Stabilizers

[floridagrimp]

 I have been using CC stabilizer...(still use it) got sample from large company and tried their's...whoa, nellie!!! The fumes off of the "other" stabilizer was unbelievable...my pouring place is well vented, several fans, open doors and that stuff was still wicked smelling. Memo to anyone new at pouring (IMO), CC's clear stabilizer might be better for your baits and surely for your health !!!

"Quality (and good health) is long remembered after price is forgotten"

[412BaitCo]

I've personally learned the same thing about plastic. So tired of stirring this jug for ten minute before I pour anything then dealing with millions of micro bubbles! Can't wait for it to be gone and using crystal clear again.

[floridagrimp]

yep...same with plastic, though the plastic isn't as big a problem as the stabilizer. I have used CC and two other companies plastisol, CC is far, far superior; better baits, better to work with. Calhoun's med. works for my needs but not hard to discern CC's better.   

[412BaitCo]

Yeah it's workable just a lot more work lol.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Awesome FloridaG, thank You Sir!  I'm almost out of "Hard" and have been looking for an alternative brand to save some money.  Adding shipping costs to others, the cost is more than CCM in some cases, and the ONE place/way I can save a decent amount of money, I have to buy 5 gallons to save and I have to burn gas to get there then pay tax...then I'd have to deal with lower grade plastisol.  The more I think about it, it's getting harder and harder to justify trying to step away from CCM plastic, in order to try and save a few bucks.

I definitely appreciate this heads-up on the Stabilizer, also.  CCM plastic and additives seem like the way to go...or stay.  It's ok, IMHO, I'll be looking for more bags anyway...it's almost time to Do-It To-It...February isn't far away and the Sacalait have been calling me, leaving obscene voicemails.

[412BaitCo]

Bare I had the same thought process on saving a couple dollars and in the end when you factor in all the wasted time mixing and waiting for micro bubbles to subside CCM is a better value in my IMHO. After all time is money!

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Roger on'nat, 412.  If I were buying 55 gal. drums I could save and justify a move, but it looks like I'm "stuck" using the good stuff.  Oh no!  lol

[ctom]

I am of the school that if I buy, say, CCM plastic, anything that can be added to soften or harden or stabilize the plastic should come from the same maker. Colors, glitters, hi lites, etc are a different story but then CCM X2 colors make that a no brainer too.

[Frank]

While I have some cc plastic and love how it works it still on the high side of the price pyramid. As are some others. The least expensive one keeps me in business and keeps me competitive with my prices. I sell most of my products to others that repackage with there names. This difference in price is the difference in being busy or not. As for bubbles they don't mean much as when you add color and glitter. But for clear baits I have to use cc plastic. I do buy a lot of plastic and wish I could truly know what make the price so much different. But that will take time as lips are tightly sealed but it is not impossible. To be real honest shipping is a killer. Fifty bucks for shipping five gallons of plastic from coast to coast is just money down the drain. And when they damage a shipment and have to resend that sucks too. With cc plastic we all pay the same and the bags are the ideal package as they don't break and are easy to mix. Not an issue with the cc stuff but a real issue with the lower priced one. Frank

[floridagrimp]

I hear u, Frank.  I like CC's plastic for personal use, but where I live I can't use it in production...but it is superior stuff!!

ctom, you can mix different companies products, i.e. Calhoun's plastic w/CC's stabillzer, works fine. Don't know about the reverse...   

[ctom]

ctom, you can mix different companies products, i.e. Calhoun's plastic w/CC's stabillzer, works fine. Don't know about the reverse...   

I know this can be done. If there is ever a quality issue or a problem with a product, using the same plastic brand's modifiers won't be an issue. I use CCM plastic and use CCM stabilizer and have no issues at all. I don't care for the other plastics I have used and like-wise won't use their stabilizers even if it is a buck or two cheaper. Colorants, glitters and hi lites I shop for, not the plastic and components for use with it.

[Mic]

Since the subject is Stabilizers, What ratio of stabilizer per cup do you use?  does this change with the size of the batch?  Sounds like the same question but really it isn't.  I have never used stabilizers so I am not sure how to use and what quantity etc.  I know you all have been there done that so any advise is very valuable. 

Thanks,

Mick

[ctom]

I do all small batches. 6 ounces is about the largest I do. Most all of the colors I make are transparent too. I will use anywhere from 10 drops to 20 drops depending on the color I am making. The clearer I want to keep the colors, say the eye dip, the stronger the ratio or more drops I use.