Custom Baits - Forum
Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: BassDetective on 08/25/11 18:36 UTC
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Hey Guys-
Need some knowledge here and I know you guys are the best. I am having some trouble getting a clean bait on some of my molds. I am using the 6 inch Quick Clamps by Irwin (same ones as on the site). Can someone break it down for me? Do you clamp in a certain direction? How tight? As much detail as possible would be helpful. Do you clamp different molds, differently?
All thoughts much appreciated!
Steve
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Always 2 clamps, on long molds (over 10") I use 3. With the small Irwin clamps I snug them as tight as they will go. They will give out over time - once they slip never trust them again. When they do, it is worth investing in clamps. I like the 24" and 36" bar clamps, the 600lb ones. They are a little pricey but really hold your molds securely and evenly.
Don't use c-clamps, or if you do be really careful. They can put a lot of pressure in a small space and can aid the warping of a hot mold.
Jason
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I am not very experienced; but if there is a way to foul up I usually find it pretty quick. I was using two of Jason's clamps on a small mold, clamping the one closer to the hinge first then the other. Tried to keep the clamp pads about in the "verticle middle" of the mold. Then not much downward pressure on the injector. Worked great. Getting this down pat.
Being the not to swift person I am; I thought "two clamps seam overkill, why not just put one dead center". Well, I guess CC plastic is about like water and doesn't compress very much. On the next injection plastic politely sprang forth from several areas of the mold. Physics works don't it. Went back to the original way and all is working as it should.
One other free tidbit; if you push down on the injector body too hard and put too much pressure on the plunger; hot plastic will squirt out between the injector and mold with pretty good velocity. Physics works don't it, Chapter two. Was not injured, just a DUH moment.
Reminded me to always wear heat resistant gloves and eye protection.
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Thank you both for your comments and advice. It does seem to matter where you clamp and some molds are more sensitive than others.
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I am curious to know what brand and size clamps you all are using on the following molds:
4 inch Croaker
3 inch Croaker
7.5 inch Ribbed Ribbon Tail
4.5 inch Big Foot
3.75 Mud Bug
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I am curious to know what brand and size clamps you all are using on the following molds:
4 inch Croaker
3 inch Croaker
7.5 inch Ribbed Ribbon Tail
4.5 inch Big Foot
3.75 Mud Bug
If we were testing the above molds I would clamp the 4" Croaker, 3" Croaker and 3.75" Mud Bug with 2 clamps. Put one on the front and one towards the back. See picture below:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QCGuqwQvijk/TlfcXcd6dgI/AAAAAAAABlU/VsKw4uuY_Wo/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.43.32.jpg)
I would shoot the 7.5 inch Ribbed Ribbon Tail and 4.5 inch Big Foot separate from the 2" molds and also use 2 clamps. See picture below:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9g2LsQluk3Y/TlfcQHsRyfI/AAAAAAAABlQ/TIxyKSR-HsI/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.45.15.jpg)
If funds allow it, these are much heavier clamps and worth the investment in my opinion. This is what I use when not testing - just making baits for myself as they are faster, hold more molds and last longer.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DDBJeGZTBhw/TlfcIbL4hvI/AAAAAAAABlM/zqITDkDlk4U/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.46.21.jpg)
If I had a long mold in the mix I may use 2 of the bigger clamps and a smaller one just on the end of the long mold.
I would be curious to know how others are doing it as well.
Jason
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Very Interesting. ;D
I have been clamping each mold separately (i.e. two clamps for the croaker, two for the mudbug, ect) , whereas, you have been ganging them together. I will have to try that. I have lots of clamps. I just bought two more 300 lb clamps. The ones I was using at 100 lb each.
Thanks for the pictures - very helpful. :)
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Very Interesting. ;D
I have been clamping each mold separately (i.e. two clamps for the croaker, two for the mudbug, ect) , whereas, you have been ganging them together. I will have to try that. I have lots of clamps. I just bought two more 300 lb clamps. The ones I was using at 100 lb each.
Thanks for the pictures - very helpful. :)
Definitely gang them up, especially if you have the heavier clamps. If you clamp them good you can shoot 2'-3' of molds no problem. There are some guys on here that have a similar setup times 10 and shoot them all in one go.
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I use the same ones that Jason uses in the picture.. And I also use at least 2 clamps.... I am new to this also and made the mistake of only using one clamp.. lets just say I will never make that mistake again..
