How Many Molds?

[BassDetective]

I have a six inch BassTackle injector.  If I am shooting each of these baits how many molds do you think I can shoot at once?

Mudbug
4.5 Big Foot
4 Inch Croaker

I can estimate the volume.  What I am really looking for is how long will the plastic stay hot enough?  I have some idea but I really would like to see what others are capable of and see if I can set my goals higher.

Thanks.

[ghostbaits]

6oz injector? If it is 6oz, you can shoot all the listed molds easy. If the mold is 6", I am not aware of that injector so not sure.

With the 6oz injector, I can shoot 5 of the 4" croakers and 2 of the 3" croakers. You can then re-fill your injector and keep going on other molds.

Jim

[andrewlamberson]

I have had issues with my injector clogging between re-fills...so I have been using 2. Any tips on how not to let the injector clog? (Maybe I shouldn't inject all/most the plastic?)

I also use the silicone measuring cups (from Target) that Jason mentions a few times in posts. The hold the heat a LOT better! I put them in a can holder that is used in a boat that also helps hold the heat...and prevent tipping.

[Jason]

Unless you have your injector and nozzle pretty warm I've found it better to do the following:

1) Draw plastic
2) Inject molds
3) Carefully inject excess plastic back in cup
4) Push nozzle and plastic plug out on table to let cool
5) Put new nozzle on and repeat...

Once everything is warm you can keep using the same injector/nozzle, but I've found my error ratio goes up slightly and I get more baits faster by sticking with the above process.

Jason

[pjmcla]

I am not nearly in the league with Jason or Ghostbaits and I  haven't tried the silicone cups yet ( but will, that's to come soon ).
I am still learning; but I have settled on a process that works for me right now.  I only work with 6 oz. of plastic at a time in a 1 cup Pyrex measuring cup.  I almost copy Jason's method.  One difference is I pull the nozzle sprue and reuse the same nozzle ( It is hot and allows a smoother next injection for me ).  I probably work slower than Jason.   

To add to what Jason posted.  I make sure I have two "sets" of molds clamped up that will pretty well use all the plastic in the injector.  I sneek up on the plastic temperature aiming at 340 to 350 on my IR Thermometer.  Stir gently at 15 to 25 second intervals once over 300.  The only plastic that goes back into the cup is the hot excess from the injector.  I check the temp after a little stir and "top off" heat while carefully moving molds and clearing injector & nozzle then reseating
nozzle.  You MUST wear good gloves when handling the nozzle.
Two shots and I am out of plastic.  Remelt and shoot again after de-molding baits with a set of molds that will consume the leftover plastic.  I shoot the 10 - 12 panfish bait molds.  It takes me longer to de-mold  / de-sprue and straighten baits than the actual injection time.         

[ghostbaits]

Frank will jump in soon.... His videos on this are superb!!!

Jim

[Coosa Redeye]

I heat my Basstackle Injector before I use it. The thicker aluminum wall draws the heat out of the plastic pretty quick if I don't.

[bribass]

I heat my Basstackle Injector before I use it. The thicker aluminum wall draws the heat out of the plastic pretty quick if I don't.

x2! I use a presto pancake stove... crank it to 400* and leave all 4 injectors on it.. that way when i use them they are SCOLDING hot and they are always ready when i am!