Do you buy all of your molds?

[urban]

I am asking because I have been becoming more and more interested in making my own baits but I have a few ideas of different things I want to try.

Is the only way to make your own molds aluminum and purchasing, or is there ways around aluminum which are more customizable?

[bigjim5589]

So far, I've only poured lead, and have purchased all of the molds I own. Depending on what you're pouring, lead or plastics, there are other materials that can be used besides aluminum. Aluminum will certainly be more durable & last longer, but will also cost more.

I've never done it, but do know that silicone & some types of rubber can be used, as can plaster of Paris. Even concrete can be used, but will have limited life. I've seen wooden molds too, but again they have limited life.

Plaster has to have a coating, since it's highly porous, and silicone & rubber need some type of release agent used to keep plastics from sticking to the mold. But that 's a minor item. I think most folks use some type of thin coating on aluminum molds too to aid in keeping the plastic from sticking.

[LAFisherman]

What about jig head molds? I know they sell one that is not cut out so you can customize the head, but how hard is it to do?

[bigjim5589]

Yes, Do-It sells mold blanks. They're for making custom molds. If you have the patience, and the design is not too complex, you could probably cut your own with a Dremel tool. I've modified molds with a Dremel, but have never tried making one. I have purchased a couple of the blanks, with the intention of having molds cut, based on ideas I've had, but have yet to do it. A good machine shop with a CNC machine is likely the best bet for having a custom mold made. There are a few folks around who make custom molds, like Shawn Collins in VA. He makes a bunch of different molds & will do customs. A custom mold would cost more than a stock mold.

[SenkoSam]

tackleunderground is your best bet for mold making info.

Basically plaster of paris is the easiest and cheapest material to duplicate some designs. For baits you don't mind coming out with a flat side, a one part mold does fine. For baits that you want to be round or textured on all sides, a two part mold is necessary. The finer the details or the more lures poured at one time, the greater the need for a metal injector of hot plastic that will fit into the sprue (hole) of a two part mold (plaster or aluminum).

Aluminum molds, single or injection two-part, produce perfect baits and need no release agent. Plaster molds should be coated with PAM spray or brushed with mineral oil or Fish Formula oil for easy release and a shiny bait surface.

The addition of salt adds weight but also firms the plastic requiring softener to be added.  Most old soft plastic lures can be melted down in the microwave and re-poured. I discovered a method to use old plastic to make baits that require no mold.

Here are a few one part mold examples:

Copy of pork frog:


copy of Sweet Creek Chub


topwater lure using a serving spoon as a mold:

[urban]

Great thanks everyone for the advice. I'm glad I have an idea of where to start looking now... Ill keep everyone updated once I get started on a few things! thanks!!

[Oldfart9999]

tackleunderground is your best bet for mold making info.

Basically plaster of paris is the easiest and cheapest material to duplicate some designs. For baits you don't mind coming out with a flat side, a one part mold does fine. For baits that you want to be round or textured on all sides, a two part mold is necessary. The finer the details or the more lures poured at one time, the greater the need for a metal injector of hot plastic that will fit into the sprue (hole) of a two part mold (plaster or aluminum).

Aluminum molds, single or injection two-part, produce perfect baits and need no release agent. Plaster molds should be coated with PAM spray or brushed with mineral oil or Fish Formula oil for easy release and a shiny bait surface.

The addition of salt adds weight but also firms the plastic requiring softener to be added.  Most old soft plastic lures can be melted down in the microwave and re-poured. I discovered a method to use old plastic to make baits that require no mold.

Here are a few one part mold examples:

Copy of pork frog:


copy of Sweet Creek Chub


topwater lure using a serving spoon as a mold:

Xs2 There is a ton of lure making instruction at TU and they are very willing to help. If you are serious about lure making take a look there and as you learn post what you learn here.
Rodney