Some Soft plastics questions

[whitetailfrazier]

I have been trying to pour some soft plastics, and have came to realize that I absolutely suck at it.  I have wasted about a half gallon of plastic liquid and ended up with about 4 worms that are too soft to use.  I have already searched and read alot of threads, but cannot make it work, so I will tell yall what I am doing, and would greatly appreciate any help.  I have used two methods, the first is a hot plate and a worm melting pot.  I am pouring the liquid in there, and it turns clear, but will not thicken up, i have cooked it at all different temperatures, and the hotter it gets it just smokes more.  I have left it on a low heat for like 10 minutes, and it cleared, but didn't thicken enough, when I poured it, it never solidfied.  I have also used a microwave to cook it in a coffee cup.  It didn't thicken up at all, but when i stirred it with a spoon, it immediately started boiling and splashed up!!!  I cannot make it work.  I tried some plastics hardener, but it did not affect it.  When do I add the hardener, before of after it gets hot?  I know this is alot, but just want some help, or I am gonna throw this crap away and stick to pouring jigs.  thanks guys

[ring fry]

I have used a hot plate but prefer the melting pot and have never used a microwave.  Make sure your plastic is mixed well.  If it sits for a while it will settle.  You have to get the plastic to around 350 degrees.  Get a meat thermometer at Wally World.  I always add the hardener at the beginning but don't know if that is necessary.  Go to www.tackleunderground.com  Those guys know everything there is to know about bait making.  Good luck! 

[javelin225ho]

frazier, tackle underground has some great info, but if you want some real live support and good quality products, go to del-mart.com.  Del and April will talk you through it on the phone while you are doing it.  i used Calhouns plastic, its the best from what i found so far.  i did the hotplate and the microwave method, both worked great for me.  now, when you are pouring, are you adding salt, scent, hardener while you are cooking it?  I never had a problem with the plastic not setting up on me, you might have gotten a bad batch of plastic.

[Siebert Outdoors]

from the sound of it your not mixing your plastic good enough.  Shake the crap out of the jug of plastic for awhile.  It should come out of the container a cream white color.  When heated it will turn to a jelly then to a liquid.  Pour, then when cool it will harden.