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Jason
You mentioned in this post that some clamps will ware and slip, does the larger clamps like the 300 or 500 lb clamp slip after a period of time or do they hold up much longer? I am using the 6 inch irwins and I can feel the ware in them now.
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Jason
You mentioned in this post that some clamps will ware and slip, does the larger clamps like the 300 or 500 lb clamp slip after a period of time or do they hold up much longer? I am using the 6 inch irwins and I can feel the ware in them now.
I've had the smaller ones wear out, but haven't worn out a larger one yet. I'm sure they will eventually, but so far so good.
Jason
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Thanks Jason.
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Jason
I clamp in the same locations you have pictured. Though I "hard" clamp the front and will vary pressure on the back, I do this for easier flow of plastic.
When I have different color claws in a craw, I clamp a little harder on the back clamp, as the claws tend to push the mold open slightly.
At most it takes me one or two shots to determine the correct pressure at the back clamp.
I can clamp harder when there are the small airvents like in the CC craw legs.
Regards
Mark
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Another little helpful tidbit. If your fixing to shoot up a bunch of baits and you only have one mold. That mold tends to heat up pretty quickly. I like to take two other molds and place them on oposite sides of the mold you plan on shooting with the sprue hole facing down so you don't get confused on which mold your shooting. The two other molds keep the one your shooting from not heating up so fast. Then when the other molds start getting warm I just trade them out with some cooler one on the shelf. Just my littl 2 cents.
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CasterCreek -- Thanks - a neat idea - adding an aluminum heat sink in essence.
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Great idea CCT...especially on cold days.
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just realized I am clamping molds too close together, in the middle of the molds!!!
I pour, say...10 molds (8-12 carrot molds) or so and use 2 of the 600 lb. Irwin clamps. Is that enough??
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I have the little Irwin ones and within about 3 months they are already starting to seem like they're fading. I think I might go with the bigger ones. The small ones are so cheap though. I think I got 4 for 25 dollars on amazon.
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I haven't had any issues w/600 lb Irwins...they are pricey (high 20's), but again.."quality is LONG remembered after price is forgotten"
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I bought my clamps at Harbour Freight. $3.00 each for the one that opens to 6.25". They have all sizes. I was leary at first because HF is really cheap stuff. BUT, I have not had any problem with them. I believe the Irwin at Home Depot was $11.00 for the same size.
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I bought my clamps at Harbour Freight. $3.00 each for the one that opens to 6.25". They have all sizes. I was leary at first because HF is really cheap stuff. BUT, I have not had any problem with them. I believe the Irwin at Home Depot was $11.00 for the same size.
Be really careful with your choice of equipment and protective clothing. One mishap will far exceed any money saved if you get hurt.
Jason
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I know this is an older thread - but ...
Is there any reason I can't use a bench vise? I find its quicker, especially when running only one mold - the jaws on this vice are 5" - http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/vises/5-inch-multi-purpose-vise-67415.html
I know for a fact this isnt giving out - clamping 2 molds is easy - 3 takes a little bit of finesse (but the middle does not slip) - If I need to do a vertical mold (DD Gill) - I just rotate the vice 90 degrees.
I kept 'fighting' the quick grips and had no good place to 'set' them to keep them out of the way so I could inject - this (which I already had) seems to solve that.
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You've got to do what you feel comfortable with, but I don't think money should get in the way of safety. I started with 100# Irwin clamps and quickly went to the 600# vises. I feel a whole lot safer using the larger clamp, especially when pouring multiple molds. It seems to me that the molds would have to be centered in the bench vise bench vise. If the spru is on the end of the mold, you would be applying downward pressure to an unsupported part of the mold. Perhaps unlikely, but that would be an accident waiting to happen.
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right - and thats why you have to find the 'sweet spot' so you get even pressure but dont' take any chance 'crushing' the mold (not sure thats possible)...
I did several tests with the 3 in the vice and had slippage only on the first shot - after that (and 1/64th of a turn more) and there was no slipping - period. like I said - seems the main gain is in single mold applications - as its about 1000 times faster than dealing with 2 seperate 'quick clamps' and is its own 'heat sink'...
And its not about saving money as much as it is "using the right tool for the right job" - with the quick clamps I'm constantly trying to position them + get them tight + have a place to set the molds to shoot them - then have a place to set the clamps to demold + rinse repeat.... I was starting to use the bench vise as a mini "jig" to hold the clamped up molds when it dawned on me I had a hell of a vice right there.
