Custom Baits - Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: knifemaker3 on 09/26/11 17:36 UTC

Title: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: knifemaker3 on 09/26/11 17:36 UTC
Hey all,

I've started using cookie sheets to lay my baits on when curing.  I lay them all out neatly on a paper towel and then stack the cookie sheets staggered to let air to the baits....probably not necessary but I do it anyway.

I was just wondering what you all do to lay your baits out to cure......you know enquiring minds want to know!  ::)

They do cure straight but it sure is a pain to do.  If I didn't remelt the sprues I'd probably just put some finish nails in the wall of the shop and hang them by the sprue to cure......hhhhmmm that would work if I remelted the sprues later.  Might even be a better option for large runs......

So, what do you all do?

Later!
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: BassDetective on 09/26/11 18:06 UTC
I drop them in a bucket of water first and then lay them out on a flat board.  The cooling effect of the water allows them to take their natural shape.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: kipbass on 09/26/11 18:29 UTC
Hey all,

I've started using cookie sheets to lay my baits on when curing.  I lay them all out neatly on a paper towel and then stack the cookie sheets staggered to let air to the baits....probably not necessary but I do it anyway.

I was just wondering what you all do to lay your baits out to cure......you know enquiring minds want to know!  ::)

They do cure straight but it sure is a pain to do.  If I didn't remelt the sprues I'd probably just put some finish nails in the wall of the shop and hang them by the sprue to cure......hhhhmmm that would work if I remelted the sprues later.  Might even be a better option for large runs......

So, what do you all do?

Later!
same as you. on a cookie sheet for 24 hrs.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: pjmcla on 09/26/11 19:29 UTC
I use large, slick finish ceramic floor tiles.  I had several samples from an old remodeling project and they seem to work well. I am going to build a slide in bakers rack from wood to stack them in.  So many projects; so little time.  If you can get away with stealing ( I mean borrowing ) from the kitchen large shallow pyrex cooking pans; I use them for storage after curing.
   
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: knifemaker3 on 09/26/11 20:06 UTC
I drop them in a bucket of water first and then lay them out on a flat board.  The cooling effect of the water allows them to take their natural shape.

just don't remelt your sprues after dropping them in water.  water and hot plastic don't mix well.

your method works great for hand pour though...that's the way I've always done when hand pouring since there is no sprue to remelt.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: CasterCreekTackle on 09/27/11 07:31 UTC
I have these big automotive trays I bought at autozone that i use to lay my baits out on. Its like a really big cookie pan.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: firetiger on 09/27/11 09:24 UTC
The big drip pans from the automotive stores are the way to go.  You can put a lot of baits on them.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: ghostbaits on 09/27/11 11:14 UTC
Agreed!!! I used to use the thin oven protecting sheets but they would not hold up to a full load of baits.... They were cheap though. 2 for $1...

Jim
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: Jason on 09/27/11 11:45 UTC
We use a bun rack and trays.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/heavy-duty-end-load-bun-pan-rack-unassembled/109APR1820L.html (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/heavy-duty-end-load-bun-pan-rack-unassembled/109APR1820L.html)

Fits a lot of baits without taking up a lot of space.

Jason
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: pjmcla on 09/27/11 11:51 UTC
Is there any concern about the baits picking up traces of metal during the curing process?  On the 1970's plastics, aluminum did not work.
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: knifemaker3 on 09/27/11 12:02 UTC
That's why I put them on the paper towel....althought it's more so the oils in the worm don't leach onto the pan more than the pan messing up the worm
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: bribass on 09/27/11 13:32 UTC
Jason,

That is awesome! I have a cabinet made to the same effect but i need to remove the shelves one by one if i want to get to a "lower shelf" of baits... that u can slide out any shelf at any time.. wish i thought of that!

Any one want to buy a wood cabinet and 25 shelves?  ;D
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: Jason on 09/27/11 13:38 UTC
Is there any concern about the baits picking up traces of metal during the curing process?  On the 1970's plastics, aluminum did not work.

I haven't had an issue.  What was the issue in the 70's?  They are molded in aluminum and the racks / trays are aluminum (used in the food industry). I figure if I can eat off them so can the fish.

Jason
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: pjmcla on 09/27/11 15:51 UTC
In the 70's Plaster of paris skim coated with thinned epoxy paint was the basis for my molds.  Aluminum and "home molds" were totally unknown. The worms if left curing directly on an aluminum cookie sheet overnight would discolor.  I don't know if it was the plastic, or the dyes, or the aluminum.  All three have made great strides since 1975.  Even aluminum has better alloys.   I used window glass back then. 
Title: Re: how do you lay your baits out to cure?
Post by: Coosa Redeye on 10/07/11 14:54 UTC
I use Closet Maid shelves and hang mine by the sprue.