Lilley's Jigs - Change

[Phil Lilley]

We bought the equipment to make our own jigs and weights back in May.  We have a CNC machine that cuts out the molds using aluminum bars and we have silicone disks to make molds so we can mass product jigs.  With the package came over 100 molds for various jigs and weights.  It's been a fun learning experience.

Years ago, Duane created the master jigs we sell now - 4 sizes - 1/32, 1/16, 3/32 and 1/8th.  Of course, those aren't the "real" weights of each.  We were frustrated with the process at that time.  We didn't understand how the weight of the jig changes each time to copy it.  Your finished product is never the same as your prototype.  It's always a reduction - usually.  And it depends on the actual lead you use - the amount tin in it.

We've been working on a "1/50th" ounce jig, to both throw and use under a jig.  But the issue was that when we made an actual 1/50th ounce jig, it was too light to throw, even with 1 pound line.  The jig we came up with actually was a true 1/32 ounce jig.  Anything less wouldn't fall like we wanted.  So we have a dilemma.

Not really.... I think I know what we're going to do.

We're going to make the new "1/32nd" ounce jig (actual size) and rename our present 1/32nd ounce jig to "1/25th" ounce jig, which again is the actual weight.  This put 3 jigs in line with each other in size.

I think we're going to start making them today... start painting the heads and out to the tyers.

Now that we have total control of the process, we can make what we know works.

Thoughts?

 

[Mitch f]

What brand CNC do you have?

[Phil Lilley]

[Terrierman]

Fascinating.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Thoughts?  I think it's very interesting.   Thanks for sharing.   I think it's always best to have control of your own products.  

[Foghorn]

Sure beat the heck out of my old Lee production pots I've used for years. I bought molds over the years advertised as 1/100 to 1/8 ounce from various companies. The original molds I bought years ago were from the "Ament" company out of Independence, Missouri. I really liked the shape of the jig heads and still use it from time to time. It's only drawback is that it doesn't really mold cleanly and it doesn't have any handles to keep you hands from getting hot after a half dozen or so molds. Have a Hilt's mold in 1/00 ounce but it only molds 4 at a time. I had a buddy get me an ingot of lead that weighed close to 100 pounds 40 or so years ago and I'm still using it. Your setup is awesome. Was wondering what brand of jig hook you are using in your mold. Might take a pretty stout hook with some of those bruisers you catch at Taneycomo. I bought some Mustad in a salmon/steelhead model but they didn't fit the mold I intended to use them with.

[Foghorn]

Duh, I looked at the pics and saw the VMC hooks on the second picture.

[Quillback]

Anybody fish them for bluegill?  I'd think the 1/32 would work for them under a float.

[Tom C]

Awesome!  Can't  wait to get my hands on some of the new 1/32 ounce jigs I'm when down at your place in November. 

Time to relabel my jig boxes.  😀

Tom Ciolino

 

[Phil Lilley]

4 hours ago, Tom C said:

Awesome!  Can't  wait to get my hands on some of the new 1/32 ounce jigs I'm when down at your place in November. 

Time to relabel my jig boxes.  😀

Tom Ciolino

 

We will have to relabel alot of things!