Swim Shad Denting

[SBuck88]

Just got my 4.5 inch, 4 cavity swim shad and I'm experiencing a lot of denting in the side of the swim shad.  I use 3 clamps and inject slow.  I hold it for about 5 to 8 seconds and top off.  Should I be holding it longer?  What's your process.  I always forget how to add the pic directly to the post...http://custombaits.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2138

[jmatheny9]

I'm not too sure about that mold but I've got the 3.5" version and when mine dent I'm doing one of two things. 1st is I am using too hot of plastic. Second the mold is too hot.

Mold being too hot May be fine for some people but I'm very impatient and I demold really fast. I can't explain why those two things cause it to dent but I'm sure someone else can


      -Jeremiah      @bullfroglures

[jl3140]

Here's the pic


If I were to guess as to what is happening, I'd say the plastic is too hot. If I were you, I'd let the plastic cool a bit more, and hold pressure for longer... Maybe 15-20 seconds, that's about how long I hold it for on the 3.5" swim shad.

There might also be an air bubble that is collapsing in the two spots that are denting but it's more than likely the first reason.

Hope this helps,
Josh

[SBuck88]

Good info guys.  I will try it with lower temps and hold it longer.  I have to do this same process on my Croakers, so it makes sense.
Thanks

[MasonForman]

I fixed this by turning the injector up, and pushing all the air out, when it's a flow of all plastic coming from the top, start injecting

[SBuck88]

I have been hand pouring the bottom and then going back and shooting the top.  No dents anymore.

[biglewers]

Thats why I got rid of that mold.  I could never get it to shoot right, unless I pourd the bellys myself.

[Apdriver]

Hey Biglewers. Did you get my PM. I believe we have some unfinished business. You never replied. What's going on?

[earthworm77]

generally it happens if you take the baits out of the mold before they have time to set up....generally the outside is set but the inside it still liquid and the wall will collapse.

[mickfoot]

I'm not too sure about that mold but I've got the 3.5" version and when mine dent I'm doing one of two things. 1st is I am using too hot of plastic. Second the mold is too hot.

Mold being too hot May be fine for some people but I'm very impatient and I demold really fast. I can't explain why those two things cause it to dent but I'm sure someone else can


      -Jeremiah      @bullfroglures

3 other things to think about: 1:  when was the last time you checked your 0-Rings in your injector?  2: Does you plastic have bubbles in it?  3: how fast r you shooting.  hot plastic in a hot mold shot fast...dents for me everytime. 

[TommySkarlis]

When I first started shooting (JVS taught me) I always used to question "Why the big puddle at the top of the sprue?" and now I know.  Another thing to try is to shoot multiple shapes/molds out of the same batch of plastic so you are working with cooler molds.