are using the Twinjector you need to know but a comparison is good enough.
Here is how is see it
You heat plastic till is gels
Heat a little more and it becomes usable
Heat to much and it is like water.
Heat more and it is yellow.
No temp gauge will save it when it yellows but if it is like water you can add a little fresh plastic and get the temp down. You will save it more often then not. I guess I pour to much plastic. But getting familiar with what is going on is more important than anything else.