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The vice will work if one is careful. Keep in mind that a guy can put a tremndous amount of pressure on the molds using a vice and that can result on warping if the aluminum is hot when pressure is applied. You can also experience some venting issues along the line where the jaws make contact with the mold too....some vents are super thin and can close off darned easy.
I have a couple of bench vices but I only use the Irwin hand clamps for doing the plastics.
On those clamps, I measured out the most length of rail I will need for my clamping needs and drilled a hole and put a nut/bolt in the hole, then I cut off the extra rod. These clamps can get gangly when you're working in close quarters. Shortening the rails sure makes them easier to use.
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Quote from: CasterCreekTackle on 05/02/12 18:57 UTC (http://custombaits.com/index.php?topic=577.msg8733#msg8733)
<blockquote>Another little helpful tidbit. If your fixing to shoot up a bunch of baits and you only have one mold. That mold tends to heat up pretty quickly. I like to take two other molds and place them on oposite sides of the mold you plan on shooting with the sprue hole facing down so you don't get confused on which mold your shooting. The two other molds keep the one your shooting from not heating up so fast. Then when the other molds start getting warm I just trade them out with some cooler one on the shelf. Just my littl 2 cents.</blockquote>
Great tip !
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I recently switched to these in the 18 inch after using the Irwins for a while. These grip stronger and are easier for me to break loose.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4189D6QSE0L._SY300_.jpg)
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If we were testing the above molds I would clamp the 4" Croaker, 3" Croaker and 3.75" Mud Bug with 2 clamps. Put one on the front and one towards the back. See picture below:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QCGuqwQvijk/TlfcXcd6dgI/AAAAAAAABlU/VsKw4uuY_Wo/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.43.32.jpg)
I would shoot the 7.5 inch Ribbed Ribbon Tail and 4.5 inch Big Foot separate from the 2" molds and also use 2 clamps. See picture below:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9g2LsQluk3Y/TlfcQHsRyfI/AAAAAAAABlQ/TIxyKSR-HsI/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.45.15.jpg)
If funds allow it, these are much heavier clamps and worth the investment in my opinion. This is what I use when not testing - just making baits for myself as they are faster, hold more molds and last longer.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DDBJeGZTBhw/TlfcIbL4hvI/AAAAAAAABlM/zqITDkDlk4U/s640/2011-08-26%25252012.46.21.jpg)
If I had a long mold in the mix I may use 2 of the bigger clamps and a smaller one just on the end of the long mold.
I would be curious to know how others are doing it as well.
Jason
well done man nice job with the pic's 8)
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http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrBJR6AbudU2UcA.XRgmolQ;_ylu=X3oDMTEzdmQ2ZmFkBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNvdi10b3AtcGxhBGNvbG8DYmYxBHZ0aWQD/RV=2/RE=1424482049/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2f140766.r.msn.com%2f%3fld%3dd3_7wY63vplrUoeGrlxWCrHDVUCUwEw5m3-MNXn2g42Rt6fXkissd5SU39-kLUsL_73V1CG2ZSy9IQQ2v54uwOlmdP-EJrKRj5f3Gm_6Eek_6Zk21MgTf2rO-MeHAoLDtS3MZVMssYIcFdBmIDKfj_JWQbdMkXDIpbMHRe1tVy264v6fu%26u%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.globalindustrial.com%252fp%252fwork-benches%252fvises%252fmachine-drill-vises%252fvises-irwin-quick-grip-226340%253futm_source%253dmsn%2526utm_medium%253dshp%2526utm_term%253dB224044%2526utm_campaign%253dMachine-Drill-Press-Vises%2526infoParam.campaignId%253dWR/RK=0/RS=ImPDKahA6RHEHOA2V1LREwo9u1s-?p=drill+press+vise (http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrBJR6AbudU2UcA.XRgmolQ;_ylu=X3oDMTEzdmQ2ZmFkBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNvdi10b3AtcGxhBGNvbG8DYmYxBHZ0aWQD/RV=2/RE=1424482049/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2f140766.r.msn.com%2f%3fld%3dd3_7wY63vplrUoeGrlxWCrHDVUCUwEw5m3-MNXn2g42Rt6fXkissd5SU39-kLUsL_73V1CG2ZSy9IQQ2v54uwOlmdP-EJrKRj5f3Gm_6Eek_6Zk21MgTf2rO-MeHAo-LDtS3MZVMssYIcFdBmIDKfj_JWQbdMkXDIpbMHRe1tVy264v6fu%26u%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.globalindustrial.com%252fp%252fwork-benches%252fvises%252fmachine-drill-vises%252fvises-irwin-quick-grip-226340%253futm_source%253dmsn%2526utm_medium%253dshp%2526utm_term%253dB224044%2526utm_campaign%253dMachine-Drill-Press-Vises%2526infoParam.campaignId%253dWR/RK=0/RS=ImPDKahA6RHEHOA2V1LREwo9u1s-?p=drill+press+vise)
