Custom Baits - Forum
Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: Snyder61 on 09/22/13 16:21 UTC
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Looking to get into bait making. Just got back from a trip to Florida where I went through about 100 flukes in 2 days it got very expensive so I want to buy a setup to make my own. Now for my questions looking through the molds it looked like the 4" wutz it would be the first bait I would start making I need some help on what exactly I need. I know I need the mold and injector but that's about it. If someone could make me a list of what I need so I could order it I would appreciate it. Also do I need to add softeners or anything to my plastic? And does anyone know how many 4 inch wutz itz I can make with a gallon of plastic?
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along with the mold and injector, you will need Plastic, your choice of formula. You can find that here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Caney-Creek-Crystal-Clear-Plastisol-Phthalate-Free_p_181.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Caney-Creek-Crystal-Clear-Plastisol-Phthalate-Free_p_181.html)
ok, then color, what color(s) do you want your bait. there are two links for that. http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/X2-Colorant_p_328.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/X2-Colorant_p_328.html)
and http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Colorant-5oz_p_162.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Colorant-5oz_p_162.html). Me, I like to use the X2, buts your choice.
Then scent, what do you want it to smell like. That's here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Upper-Hand-Scents-55oz_p_199.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Upper-Hand-Scents-55oz_p_199.html)
then for additives, there is a bunch they are here (along with the colors ling http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Glitter-Colorant-Pearls_c_19.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Glitter-Colorant-Pearls_c_19.html)
Lets not forget the most important item, SAFETY, you'll need gloves. you could go to walmart or go here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Nitrile-Gloves_p_144.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Nitrile-Gloves_p_144.html)
also a microwave. DO NOT USE THE HOUSE MICROWAVE. buy your own that's just for your plastics, no food allowed. That will allow you to melt the plastic, it will need to be around 350 degrees so get a thermometer. here is one http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Proaccurate-Digital-Thermometer_p_407.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Proaccurate-Digital-Thermometer_p_407.html)
Hooks and eyes are here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Hooks-Eyes-and-Misc_c_28.html (http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Hooks-Eyes-and-Misc_c_28.html).
Hope that covers it all. Good luck and welcome to your new Hobby
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To start out I will probably just be making white that's the color I fish the most and maybe add a little glitter. I guess my main question is do I need to add hardeners or softeners to the plastic? I'll be making 4 inch wutz it for now. And how many can I exapect to make with a gallon of plastic
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ok, just keep in mind the plastic is clear when it heats up to the correct temp, so you will need white coloring. as for the hardeners and softeners, I wouldn't add it at first, I doubt you will need it if you use regular formula plastic. only your testing on the water will tell. As to the amount you can make with a gallon, unsure about that question, Maybe Jerry can answer that one for ya
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Not to discourage you...but white can be a really tough color.
Heat your plastic in small amounts (4oz) and watch those temperatures! As was mentioned...all of the plastic needs to get to 350 degrees to fully change state....BUT if you get it too hot it will use up all the heat stabilizer and it will start to yellow. You probably need to get some heat stabilizer and add it to your plastic ...especially after the first heating. CTom is the expert on using heat stabilizer and I'm sure will post.
READ all the safety posts! It's a great, fun hobby...but 360 plastic hurts!
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Welcome. You for sure need heat stabilizer if your doing white. And. I would start with medium plastic. And maybe a bottle of softener just in case. When you order go ahead get couple glitters. And other colors. Saves on shipping. : ). Start with only 2-4oz at a time. Until you get the feel for it. Write it all down. You will regret it if you don't. Trust me.
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Until you get a good grip on how the plastic and heat relationship works, use stabilizer at a rate of about 20 drops to a 4 ounce batch. Until you know how to get the heat to 350 without singing your whites, do small batches of 4 ounces or less, stir after 30 seconds in the oven, again at 1 minute, and then reduce the power to 80% and heat/stir for no more than 15 second increments until you get to 350 and then do your initial injection or pour.. Keep your plastic under 350 if you need to reheat or remelt. Don't be afraid of stabilizer as it can save you a lot in time and $$$.
