Aluminum versus Plastic Molds

[bassmasters40701]

I hope everyone is having a safe Memorial Day extended weekend. I've got a quick questions...

I have a friend that would like to start pouring. He asked me what the advantages of having a plastic mold compared to an aluminum one. The only answer I could give him was durability. I told him I would do some asking and find out.

He only wants to make baits for himself and really only wants one type of grub mold. I think, especially since he is just starting out, he liked the cheaper price of a plastic mold but wants to get something that will shoot a good bait for him.

Thanks for any advice you can give and I will pass it along.

Tyler

[Muskygary]

You cannot inject a plastic mold. JannsNetxcraft does have some plastic ones for injection but they work horrible. I have heard all sorts of bad stories of hot plastic squirting out all over. The open pour molds work super and cost around $5 to $10 dollars. (try E-bay). I still use a lot of these. Long term use aluminum is the way to go. Starting out I would go with open pour (look at all the molds on Lurecraft.com) you only need your liquid plastic, pyrex cup and coloring. By the way the best plastic is Caney Creek. Tell him to use it and hw will have less trouble. Also look at Jason's open pour molds, but I don't thing Jason has any open pour grub molds.

[toadfrogbaits]

I have had a bunch of rtv molds . they are okay if you are just doing a baits that you use all the time . But don't waste your money if you are going to try to do production on a daily basis. First time you get a nick in a cavity edge of the mold by dropping it or trying to trim with a bait in the mold it will split the mold . That is not an easy thing to fix if you can at all.

[ghostbaits]

With a grub bait, you are guaranteed to have to buy an aluminum mold. MuckyGary is correct on the plastic ones, don't risk injury.

Grub molds are really best if you have a FULL body, not half. Open pour or hand pour will not give you this and the tail may be to thick to properly perfom.

I have made 2 piece grub molds from plaster of paris but it is pretty tough to make.

If you are going to do a hand pour style, I would consider this one from BT that is listed on eBay. It is the only 1 sided mold that was close to grub action when poured. Granted, I did not try all the Lurecraft models..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Goby-Swirl-Tail-Mold-/320914587796?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab8000094

Jim

[bassmasters40701]

Thanks for all of the info. All of the molds I have are aluminum so didn't have any answers for him. I will pass this information along.

Thanks again!