Starting to pour

[b.eipert]

My mold should be here tomorrow and I am wondering if I should be using a hot plate or a microwave to melt the worms? I am going to be melting down some of my old torn up ones.

[ctom]

I'd us a microwave but others will tell you the hot plate, iron pot. Either one. I think you have more control over the remelts using a microwave. I'd start at a minute, stir well and if no chunks inject or pour away.

[b.eipert]

Thanks! When I heat it up in the pyrex cup should I use a smaller spoon to pour it out or go straight from the cup?

[ctom]

If you are doing open pours I'd just pour from the cup.

[b.eipert]

Also do I need to preheat an open pour mold?

[ctom]

No.

[b.eipert]

Thanks for the help, I should be all set to go

[Lamar]

I did this at first too. I use to fish Federation and they gave me tons of baits at each tournament I fished and meetings I went too. I had so much plastic that I would never fish. I had boxes of it. So I sorted it all out and melted it down to pour baits I would use.

[b.eipert]

I have a ton of baits from where I bought kits of plastics but they are just not the types that I like to fish but the colors are good. Just another fishing hobby to add to rod building and boat tinkering!!! 

[b.eipert]

Also should I add salt or anything to them? I prefer soft baits and am mostly clueless as to what additives do what. I do not have hardener or anything like that.

[socobass]

I was told to be leary of melting down baits of other manufactuers, not knowing what is in the makeup of the plastics.Harmful chemicals and such.

[Lamar]

I was told to be leary of melting down baits of other manufactuers, not knowing what is in the makeup of the plastics.Harmful chemicals and such.

   I would stay away from melting down Gulp but never had any problems with the rest of them. I just sorted out the colors I liked and went to town. The other colors I added black and made black baits. We have a lot of muddy water here so black works well. I keep a coffee can in the boat and at the end of the day we gather up all the used baits and put them in there. I sort them out and remelt them. Sort of a game I play to how many times I can reuse a bait. Just be careful not to burn it. Remelt slowly and stir a lot. Once you burn it your done. Burt chemicals is the harmful stuff you want to stay away from. Always always wear a respirator.

[b.eipert]

When you mean respirator do you mean like a drywall mask or something similar? Also no gulp to worry about. Any problems with powerbait though?

[Lamar]

When you mean respirator do you mean like a drywall mask or something similar? Also no gulp to worry about. Any problems with powerbait though?

  No I mean respirator. You can get them at Home Depot for about 30 bucks. I would stay away from powerbaits too. That whole Berkley line is made different.

[socobass]

I would rather know if the plastic I'm using is somewhat safe to work with! My health is not worth saving a couple bucks on plastic! Just food for thought. Best of luck with this addicting hobby