Long Term Mold Alignment

[BareKnuckleJigs]

CCM/Do-It molds are high quality.  They're thick and well-made.  The designs are good and the finish inside the cavities suggest sharp tooling.

Another aspect is the hinges.  They're convenient and hold good alignment.  The molds will stay aligned as long as the hinges remain solid...but what's going to happen when the hinges on my (quite numerous) molds start to loosen?  The 1st thing that will happen is the hinge-side of the mold will lose alignment...then what?  Will I be able to send my mold(s) in for a Tune-up?  What will that cost me?

Are there hinges readily available that are EXACTLY what I need so I can replace them myself?  If so, how do I ensure proper alignment when I replace the hinge?

Will I be able to send it/them to Do-It to be drilled and fitted with Alignment Pins on the Hinge-side, to eliminate the hinge issue and regain/maintain proper alignment?

   Sincerely,

   Invested

[socobass]

Have you had any problems with the hinges yet?

[socobass]

I think you might want to ask CCM direct with a phone call if you are really that concerned

[BareKnuckleJigs]

No problems yet.  Just thinking ahead.  When I have this much invested, I AM "that" concerned.  And I'm not calling anyone...this should be out in the open 'cuz it's like that.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

And BigMouthBass, I think You need to reread my Original Post.  What I'm bringing to the table is Thinking.  I'm not complaining or whining, I'm inquiring.  This is for everyone...even You...that is, if You own any of this makers' molds.

[andrewlamberson]

I dropped one of my molds knocking it out of alignment. Do-it sent me a replacement hinge which went on with no issues.

Given the quality of the aluminum used, good quality screws and hinges I really doubt you could wear one out.

By the way....I was able to mold just fine without the hinges until I got my replacement...just like any other two piece mold that come without hinges.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Roger on all that, but CCM molds only have an Alignment Pin on 1 side, in 1 corner.  One can shoot a bit, but can get misaligned shots if the mold isn't manually aligned and clamped in that alignment...without a hinge.

EDIT-Wrong thinking on my part.  More steps would be involved.

I definitely agree with the hinges being good quality.  They seem to be of precision.  Maybe Do-It will sell just the hinges, and any instructions to get the alignment right.  Before laminate plates, I took the hinge off of a 3" Glider mold.  After the 3rd attempt, it's almost like new, but not quite...the 2 halves of the bait aren't lined up like they were.  There is a system of fastening the hinge...that's the other component they need to supply, maybe with the hinges when we buy the hinges.  If they sold them, I'd get at least 1 spare for every mold I have.

Good to see You, Mr. Andy, and thank You for posting here.

[Jerry V]

We have in the past and will at any time.  Send a replacement hinge along with screws if you should feel the need to replace a hinge. because it is worn.  or doesn't align like it did when it was new.

Jerry

[ctom]

Speaking on plastics molds, I have a couple molds that have been used to death and haven't had a nickel's worth of hinge wear. I don't believe and hinge will wear with use but a hinge can be bent if dropped. The hinges appear to be made of stainless and honestly the thought of one wearing out never entered my mind and I am not going to lose sleep over the idea either. Here's why....."We have in the past and will at any time.  Send a replacement hinge along with screws if you should feel the need to replace a hinge. because it is worn".

I have one lead mold that's maybe twelve years old that I have cast roughly 100,000 jigs out of that has a couple of worn pin holes so I simply replaced the mold. I recently converted the 1/16 cavities to accept the wacky hooks and its back in use again.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

I totally agree, Mr. Tom.

Some of my molds are pretty expensive, and I'd like to cover these bases before the need arises, should it ever.  I have 2 molds that were $160 apiece, 1 that's $140, 4 that are about $110 each, along with 12 other aluminum injection molds that are a bit less pricey...more than half of my injection molds have hinges.

In the past, I've found myself holding 1 mold half while the other half hung on the hinge, tho gently, it still was a'swingin'.  Can You say, "neglect"?  No human is perfect, which is why we buy insurance.  To protect our investments and interests.