Shane has done a great job of outlining what most of us consider "basic" needs, but if you want to limit your activities right now to white, have at it. There is no harm at all in keeping your focus on a small target to start and maybe its even wise.
Andrew mentions the 360 degree plastic hurting. Its fact. Read the cautionary posts pegged in each section.
Most of all, have fun with this. You'll screw up, we all have and will again. That's part of the program and can actually turn into some great laughs. Everyone is different in how they approach the world of plastics and you'll find your niche and take right off. Don't get discouraged and do not get in a hurry. Remember....good things come to those who wait.
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Sounds good guys I'm going to be making an order tomorow hopefully I don't forget anything. One more question how hard is it to make 2 tone plastics I saw they sell a plate used in making them 2 tone should I get that as well or should I wait until I get the hang of things
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The powdered white pearl really makes a nice minnow color. Also; if these baits are for salt water; medium or maybe the hard plastic would be a good choice. Black glitter (.040 ) and blue hi-lite ( 1/8 tsp or so per 6 oz. ) provide very good added touches in the "minnow type baits".
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Thanks a lot I'm going to place the order now! Thanks for all the advice! Still curious on a rough estimate of how many baits I will be able to make with a gallon
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Sounds good guys I'm going to be making an order tomorow hopefully I don't forget anything. One more question how hard is it to make 2 tone plastics I saw they sell a plate used in making them 2 tone should I get that as well or should I wait until I get the hang of things
Two toned baits really look cool if you can get a good color combo down right (im still learning that). your first few batches might go into the junk pile but that's ok, you can make some killer baits out of the junk pile... I'd say go ahead and order you a twinjector or get the laminate plate that you were talking about. Just as Justin9j said, it saves on shipping cost.
I too agree with the Heat stabilizer (caint believe I forgot that one) you may also want worm oil
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Start with one of the 'get started kits' - just have them swap out the mold for the one you want - then build from there.
Since you know you want to do this - might as well spring the extra and get a kit with a gallon of plastic in it - the 'pint' is just a tease - trust me on that.
since you want to do baitfish colors - get the gunmetal flake as one of your options - along with the hologram silver.
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Get the laminate plate... You need to be fairly experienced to handle a twin injector. I agree on upgrading to a gallon of plastic...even that goes way to quick!
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Oh one more quick advise. you will need to go to Wal-Mart, goodwill or wherever and get you a Pyrex glass bowl. the reason why is you need something that can hold 350 degrees of hot plastic without melting or breaking. Pyrex is very good for doing plastic. I go to Wal-Mart and buy these http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pyrex-8-piece-Storage-Plus-Value-Pack-4-each-1-cup-storage-with-red-plastic-covers/15114589 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pyrex-8-piece-Storage-Plus-Value-Pack-4-each-1-cup-storage-with-red-plastic-covers/15114589) they even come with a lid for storage. Be sure you have adequate ventilation. Plastic does smell bad and give off bad fumes.
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Well guess I better chime in with what tiny bit of info I can offer . Be on the watch for small ceramic measuring cups that have a very sharp spout to pour with . They are very good for pouring appendages with less over pour and ceramic keeps the plastic hot longer . You can find them at flea markets and such for as little as .25 cents . They can't have gold leaf trim or that will react with the micro . I have dozens of them from 1/4 cup to a quart . Never had one bust form sitting it on a cold surface .
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Once you get your supplies check out the Articles and Videos section of the forum. You will find valuable instructions and demos. I know it helped me immeasurably being able to see a video showing me what to do. There's even a video posted by Jeff Little right on topic for you. It shows him making a 5 inch wutzit using a laminate plate. Good luck, have fun, and don't rush, be safe.
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Thanks for all the replies guys my stuff should be here tomorow!
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It looks like you may have all your current questions answered but, I have taken the time to put a newbie starter guide and gather all the starter kits I could find on my site, it lists everything you need.
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Snyder...
Your question, "Still curious on a rough estimate of how many baits I will be able to make with a gallon", has some variables to it. Since you are beginning, allow for some mess-ups. And until you get a good grip on re-melting your trim and scrap, I'd think you should be able to get 4 to 5 hundred from a gallon, but I may be rich in this estimate. Once you have re-melting down pat your gallons will go a whole lot further. Keep your scrap sorted and separated by color so that as you get accustomed to working with plastic you can incorporate it back into usable baits.
