Weights and measures

[Denny Welch]

Has anyone ever measured how much plastic it takes to fill individual molds and, if so, are you willing to share that information.  It would sure be nice to be able to go to a chart and figure out how best to utilize 3 or 4 ounces of plastic.  Just a thought.

[BassDetective]

I have some rough estimates.  You should probably be specific about the molds you are interested in.  I posted a costing spreadsheet that included this calculation.  That sheet included an estimate for the 3.5 " Swim Shad.  My estimates included plastic held in the sprue and some left in the cup.  About 8 oz of plastic is used to fill 5 - 3.5" Swim Shad molds. 

[pjmcla]

This is sort of a trick question.  I have weighed every type of bait I inject and almost all the sample baits I have received from Jason.  I would be glad to share these.  But; how this translates to actually injecting a given number of baits is a horse of a different color.  There will be a left over "heel" of congealed plastic in the injector and plastic in the sprue and injection port.  We need to define what we are seeking to avoid talking oranges and apples.   

[Denny Welch]

I guess what I was after is something like this:  If it takes 3 ounces to pour a 5" carrot mold what other mold can I pour with the remaining 1 ounce?  The spru would be included in what it takes to fill the mold.  If I had those answers I think I could utilize my molds more efficiently, heat the plastic less frequently, save a ton of time, etc.

[pjmcla]

Your best bets are going to be the panfish molds or one of the tip or tail molds if you have one.  My favorite mold to "clamp up" as a top off mold is the 1.75" Small fry.  It takes little plastic and, injects like a dream, and rewards you with 12 "free" baits.  If the color is right; the mudbug claw tip mold is another I utilize; it requires a tad less plastic than the 1.75" Small fry but the color is more restrictive.  I will clamp up the Tiny toad sticker a fair bit as well.  Sometimes a color you are not sure is a good choice will produce a slick looking bait.  Air intrapment in the injector becomes a real issue here.

[BassDetective]

I know the 4.5 inch Swim Toad takes a little less than 1 oz.  I can get 3-4 of them in a shot with my CC 4 oz injector