New Member here - Looking to get started

[RTL]

I would like to purchase one of the Big Foot Swimming toad molds and start pouring my own toads. I have never poured the first plastic. So I would like, if someone could help me with what items I need to purchase.

I'll start off with... 4" Swim Toad "Big Foot" mold

The rest I sure could use some help.

Thanks a ton, looking forward to being an active member on this forum

[TheDreamer]

Hey RTL, I would pick this up:

http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Kit--Injection-Croaker_p_253.html

"This kit includes the essentials you need to get started.  All you'll need to do is steal your wife's Pyrex cup, wait until she's going to be out of the house for a while, and have at it.

Seriously, before we talk about what's in the kit, you need to understand this is a very fun hobby, but you need to be safe as well.  Do your homework first, wear proper safety clothes / equipment, don't learn the hard way with 350 degree plastic.

There are several very good sites you can research different techniques, safety, and get support from others who have been doing this for a long time.  Start with our Forum, no question is a dumb question.  If you're not sure just pick up the phone and call us.  That's why we list our phone number on the site.

You ultimately will end up in the basement or garage, but if this is your first time and you're excited, and just happen to be in the kitchen, and low and behold there's a microwave...  MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS AND DOGS ARE NOT RUNNING AROUND!

Enough of the lecture.  The kit includes:

1) Aluminum Injection Mold (3.5" Croaker)
2) Medium Plastic Injector (please be careful)
3) Pint of Crystal Clear plastic (soft or medium)
4) 2 - 5 oz containers of plastic colorant (your choice)
5) 2 - 2 oz containers of glitter (your choice)
6) Nitrile Gloves

The mold can be exchanged for a different mold - we will just need to calculate the difference.

When you check out make sure and let us know which mold, type of plastic, colorants and glitter you want.

Remember, this is really fun and extremely satisfying, but be safe and use 2 clamps."

During checkout just state in the notes that you want the Big Foot mold and the size you would like (including the link to the mold you want doesn't hurt) and they will switch the molds in the kit for you and adjust the price.

The only other items you will need:
Microwave
Pyrex cup or Silicon cup
2 clamps (check your local hardware store, lowes or homedepot)
Here are good clamps to start with: http://www.lowes.com/pd_102543-281-506QCN_0__?productId=1205529&Ntt=irwan+clamp&Ns=p_product_price|0


The kit is a great way to get started!

Hope this helps,

Drew

[TheDreamer]

While your waiting on your kit to arrive you can read through the forum, check the video section and also search youtube for helpful ideas/tips for getting started.

Here is a great place to start:
http://www.caneycreekmolds.net/index.php?board=14.0

Drew

[RTL]

Thank you, I just placed the order for that Injection Kit and left instructions to replace the Croaker with the Big Foot. I'm going to be BUSY BUSY reading everything now that it just got REAL!!!

[TheDreamer]

Glad to hear it, looking forward to seeing your first baits!


Drew

[RTL]

I also just scored a brand new Microwave out of the Office here that's been here since we moved in!

[TheDreamer]

NICE!

[pjmcla]

Welcome aboard.
Make sure you have very good ventilation.  The off gasses as the plastic catalyzes and at high temperature should not be breathed.  Watching You tube videos and reading the forum for tips are both good ideas. 

[Denny Welch]

Hey RTL,

Welcome to the forum.  Never, ever be afraid to ask for help or advice.  The whole purpose of this forum is to share ideas, and get help.  It's going to take a few days to get the stuff you ordered.  I suggest you use that time to read over the SAFETY page and to look at the YouTube videos that Jason made.  I'd also suggest you go to the Do-It website and take a look at all the How To videos they have.  They deal with both plastic and lead.

Last, but not least, go the the "What do you do?" page (Home...General...towards the bottom of the page) and let us know WHAT DO YOU DO.  That page will also give you a pretty good indication of who you'll be communicating with on the forum.  Again, welcome.

[gone2long]

All good advice also go to Tackleunderground and join very good source of safety and how-to that helps the newb, as we all were at one time

[MonteSS]

Welcome.

I would also highly reccomend getting heat stabilizer. It helps the plastic not to burn if you overheat it (and you will)

Heat in short intervals until you learn. 30 secs or 15 when it is close to end. STIR STIR STIR. I use a butter knife

Pint of plastic wont last long either.

...Bill

[Lamar]

Your screwed !! Just figure an extra 500 bucks on your next order. Molds, colors, sents and on and on. I just pray my wife never asks why I have so much because I'm not sure I have a good answer.

[RTL]

Hey RTL,

Welcome to the forum.  Never, ever be afraid to ask for help or advice.  The whole purpose of this forum is to share ideas, and get help.  It's going to take a few days to get the stuff you ordered.  I suggest you use that time to read over the SAFETY page and to look at the YouTube videos that Jason made.  I'd also suggest you go to the Do-It website and take a look at all the How To videos they have.  They deal with both plastic and lead.

Last, but not least, go the the "What do you do?" page (Home...General...towards the bottom of the page) and let us know WHAT DO YOU DO.  That page will also give you a pretty good indication of who you'll be communicating with on the forum.  Again, welcome.

Thank you for this advice, I'm definitely going to be reading as much as I can over the next couple of weeks!

Your screwed !! Just figure an extra 500 bucks on your next order. Molds, colors, sents and on and on. I just pray my wife never asks why I have so much because I'm not sure I have a good answer.

I know right! The day is just getting started and I've already started checking out some 5" Stick Bait molds - I LOVE Senko Fishing!

I seriously think I would be happy with a 5" Stick Bait Mold, Frog Mold (Which I have coming) and a Crayfish Mold

WHO AM I KIDDING!!! We all know that's a lie, hehe

[pjmcla]

RTL  -  Another tid-bit I can offer.  Use the sample pack of baits offer from Do-It.  Pictures of baits are good.  But;  having the actual bait in hand to smoke over and test before plunking down your money for a mold is a great value.     

[biglewers]

RTL  feel free to call me anytime.  Ill help you.