Soft plastic beads

[Jtsides]

I’m new to soft plastic injection molding. I’ve been making soft beads for steelhead fishing. I’m looking for a 12 mm or .47 inch bead mold. I can’t seem to find one online. They must exist because many companies are producing this size bead. Are they getting this mold custom machined? If so, do you have any suggestions? Should I just find a local machine shop or do you have any recommendations? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[ctom]

Welcome to the Do-It boards JT.

That's getting to be a fairly large bead sized. I checked a couple other sites that make the molds for eggs but you're right and the stall out at about .250". Take a look at the Do-It slingshot pellet mold found in the on-line store under specialty lead molds. There are two molds, one making a .44" ball and the other a .50" ball. Enlarge the photo and check the area around gates to see if this mold may work with a little work with a countersink.

[Mike J]

http://www.basstackle.com/product_p/406-kj-198.htm

Not as big as you want but this is biggest I could find.  .375 or 3/8"

[Jtsides]

thanks for the help guys. I think I’m just going to shell out the $$$$$ for a custom mold. Bears baits used to make the mold I’m looking for but not any longer. I’m really surprised this size mold isn’t available yet. Out here in the West cost soft bead fishing for steelhead has really taken off and 12 mm is a popular size in high water

[macklb]

A 50 caliber bullet mold makes about a 12.5 mm ball.  I'm going to try hand pouring one with orange plastic to see how it works.  If that works, I'm going to have to look up how to fish with it!

[2XL]

Interesting idea mac. I don't fish  soft beads at all but I'd like to see how your bullet mold idea pans out.

[Lines]

I had the same thought when I first read this post Mack. I'm sure it will work.

[macklb]

I tried it today and made 16 beautiful eggs in about 10  minutes.  I used a Beast injector, which I believe is for injecting food, and it fit the sprue hole great.  If someone wanted to do serious quantities I believe the Lee 12-cavity mold would really crank them out.  I did 8 batches of 2 eggs without reheating the plastic.  I had it to around 350 or so when I started.

[macklb]

I tried to post a photo but to no avail.

[WALLEYE WACKER]

Welcome to the forum the easiest way I post pics. Is on tapatalk with your phone. Sure would like see the 50’s soft bead

[Lines]

Way to go macklb! Glad it worked out.

[macklb]

http://custombaits.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=3181

[ctom]

Those look real.

[Bob]

thanks for the help guys. I think I’m just going to shell out the $$$$$ for a custom mold. Bears baits used to make the mold I’m looking for but not any longer. I’m really surprised this size mold isn’t available yet. Out here in the West cost soft bead fishing for steelhead has really taken off and 12 mm is a popular size in high water

Shoot a message to Leonard at BaitJunkys, he'll have exactly what you need.

[Lines]

Awesome job mack. Steelhead ammunition....very cool!