(http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrBJR6AbudU2UcA.XRgmolQ;_ylu=X3oDMTEzdmQ2ZmFkBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNvdi10b3AtcGxhBGNvbG8DYmYxBHZ0aWQD/RV=2/RE=1424482049/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2f140766.r.msn.com%2f%3fld%3dd3_7wY63vplrUoeGrlxWCrHDVUCUwEw5m3-MNXn2g42Rt6fXkissd5SU39-kLUsL_73V1CG2ZSy9IQQ2v54uwOlmdP-EJrKRj5f3Gm_6Eek_6Zk21MgTf2rO-MeHAo-LDtS3MZVMssYIcFdBmIDKfj_JWQbdMkXDIpbMHRe1tVy264v6fu%26u%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.globalindustrial.com%252fp%252fwork-benches%252fvises%252fmachine-drill-vises%252fvises-irwin-quick-grip-226340%253futm_source%253dmsn%2526utm_medium%253dshp%2526utm_term%253dB224044%2526utm_campaign%253dMachine-Drill-Press-Vises%2526infoParam.campaignId%253dWR/RK=0/RS=ImPDKahA6RHEHOA2V1LREwo9u1s-?p=drill+press+vise)
this is the clamping method is a 4" drill press vise i use. you can fit 3 croaker molds on one clamp. very fast to clamp very sturdy and clamps even. I'm thinking about lining a couple clamps in a row. you can find these clamps from harbor freight for 20bucks or so
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I need advice , I want to buy clamps, and find this type :
1.Bahco QCG-300 ( http://www.amazon.com/BAHCO-QCG-300-Quick-Pounds-Clamping/dp/B006MHF366 )
2.Bahco QCB-600 ( http://www.amazon.com/BAHCO-QCB-600-Inch-Quick-Clamp/dp/B006MHEZME )
what to buy? larger or smaller clamp?
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Personally, I would go with the 600# clamp. I think it is safer.
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I have a woodworking shop, and have found that the Rockwall jaw horse is excellent for clamping the plastic molds of any size. You can get consistent great pressure with little effort and time. When I figure out how to send photos, I will try to send one. You can clamp numerous molds at the same time safely and with little effort if you wish. I think they are terrific. Amazon has one for sale at this link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018MRUN4/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=35263588801&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=7674411956221520082&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_63qp9ax4fl_b
If you look at the bottom of the page you will see the newer model for about $60 less
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Hey guys, new to the forum and new to pouring/injection/custom baits. So new,in fact that I ordered a kit today (that has yet to arrive) and just realized that I'm going to need clamps for the mold. I happened upon this post.
The mold I chose is the 4.5 inch finesse worm, 5 cavity. I may upgrade to craws, beavers, and curly tails later on (depending on how this whole new hobby thing goes) so would like your advice on a decent set of clamps that will not break the bank but will be versatile enough to work with some other molds I mentioned. I do want to note that I am not tool savy at ALL and I don't have a big workshop with a ton of room (I will be working on my patio with a small table).
Would something like this work?
IRWINQUICK-GRIPOne-Handed Mini Bar Clamp 2 Pack, 12", 1964745 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NP9S7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_enOgzb044VY8F
If not, any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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I think those are a bit too small. Clamping pressure should be around 400# or you could experience flashing around the edges of the mold cavity. I think these would be a better choice.https://www.amazon.com/IRWINQUICK-GRIPOne-Handed-Bar-Clamp-Medium-Duty-1964718/dp/B001DK7SJM/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1494932657&sr=1-3&keywords=irwin+quick+grip
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I know many on here use the plastic clamps but I personally do not. I just went to Home Depot and bought some 3 " metal c clamps. They have plastic tips so you don't scratch your mold and I can clamp two molds at a time. I like them better because they don't have any give to them. Just don't go crazy when you tighten up.
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I utilize similar ones that Jason utilizes in the image and I additionally use at any rate 2 cinches. I am new to this additionally and committed the error of just utilizing one clasp gives simply state I a chance to will never commit that error again.