Newbie questions

[MonteSS]

Looks like this site is a little less hostile than that "other" one

I am new to pouring and have been reading up and watching videos. The main baits I use and would like to make are stick baits.

I got a deal on a used 2 piece aluminum LC hand pour mold and some misc plastic molds, colors, glitter, softener, hardener, scent, etc. After research I ordered a gallon of CC soft plastic. Seems like best out there to me.

Also ordered some gloves, eyewear and silicone mixing cups. I will be cooking in a small microwave. I bough Mortons Pickling salt from Wallymart.

Any tips I need to know? Should I pour something without salt to get the hang of it. Jason reccomended adding softner to the salty stick baits as the salt hardens it up a bit. I usually use "salty trick stick" Senko imatation and they are not as soft and more durable than real Senkos.  Maybe I will be OK without softener? I guess I can try without. Will a different brand softener work with CC plastic? How much do you add.

I am sure I will have plenty more questions once I start pouring

Thanks....Bill

[Jason]

If you don't mind fishing them without salt I think you get better action and color without it.  However, a lot of guys don't like using a weighted hook and prefer salt. 

Regardless of how you want to fish them, I would start with just pouring a few sticks to get the hang of it.  Then try adding colorant, glitter and ultimately salt if you want it.  Here is a thread/video of the Carrot vs. a Senko.  The main thing I wanted to point out was the recipe and action of it.  You will probably want to tweak it a little for your taste.

http://www.caneycreekmolds.net/index.php?topic=276.0

The big thing is to keep asking questions.  There is a ton of knowledge and very helpful people here.

Tight lines!

Jason

[knifemaker3]

While I can't answer your questions I just wanted to say WELCOME!  This truely is the best forum on the web for plastic pourers.

Someone will be along shortly with answers to your questions I'm sure.  Sorry I can't help you out.

Good Luck!

[andrewlamberson]

Also being new to the hobby of pouring/injecting baits (6 whole months now!) there is really a fairly good learning curve!

My suggestions:
*ALWAYS wear a pair of heavy (welders gloves) when pouring, injecting etc. Get the ones that go up your arm a ways. The plastic is 350 degrees. Water boils at 220...get my point?
*Always wear some other pair of lighter, gloves when de-molding. If you're anything like me you be impatient and do it before all the plastic sets in the sprues...and those darn aluminum molds get HOT!
* I wear a welders apron ($9 at a big box store). That way if something goes wrong...it will protect me...and I can get it off in a hurry!
* Get a good thermometer! Even if you are top pouring. You'll get a LOT better results!
* Good Molds= Good Baits. Cheap molds are a WASTE of money!!
* I cannot hand pour (one sided mold) worth a darn! They look terrible.
* The salt thing was invented by worm molders that wanted their worms to tear in half easily...so they would sell more worms. Use a weighted wacky hook! Or bullet sinker.
*Take a bite out of a minnow...take a bite out of a salted worm...they do NOT taste the same!!! (dare you to do it!!). The salt thing is bull....(that comes from a guy that has bass fished for 40+ years)
* Make sure you VENTILATE ! See my post in: General Category / Safety / Do's and Don'ts / Re: Getting started safely....My setup   

I work in the plastics industry....you NEED to VENTILATE.

* Do everything slowly...and when you get into injection ( and you will!!!) remember to always push very slowly and with very little pressure. Pressure is the enemy...it makes very hot stuff fly a long way!

This hobby is very similar to big time plastic molding in so many ways!
Good Molds...good parts (and Jason makes VERY good molds)
Good plastic...good parts
The Plastic MUST be at the correct temperature.
Inject slowly (or you will get flash!)
Inject with the least pressure possible (all sorts of bad things can happen)

Violate any of the above....and "not good" things can happen!

Do everything right...It's a very fun hobby!

And your right...this Forum is very friendly and helpful !
   

[firetiger]

Best thing to do is just start pouring.  Of course after you have read all about safety procedures first!

Make a small batch of plastic with or without salt,with or without softener, etc.  Pour and see what you get.  If you don't like it, you can always re-melt it. 

Write down what went right and what went wrong, this will help you later when you have to make that same bait again.

There's definitely a learning curve and reading everything out there helps a lot, but it's so cool pouring and catching your first fish on something you created.

Good luck & enjoy!

[MonteSS]

Thanks all. I appreciate all the tips and safety warnings.

...Bill

[bassin85]

Remember when adding colorant, be sure to keep track of the number of drops per color you use and write it down.  This will be very helpful in the future when trying to duplicate a certain color.

[MonteSS]

Can I use M-F softener (got some in a used lot I bought) with CC soft plastic? How much to add for salted stick baits. (will try 1/4 cup salt per 8 oz)

Thanks again...Bill

[Jason]

It should be fine.  For 1/4 cup of salt I would start with 1/8 cup of softener and adjust from there.

Jason