Soft Plastic Lure Making

[Bassman755]

I am currently exploring the world of making my own soft plastics. Is there anyone else on here that I get some pointers from? Thanks.

[jdmidwest]

Jann's NetCraft has moulds and materials to make your own. There is another site that carries about any mould you would need, I just can't think of it or find it in my favs.

I have not done but just a few. I bought the stuff and found a mould for a jig body I was having a hard time finding and made a few. Then I found a source and have not made any since. I did not get too involved in it, one injection mould, some liquid plastic, a few colors, and some anise oil. Injection moulds are best but the one site I found had 100's of pouring moulds too.

[Dutch]

I am currently exploring the world of making my own soft plastics. Is there anyone else on here that I get some pointers from? Thanks.

I've made a plastic bait or two in my time. What is it that you want to know?

[Bassman755]

I've made a plastic bait or two in my time. What is it that you want to know?

Dutch

I have been trying to make molds out of plaster of paris. Is there a better material for making molds? Can I bake plaster at low temps say maybe 100 degrees or so? What have you used for molds? Well those are some of many. Like I said I am just getting started.

[RSBreth]

There are a bunch of serious plastic lure makers here:Tackle Underground

You can find anything you need to know on the forums.

[Dutch]

I make my own molds but not with pop. You can slowly cure it in a oven. Then you can use Elmer's glue and water and brush on a finish. You will need to use some type of oil before you pour to keep the baits from sticking.

Like stated, www.tackleunderground.com is a great place. You can go there and read stuff for newbies and get all kinds of info. There is also a plastic cookbook section. If you read all the info there you won't have time to make any baits for the nest 5 years or so.

Register and then you can login and ask questions but please read first to get some basic info.

What heat source are you using?

Do you wear a respirator?

Do you have protective eye wear and hand wear?

What brand and grade of plastic are you using?

[Bassman755]

Thank you RS for the info I will check that out. Dutch, I am using a hot plate as my heating source and the plastic Im using is either from barlows or lure craft. I dont currently wear eye protection or gloves but I do wear a respirator when I am working with the POP. Thank you all for the tips and if you have any more info feel free to let me know.

[Dutch]

There are several types of silicone that you can use as well as Bondo fiberglass resin.

If you aren't wearing gloves, get some. When that plastic gets on you it will burn till it sets up. You can't get it off till it cools. If you haven't been burned yet then you are on borrowed time. I wear gloves that can withstand 500°F and I only heat my plastic to 350-375°F.

One of these days a good infrared thermometer can save you a lot of headaches.

As for other tips. I wouldn't know where to start but will try to answer or find answers to questions that you may have.

[Bassman755]

Thanks for the info dutch. Yea if I have any more questions as I get further into this venture I will make sure to post them and see what you have to say. Again I appreciate your help so far.

[Bassman755]

I have another question. Is there anyone on here that may live close to the Sedalia area that I could get together with that could show me the basics of making soft plastics? I would like a teacher so to say. I know its not all that hard but it would really help especially in the area of mold making. Let me know. Thanks.