New guy

[Marktheshark]

  Hey guys whats going on my Name is Mark I just Signed up to the forum and thought it would be best to introduce myself. I have been procrastinating on starting to pour my own plastics for a while now and I've finally decided to go ahead and purchase some equipment. Is it best to start with a "kit" and I know it all depends on a couple factors but roughly how maybe baits do you guys get out of let's say 1 gallon of plastic?

[ctom]

Welcome to the forum Mark. You'll find lots of help here.

Your yield per gallon of plastic will depend on a lot. Bait size is a big factor. I generally make small baits and can see anywhere from 600 ice plastics from a 1 cup batch of plastic to maybe 50 of a 3" jerk-type baits from the same cup. Toads, frogs and creature eat up plastic fast. If you take your time and learn to re-melt scraps, you can stretch your numbers. There are lots of tricks you'll learn by doing instead of reading but you'll also find a learning curve that might account for some lost plastic in the beginning.

Kits are nice way to enter this game as long as the mold you want start with is in that kit. Beware though, growth from that starter package can be exponential...lol.

I'll just say to take your time and focus on what you have in front of you and to use all of the suggested safety items. It will help to begin with this when you do not have a lot of activity around you, "just in case". I believe in baby steps to get acquainted with everything that's a part of the process. That approach will yield great things down the road. Its a great hobby, you'll love it.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and remember that with this stuff there is no such thing as a stupid question. Play with colors. From one mold with a dozen colors, a couple hi lites and and simple pearl you can fill a lot of boxes with tackle.

Again, welcome aboard!

[Marktheshark]

Thank you for your input i have so many more questions but ill ask them as I cross those bridges

[pjmcla]

Welcome to the forum.  As Ctom has said;  It depends on the bait size and whether you remelt the sprues and runners.  Make sure you follow ALL the safety rules.

[kipbass]

 Get a notebook and write down how many ounces of plastic you put in a cup. Then count the drops from the colorant of your choice and record that. Next write down how many teaspoons of glitter you put in. Now you have a recipe and you have a record of what you did should you need to tweak it.
Be safe but have fun too or it will start to feel like a job and not a hobby. Welcome to the club!

[Marktheshark]

Thanks for the advice.... What is a general rule of thumb on how much color to lets say half a cup of plastic?? Do I also need to pick up hardener, softener, heat stabilizer, Ect?? What do you guys do? Just trying to get a feel for a starting point

[Bassman2169]

I wouldn't worry about hardener or softener yet, but I would get stabilizer.  If you are using X2 colorant, generally two to four drops per half cup.  Look in the color cookbook to get some good ideas on colorant amount.  If in doubt, use less color.  You can always make it darker.  Joey

[Marktheshark]

How about the molds and injectors from different company's  Bear baits, Basstackle, and Caney creek. Can they all be used together?  Injector from Bear baits and mold from Basstackle or any different combo ?

[ctom]

Molds are real interchangable between makers as far as accepting injector tips.

You'll see some differences between injectors from different companies. Caneys are a good injector. Jacobs makes a nice injector. Those that have a "locking" nozzle are the safest and easiest in my opinion. 

[Marktheshark]

But mold manufacturer doesn't matter??

[jl3140]

Welcome to the forum and to answer that question, it doesn't matter what manufacturer as long as the sprue is the standard size (I think it's 5/8")

Josh

[pjmcla]

Some of Jacobs molds used to accept only his injector; but I think he has modified the cutting on all his current production to a "universal" style.   

[ctom]

Some of Rick's older styles did have the small hole, but I opened my up by clamoing tight and running a counter-sink into the opening. Do it slowly and you'll have no problems at all.

Jacobs molds are nice molds. If you find some for sale used don't be afraid to pick them up and if you need to alter the port, do it as I just mentioned..

[Botanophilia]

Kits are a good way to get started, I went that route and highly recommend it.  I still haven't picked up heat stabilizer.  I've overcooked a few colors, but as long as I pay attention to the lighter colors and heat in small increments I don't have any problems.  I've reheated chartreuse 7 or 8 times without stabilizer and without much color change by heating it in 20 second intervals.  I highly recommend the X2 colorants as well.  They are really great. 

In general, there's only a little bit of a learning curve.  Once you get your process down and how all of the equipment works, you'll be a pro.  Each mold has its own learning curve as well, but as far as colorants, glitters, etc it's more about having fun experimenting. 

I have one mold from Jacob's and it works great with the injector from Caney Creek. 

As far as questions, there's lots to learn here on the forum.  Use the search function or just look at old posts.  It'll keep you busy for about a month.    Everyone here is super helpful, so feel free to ask whatever questions you have. 

[CrabbyBass]

Welcome to the board! There are a great group of guys here. Do not be afraid to ask any questions at all.

Be careful of starter kits! My buddy and I bought one and now we have 20 + molds and a lot of money invested in this "hobby."   

I love it, but it will make you poor. 

Welcome again!

Chuck