LOOKING TO GET STARTED NEED ADVICE

[Snyder61]

Looking to get into bait making. Just got back from a trip to Florida where I went through about 100 flukes in 2 days it got very expensive so I want to buy a setup to make my own. Now for my questions looking through the molds it looked like the 4" wutz it would be the first bait I would start making I need some help on what exactly I need. I know I need the mold and injector but that's about it. If someone could make me a list of what I need so I could order it I would appreciate it. Also do I need to add softeners or anything to my plastic? And does anyone know how many 4 inch wutz itz I can make with a gallon of plastic?

[Shane70]

along with the mold and injector, you will need Plastic, your choice of formula. You can find that here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Caney-Creek-Crystal-Clear-Plastisol-Phthalate-Free_p_181.html
ok, then color, what color(s) do you want your bait. there are two links for that. http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/X2-Colorant_p_328.html
and http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Colorant-5oz_p_162.html. Me, I like to use the X2, buts your choice.
Then scent, what do you want it to smell like. That's here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Upper-Hand-Scents-55oz_p_199.html
then for additives, there is a bunch they are here (along with the colors ling http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Glitter-Colorant-Pearls_c_19.html
Lets not forget the most important item, SAFETY, you'll need gloves. you could go to walmart or go here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Nitrile-Gloves_p_144.html
also a microwave. DO NOT USE THE HOUSE MICROWAVE. buy your own that's just for your plastics, no food allowed. That will allow you to melt the plastic, it will need to be around 350 degrees so get a thermometer. here is one http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Proaccurate-Digital-Thermometer_p_407.html
Hooks and eyes are here http://www.caneycreekmolds.com/Hooks-Eyes-and-Misc_c_28.html.

Hope that covers it all. Good luck and welcome to your new Hobby

[Snyder61]

To start out I will probably just be making white that's the color I fish the most and maybe add a little glitter. I guess my main question is do I need to add hardeners or softeners to the plastic? I'll be making 4 inch wutz it for now. And how many can I exapect to make with a gallon of plastic

[Shane70]

ok, just keep in mind the plastic is clear when it heats up to the correct temp, so you will need white coloring. as for the hardeners and softeners, I wouldn't add it at first, I doubt you will need it if you use regular formula plastic. only your testing on the water will tell. As to the amount you can make with a gallon, unsure about that question, Maybe Jerry can answer that one for ya

[andrewlamberson]

Not to discourage you...but white can be a really tough color.

Heat your plastic in small amounts (4oz) and watch those temperatures! As was mentioned...all of the plastic needs to get to 350 degrees to fully change state....BUT if you get it too hot it will use up all the heat stabilizer and it will start to yellow. You probably need to get some heat stabilizer and add it to your plastic ...especially after the first heating. CTom is the expert on using heat stabilizer and I'm sure will post.

READ all the safety posts! It's a great, fun hobby...but 360 plastic hurts!

[Justin9j]

Welcome.   You for sure need heat stabilizer if your doing white.  And. I would start with medium plastic.  And maybe a bottle of softener     just in case.  When you order go ahead get couple glitters. And other colors.  Saves on shipping. : ).  Start with only 2-4oz at a time.  Until you get the feel for it.  Write it all down. You will regret it if you don't.  Trust me.   

[ctom]

Until you get a good grip on how the plastic and heat relationship works, use stabilizer at a rate of about 20 drops to a 4 ounce batch. Until you know how to get the heat to 350 without singing your whites, do small batches of 4 ounces or less, stir after 30 seconds in the oven, again at 1 minute, and then reduce the power to 80% and heat/stir for no more than 15 second increments until you get to 350 and then do your initial injection or pour.. Keep your plastic under 350 if you need to reheat or remelt. Don't be afraid of stabilizer as it can save you a lot in time and $$$.

Shane has done a great job of outlining what most of us consider "basic" needs, but if you want to limit your activities right now to white, have at it. There is no harm at all in keeping your focus on a small target to start and maybe its even wise.

Andrew mentions the 360 degree plastic hurting. Its fact. Read the cautionary posts pegged in each section.

Most of all, have fun with this. You'll screw up, we all have and will again. That's part of the program and can actually turn into some great laughs. Everyone is different in how they approach the world of plastics and you'll find your niche and take right off. Don't get discouraged and do not get in a hurry. Remember....good things come to those who wait.

 

[Snyder61]

Sounds good guys I'm going to be making an order tomorow hopefully I don't forget anything. One more question how hard is it to make 2 tone  plastics I saw they sell a plate used in making them 2 tone should I get that as well or should I wait until I get the hang of things

[pjmcla]

The powdered white pearl really makes a nice minnow color.  Also; if these baits are for salt water; medium or maybe the hard plastic would be a good choice.  Black glitter (.040 ) and blue hi-lite ( 1/8 tsp or so per 6 oz. ) provide very good added touches in the "minnow type baits". 

[Snyder61]

Thanks a lot I'm going to place the order now! Thanks for all the advice! Still curious on a rough estimate of how many baits I will be able to make with a gallon

[Shane70]

Sounds good guys I'm going to be making an order tomorow hopefully I don't forget anything. One more question how hard is it to make 2 tone  plastics I saw they sell a plate used in making them 2 tone should I get that as well or should I wait until I get the hang of things

Two toned baits really look cool if you can get a good color combo down right (im still learning that). your first few batches might go into the junk pile but that's ok, you can make some killer baits out of the junk pile... I'd say go ahead and order you a twinjector or get the laminate plate that you were talking about. Just as Justin9j said, it saves on shipping cost.
I too agree with the Heat stabilizer (caint believe I forgot that one) you may also want worm oil

[sim]

Start with one of the 'get started kits' - just have them swap out the mold for the one you want - then build from there.

Since you know you want to do this - might as well spring the extra and get a kit with a gallon of plastic in it - the 'pint' is just a tease - trust me on that.

since you want to do baitfish colors - get the gunmetal flake as one of your options - along with the hologram silver.

[andrewlamberson]

Get the laminate plate... You need to be fairly experienced to handle a twin injector. I agree on upgrading to a gallon of plastic...even that goes way to quick!

[Shane70]

Oh one more quick advise. you will need to go to Wal-Mart, goodwill or wherever and get you a Pyrex glass bowl. the reason why is you need something that can hold 350 degrees of hot plastic without melting or breaking. Pyrex is very good for doing plastic. I go to Wal-Mart and buy these http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pyrex-8-piece-Storage-Plus-Value-Pack-4-each-1-cup-storage-with-red-plastic-covers/15114589 they even come with a lid for storage. Be sure you have adequate ventilation. Plastic does smell bad and give off bad fumes.

[toadfrogbaits]

Well guess I better chime in with what tiny bit of info I can offer . Be on the watch for small ceramic measuring cups that have a very sharp spout to pour with . They are very good for pouring appendages with less over pour and ceramic keeps the plastic hot longer . You can find them at flea markets and such for as little as .25 cents . They can't have gold leaf trim or that will react with the micro . I have dozens of them from 1/4 cup to a quart . Never had one bust form sitting it on a cold surface .