Presto pot

[feathercast]

Do you guys use Presto pots without the mixer on top? I'm thinking about going that way but not sure if I can do it without the mixer. I'm using the microwave now but I have to keep putting it back in between pours.

[knifemaker3]

I do....but I don't add salt to my baits.  I haven't had an issue as long as I keep it stirred well.  Use a bent metal rod, wire kitchen wisk, or silicone spatula to stir with as wood will create bubbles in the plastic.

I still primarily use the micro even though I have a presto.  Purchased my presto from wally world for 20 or 30 something bucks.  works good enough for me.

Good Luck!

[Jason]

To add to the above question, at what point do you find it makes sense to leave the microwave and use the pot?  Both in terms of number of molds / cavities, and number of baits you are making in that color.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Jason

[pjmcla]

I am not even in a league with Ghostbaits, Frank, Microspooons, Jason, others.  But I am really trying to increase my efficiency. Currently; I only use the microwave and work in 6 oz. "batches".  This is a decent "match" to the CCM injector.  With the molds I have I set up "mold sets" of baits that I want that color; clamping up groups of molds that will "utilize" almost an injector of plastic; with a little volume safety margin.  Six ounces of plastic will typically inject two "mold sets" if I inject the "extra" back into the cup and remix and top off the heating.  Then demolding, bait laying for curing, and and a remelt cup is done.  Typically this will yield one more full injection.  Small fries, claws and tips will typically yield another two "full cycles".   I am currently stuck at this level as I don't have enough molds to inject beyond two "mold sets" of a given color. Demolding, bait laying, and sprue and injector plug rework takes more time than the actual injecting cycles for me.  If I were to "ignore" my sprues and injector plugs for remelting; short term volumes could really increase.  I am thinking I may test something like an 18 oz. "batch" in a "pop" insulated pyrex cup set up to see if my overall efficiency will go up.  This would be with "major" sprue / injector plug remelt cycles.       

[t-billy]

 I use a presto pot without a stirring system for injecting unsalted baits. It's easy to keep glitter suspended by giving a quick stir before filling the injector. I stir with a slotted stainless spatula. If your using salt a stirring system is highly recommended. The only thing I salt are stick worms and mine are open pour rtv molds I made. I prefer a hotplate and pouring pot for hand pouring. Lodge logic makes some great little cast iron pouring pots. They heat evenly and hold heat better than thinner pots. I use these when injecting small batches of baits as well. There are plenty of people who will disagree with me but, I think pouring pots and presto pots are much easier/better than microwaving. They heat more evenly and allow you to slowly bring your plastic up to the temp you want and hold it there as long as you need to. I injected 134 craws one day last week from 3 single cavity molds using my presto pot. It took about 4 hours including heat up time. I heated up 4 cups of plastic to 310-315 and went to work. I gave it a little shot of stabilizer about every half hour or so and the last baits looked just as good as the first. Some others will disagree but,that's what works for me.----Best RegardsTim.

[kipbass]

I own (4) 4 cavities, 5 1/4" stick bait molds, they are hand pour molds. I have tried making a two cup batch of plastic, but it's difficult to pour in such a large cup and that amount of plastic. I have tried using 2 separate cups at 4 oz batches each, and still have difficulty pouring in 4 molds. Getting a rhythm down between pouring and demolding is tough. I feel like a Presto Pot with a fine pour spout would be ideal for this many molds with this many cavities, as I have a family member requesting 20 bags with 10 baits in each.

[t-billy]

I own (4) 4 cavities, 5 1/4" stick bait molds, they are hand pour molds. I have tried making a two cup batch of plastic, but it's difficult to pour in such a large cup and that amount of plastic. I have tried using 2 separate cups at 4 oz batches each, and still have difficulty pouring in 4 molds. Getting a rhythm down between pouring and demolding is tough. I feel like a Presto Pot with a fine pour spout would be ideal for this many molds with this many cavities, as I have a family member requesting 20 bags with 10 baits in each.

A presto pot with a stirring system and a ball valve installed right next to the heating element is ideal for high volume runs. For open pour molds you just crack open the ball valve to get a fine stream and slide the molds underneath. It takes practice like anything else but,once you get the hang of it it's very fast and efficient.

[feathercast]

From the sounds of you guys, my wife just lost her Presto pot! Thanks for insight guys.

[andrewlamberson]

The Presto pot seems way to big for my purposes....is there a way to lower the capacity or is there a smaller alternative? I've searched the internet for a small capacity unit of some kind.

Has anyone had success with a cast iron pot on a burner or griddle? I know from using  our Lodge cast iron dutch ovens camping they can really hold the heat!

I just need a couple cups worth of hot plastic.

[kipbass]

The Presto pot seems way to big for my purposes....is there a way to lower the capacity or is there a smaller alternative? I've searched the internet for a small capacity unit of some kind.

Has anyone had success with a cast iron pot on a burner or griddle? I know from using  our Lodge cast iron dutch ovens camping they can really hold the heat!

I just need a couple cups worth of hot plastic.

Don't know if the store is in your area, but there's a store here called Burkes Outlet. They have a smaller presto pot, maybe 2 quarts, but not sure. I think it cost about $30; the same price for the larger one wally world sells.

[Dave]

After reading this thread I can come to understand the importance of a presto pot V's a Microwave. Many people have referred me to Bear Baits Presto pots as well, but my question to you guys that are already using Presto Pots is, If you're going to dual inject with a blending block, how much plastic are we really looking at?

[t-billy]

The Presto pot seems way to big for my purposes....is there a way to lower the capacity or is there a smaller alternative? I've searched the internet for a small capacity unit of some kind.

Has anyone had success with a cast iron pot on a burner or griddle? I know from using  our Lodge cast iron dutch ovens camping they can really hold the heat!

I just need a couple cups worth of hot plastic.

The little lodge cast iron pouring pots I use are perfect for 3/4 cup and smaller batches. I have two hot plates and 4 pots so while I'm pouring from one another is heating up. The big presto works great with 1-2 cup batches,just put something under the back two legs to give it a little tilt to aid in filling your injector. I use a little piece of 2x4. The presto heats up fast. It'll heat up a few cups in 10-15 minutes and hold it at a steady temp. Also don't rely on the presto temp setting. I set mine at about 350 to keep my plastic around 310-320. An IR thermometer is very handy.

[matt]

how do you keep the plastic form burning when i shut it down and take the plastic out its burn or browned

[andrewlamberson]

t-billy,
Thanks for the tip on the Lodge Pouring pots! I ordered 2 last night. Those on my hot plate sound like what I'm looking for (the Pyrex cups heat too fast/cool at the top/burn on the bottom.)

[t-billy]

t-billy,
Thanks for the tip on the Lodge Pouring pots! I ordered 2 last night. Those on my hot plate sound like what I'm looking for (the Pyrex cups heat too fast/cool at the top/burn on the bottom.)

Your welcome Andrew. Hope you like em. I couldn't be happier with mine. When I first started pouring I tried the little aluminum pouring pots and had a hard time not scorching plastic. I found the Lodge pots on ebay and haven't looked back since.

how do you keep the plastic form burning when i shut it down and take the plastic out its burn or browned

Matt how hot are you running your plastic? I've never had that problem. You could try pouring what's left into another container when you finish instead of letting it cool in the presto. I need to run my plastic at around 330 to consistently get full tails with my ribbontail worm molds. My other molds shoot great at 310-320. Jasons ribbontails look awsome in the water by the way. I think the 4.75 is gonna be deadly on my local river smallies. COME ON SPRING !!!