new here need some help

[Shaunm81]

hello  can anyone help this noob out?ive decided to give making some soft bait but unsure what i would need to get started out.  i know the mold ,injector ,coloring but unsure what else I would need ? im wanting  a good worm for crappie and pan fish.  any preferred molds? i kind of like the grub worms. i usually just fish the round head jig and aspiiran jig that i make so id like something that would work on those well.  any idea on  estimate everything would cost? thanks

[ctom]

Welcome aboard Shaunm81.

Check this link and find the crappie kit. This would be a great place to start as everything you'll need is in the package.

http://store.do-itmolds.com/Softbaits-Starter-Kits_c_37.html

Also check out the Essential molds found at the store as well and take a peek in the classifieds as some great deals can be found there from time to time.

[Bass Junkie]

Hi Shaun,

I am also new to this and actually purchased a kit from doit's site.

Since I just went through the process, I'll let you know what I learned were some necessary products to start out.

The kit gives you essentially what you need (mold, plastisol, color, glitter, injector, gloves).

However, you'll still need the following (if you don't already have it):

- microwave dedicated to plastic heating (you don't want to use the kitchen one that your fam uses as the fumes may transfer over to food)
- safety goggles
- clamps (2) that are sturdy and rated 300lbs or higher. If you want, I can provide a link to the one I bought that work perfectly
- respirator that is rated to filter organic vapor (the particulate only ones will not work)
- Pyrex measuring cup - I bought a 2 cup one. They are available at Target, Walmart, bed bath, etc
- food thermometer. They have a good one on do it's site. I've been told not to skimp on this as temperature is important when you're shooting molds...




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[Shaunm81]

thanks ctom i appreciate that. 

bass junkie , I appreciate your help as well.  did you get a crappie kit also ?yeah id like to see your clamps. does the plastisol that comes in this kit make a good bit? or should I buy some extra ?  what is the hardener and softener for any idea on that ?  thanks

[ctom]

I'd buy an additional gallon of plastic and I will suggest the Essential. The stabilizer you'll want as it offers the plastic some "cushion" against getting too hot and since there is a learning curve expect to get some hot plastic as you learn. The softener will help make a softer bait when using Essential plastic. The Crystal Clear plastics are great but for learning I suggest going the Essential route. Forget the hardener.

I will offer that making plastic baits is way easier than it sounds. Get everything together and dive in. Expect a few flops along the way while you get acquainted with the plastic but be sure to take good notes as you go and things will come together quickly. Consider this: if Andrew, Denny and I can make baits, you sure as heck can.

[2XL]

Once you get set up I would HIGHLY recommend getting yourself a notebook. Keep detailed notes on cook times , anything and how much you add to the plastic ( colorants , glitters, hi lites etc )  Treat it as your recipe book. The process it takes you to make plain colorless plastic is your base recipe. From there you can start messing with different colorants , glitters and whatnot. Keep track of it all in detail. It's easy to forget what went into a certain color unless you write it down.

Another thing that is very handy is a set of measuring spoons that measure a Tad , Dash, Pinch, Smidgen and Drop. They come in handy for measuring glitter , Hi lites
UV powder etc.

I'll second what Tom said and buy more plastic right away. Making your own plastic baits is addicting. LOL

Welcome aboard Shaun

[Bass Junkie]

thanks ctom i appreciate that. 

bass junkie , I appreciate your help as well.  did you get a crappie kit also ?yeah id like to see your clamps. does the plastisol that comes in this kit make a good bit? or should I buy some extra ?  what is the hardener and softener for any idea on that ?  thanks

Here are the clamps that I got.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-12-in-Connect-Hand-Clamp-Set-2-Piece-CC12PVAD/205155826?cm_mmc=hd_email-_-Ready_for_pickup-_-20170522_PP_ET_Merch_Ready_for_pickup_3023918-_-product_desc__W602006870

I got the wacky worm kit and swapped out the skinny carrot mold for a finesse worm mold. If you go with the crappie kit, you can easily swap out the mold, colors, glitter for another option - just let them know in your comments section when you place the order.

The crystal clear plastisol is the one that came in my kit and on hindsight I have found that a lot of people dislike it and prefer the essentials over it. I didn't find it too difficult to work with and was happy with the end product but I did notice repeated heating caused the color to change (the color of he worm was darker with the later batches). I was told that heat stabilizer or adding new plastisol would remedy the problem so I'll try that for my next sesh. I think people have said the essentials plastisol is not as fussy so yea, like ctom said, might be a better option for us noobs.


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[Lines]

Welcome Shaunm81. You can get acquainted with a starter kit, and grow from there if you enjoy it. Oh, who am I kidding? You can grow because you will enjoy it.

[Grizz12]

Welcome aboard, and don't worry the people on this forum are extremely helpful!

[Denny Welch]

Consider this: if Andrew, Denny and I can make baits, you sure as heck can.
[/quote]

I'm honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Andy.  He's a good friend and a "stand-up" guy.  Tom...not so much.

[Slow Burn]

thanks ctom i appreciate that. 

bass junkie , I appreciate your help as well.  did you get a crappie kit also ?yeah id like to see your clamps. does the plastisol that comes in this kit make a good bit? or should I buy some extra ?  what is the hardener and softener for any idea on that ?  thanks

The hardener is what it suggests.  You add a little to your mix and it will make the bait a little harder than the medium blend.  You wont need this for panfishing as it take a little of the action.

Softener is the same.  It will make the medium a little softer.  Lots of guys on here play with different mixes to dial in what they want and preference.  I would suggest to start off with just the essential plastic that tom suggested.  Once you get the hang of that, if you want to branch out and play with the additives then go nuts.  But getting the basics down first is key in my opinion.

[Fishermanbt]

Seems like a pretty solid list thus far. As for location not sure what you have but try to have a decent spot outside the main living quarters with ventilation. Like many others, I pour in an unheated garage. I use a folding table I made from plywood and poplar.  When not pouring I am able to fold it up and store my materials in a mobile cart I made. This frees up space for for other projects as needed. Just give yourself room to work. The work surface gets full fast. This is not good when you have a cup full of molten plastic sitting on it and it gets knocked over.

[Shaunm81]

wow this is a super awesome forum thank you all for the help really appreciate it guys .thanks for the links bass junkie also

[slowguy]

start with the kit of your choice.  make a few, then decide what else you would like to do.  then make a bigger order from Do-It.  scan the forum,  everyone there has plenty of help.  I have learned so much just from reading the forum.  have more questions,  use the forum.  plenty of quality help.  this is something you will enjoy almost as much as fishing.