Dippin Frogs

[jsbass]

Hi Guys,
Well this is my 1st post on the CCM Forum. I want to say that I think Jason is producing some great molds.
While I have been pouring for several years now, this is my 1st attempt at injection molds.

Anyway, I have purchased the Croaker and am very pleased with it, but what is the best way to dip your frogs?

I am using a Pyrex cup and a microwave, but to keep it to the right consistency, I am heating it over and over. (and stirring a lot.)

Eventually, my clear plastic starts to turn color to a yellow ish brown color. (I assume it is starting to burn a little  )

For dipping, I am using Lurecraft 556 supersoft green plastic. Is it possible that I need to add a heat stablizer to the plastic?

I thought one of the new Fry Daddy's with the temp control would work, but all I seemed to do was burn the plastic. (6 cups of plastic wasted  )

Any Info will be greatly appreciated..

Jack

[Jason]

I bet you'll get a better response than this but I use a high temp silicon mixing bowl and do a bunch at one time (holds the heat longer).  Adding heat stabilizer will definitely help with the yellowing.  Do you have an infrared thermometer?  You definitely need one of these to monitor your plastic temp.  We'll see if Frank chimes in but I've seen videos of him using a small beaker and setting it on a hot plate.  I haven't tried this but I plan to as I bet this would be a really good way to do it.

One trick is if your plastic isn't to yellow you can add one drop of white and it makes it look clear again (per 1/2 cup of plastic).

[Frank]

I use a 100ml lab beaker to dip everything I do. I heat it once and keep it on a griddle set at 400 deg. It hold temp for a long time without reheating. I did a dozen frogs tonight and did not reheat once. The temp is good enough to get a thin coat but not hot enough to yellow is fast. When I have to reheat it is only for 30 sec at the most. I have not ordered a silicone bowl yet but when I get an order up I will get one and try it. The lab beakers are pretty thin  but have not broken one yet. The waste is minimal and usually just add it to the next color I make. It is deep enough to dip the largest baits I have.  Frank

[Jason]

Thanks Frank.  I knew you had this down.  Definitely appreciate you sharing your tricks of the trade!