Custom Baits - Forum
Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: Keener205 on 02/26/17 08:50 UTC
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This is my first attempt to making my own jigs. I started with and under doing style my problem is that the insert keeps getting loose inside the jig when I attempted to close it around the swivel. I use plumbers lead and melting it on high. Also had painting issues it would run when I was baking it. Any and all help is needed. Thank you.
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Welcome to the Do-It forums Keener.
I'll just guess that you're having issues with the insert coming loose in the smaller head? Like the 1/16? Small heads can be a stickler because there is so little lead around the insert. Other than being very careful how you close that loop around the swivel there are a couple thoughts here for you. #1. Try a harder lead allow in the smaller cavities where this issue arises for you. The harder lead will not move as easily as the pure lead. #2. Go to a craft store where they sell beading supplies and pick up a beading pliers with a couple different sized openings in the jaws. Use the smallest opening to close the loops around the swivels. I use beading pliers in a lot of my wire bending [closing the eyes of inserts] work.
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Most of the jigs are 5/8 1/2 and 3/8. Is there anything I can use to make my lead harder?
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Pure tin will harden your lead some but I haven't ever figured out a decent ratio for adding it to the lead. I guess depending on what the capacity of your melting pot is you could add some wheel weight but I'd go slow adding those and removing any that won't melt right away. The alloys used in wheel weights today are weird, some melt right in quickly while others just sort of take up space and won't melt down.
If you have a 10 pound pot I think adding a 3-4 ounce weight would do the trick. Check some tire shops and ask if you can get a couple new weights so you don't have to mess with grease and road grime. Try to find those that have the metal snap attachment on the weights, not the stick on variety.
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Ok I will do that and some wheel weights. I'll get some tomorrow and keep y'all up to date. Thanks for the help
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Welcome to custombaits.com Keener205.