I'll suggest this too. When you encounter one of the blooper batches, just let the plastic cool out in the cup and then bag it up....don't throw it. Then if you decide to try a new technique or maybe need to figure something out with a mold you can simply re-melt this junk plastic and not waste the good. This hobby has a million tricks to it and many surround saving money. If you're not certain about doing something but want to try, use the crap plastic first and on that same line, those colors you begin with can often jump up further down the road when you want to do some color matching or creating so don't just toss them out. I keep my color scrap in gallon ziplock and store them in a few milk crates. It never ceases to amaze me how often I find myself digging thru those crates.
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Congrats on starting this hobby and these guys will give you a lot of help on your way, I'm now going add something that I think you should know and it isn't meant to scare you off or cast doubt but instead help you in the long run. I'm not a plastics guy, I'm doing this on the lead and wire side but it is still tackle making and I talk to a lot of plastics guys and here is my advise to you. If you are starting this hobby on the sole basis of saving money, well it can be done but it will take some time to recoup it and you may end up not liking it because there is a learning curve. If you end up liking it, which sounds like you are going to, well you may end up saving some money but ultimately you will get into making some with new colors or holographic effects and then it will be new baits so you'll be getting more molds and then glitters and then custom colors and dual injectors, laminate plates and the list goes on and on. What I'm saying is the money you save will go right back into making baits and don't worry, it is a good thing because to me, there is no better or more rewarding hobby than making fishing lures. The feeling you will get when your first good set of pours is finished and they look like you pulled them from a bag you got at Bass Pro Shops will be one filled with pride and the first time you catch a fish on what you made is going to be incredible and that is when the addiction sets in. You will be asking questions about other molds and colors and then it won't be long before you are helping someone else that is just starting out, what I'm trying to say is that if you end up spending more than you save, well it isn't a bad thing because you will be in a place of peace and contentment like you never felt before and now with the internet and this website you will be part of a brotherhood of tackle makers that share knowledge and wisdom along with humor and friendship that you just can't get with anything else, welcome to our world!!!!!
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I was curious, and bored, so I ran a 12oz batch -
10 3.5" carrots
12 2.5" wutzits
8 1.75" frogs
9 dragonfly nymphs
10 3.5" K-Grubs
6 3.5" Swim Shads
7 Baby Brush Hogs
4 3.75" Mud Bugs
10 2.5" Kodiac Craw Trailers
3 'crappie" baits (this is a mold I got off ebay, about a 2" swimbait iwth a crappie/bluegill profile)
Like SmallJaw said - don't 'start' this hobby to save money - you won't - the initial outlay is kinda pricey (especially if you get addicted) - once you get set up - you'll not spend near as much - but you'll be able to create what you want when you want.
This was a run of 'Smoke Purple Red' - a particular favorite from zoom I like, but now I can make it in the baits I want it made in.
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'Smoke Purple'
That Zoom purple smoke is one that I have done several times in a bunch of crappie baits and love it. Adding more or less of the hi lite can give some wicked nice results and by adding a little glitter things really start to pop.
If you want to venture into a new territory Sim, mix up a medium smoke but don't add any stabilizer or glitter or hi lites to it. Cook this smoke "a little too long" so that it yellows just slightly. Then when it has yellowed some, whip in the hi lite and your glitter. The smoke will come off as an eerie sort of green, but not really green. Its hard to describe, but you'll end up with a bait color never seen anywhere before. I've done crappie and walleye baits doing this and have had some very good fishing using this color.
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Thanks cTom - I'll try that - and not just 'smoke purple' - smoke purple RED - this was/is a special run zoom color that the bass will just light up around here 'at times' - problem was - it would be hard to come by - and now I have carrots! (insert evil laugh)
(http://simster.iglouhost.com/smoke_purple_red.jpg)
4oz plastic
1 drop ccm black for smoke
1/8 tsp small red glitter
1/8 tsp medium purple glitter
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Not the same color as I thought, but this one is nice.