NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => Craftsmen's Corner => Topic started by: B0B on April 30, 2016, 03:35:44 PM

Title: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on April 30, 2016, 03:35:44 PM
So the past few outings i lost a lot of gear, jigheads, rigs, and other things. And after buying jigheads for about 3-5bucks a piece, i said enough is enough.  I did a little homework and decided to pour my own. 

Ordered the Lee melter, some cast iron supplies, some safety supplies including googles, respirator, gloves etc.

Then it got to the point where i needed to get some lead. Sure i can pay for ingots at 1.50-2.00 per lb, but i thought there must be a better way.  I looked on youtube and seen people collect wheel weights and melt them down.  I have a tire guy, so i gave him a visit, and sure enough he had two buckets waiting for me.  They were not sorted, and he was just going to sell it to scrap the scrap metal guy. I told him ill take it, ill pay you for it.  Instead he offered it to me for free since i give him so much business.

Now the hard part. There was all sorts on stuff mixed in. Iron, steel, zinc, plastic.  I needed to know how to find lead. Youtube taught me that. After cutting, crimping, knocking nearly every piece to determine the composition, i was able to sort it out after 3 days.  I also know that zinc would contaminate my lead, so i made sure i did not have any in there.   

The lead wheel weights came out to a solid 45lbs, which was over 1/3 of the total scrap.  Im happy with this yield because i know in the future, lead wheel weights will be more scarce because of the ban.

I heated the lead using a cast iron skillet, but my burner and so it got like a gooey consistency, i suspected that i had zinc in there, but later found out the burner wasnt hot enough. I skimmed whatever needed to be taken out and i scooped the half melted lead and put aside.

So few days later, my lee melter came in, and the fun begins.  Threw in the half melted stuff and it melted down quickly. Poured them into a few jigheads, and after a few trial and error pours i got it down.  The first few i had issues with the lead not being able to get into the crevices to create the bait locks.  I found out not only the mold needed to be warm, but also the hooks.

Was about to pour about 60 jigheads, with still about 25lbs left of ingots i made, and some wheelweights i was still not able to get to.  After a long tireing few hours, i called it a day.  Im happy to be able to accomplish my goal, and to be able to save a ton of money.  No more retail jigheads!!!

Mold: do it! Style #9 3oz abd 4oz
Hooks: mustad 91715 90degree 8/0

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/908e9b38f6effb07a3dc16b3b17d074b.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/b0b3ec8af14c70b4ac8e7c3ed6a40dd4.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/1b249b9ef3376f7f96e94dddc3e788f1.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/e0dc78f315f4bde2181afca1428ebd65.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/2508834e44271068276cf4475cf4e024.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/0c370e04061b58dc9cd3ac2d3e014604.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/0432bb5271677ec4e90c17a69763bbf1.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/a3a69a18572521d5ce33f1c97b81ef09.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/dc6d13773bffbbbdb20aee508af296ce.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: scooter on April 30, 2016, 04:41:03 PM
Cool to see you enjoying your hobby. That's a good idea to melt down scrap in a skillet or something else so that you don't mess around with clogging up your lee bottom pour machine. I messed around with all sorts of weights, scrap, bullets ect but found it very hard to make it worth my time to try to reclaim lead. Be very careful remelting  scrap because you never know what fumes you are releasing. Respirator for sure a good idea. Like you I found it very satisfactory to make my own stuff because I too lose a lot of tackle and always feel screwed paying retail price at the store.plus it's cool to just learn how to do it
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on April 30, 2016, 08:34:24 PM
Nice job!!!
If you want to powder coat them I suggest getting a heat gun. You can get nice pricey ones at the hardware store or go to harbor freight and spend around $15.  For the powder I say harbor freight all the way!!! It's around $8. For a 16oz jar instead of the same price for 2oz of protech. They only have a few basic colors. I use both brands and you can't tell the difference.
Title: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: DG on April 30, 2016, 08:54:01 PM
Great fun.  I have been doing it also.  Never had to heat mold or hooks to make it work.  One issue I have with recycling lead is sometimes the pieces have moisture in them and if you put in the melter to fast it can gas and throw hot lead like a little explosion.  For now I put a wood board on top of melter to keep splatter down.  Not as big of a deal if you put new pieces in pot before turning on.  It slowly raises the temp and can burn off moisture.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: cam3087 on April 30, 2016, 09:11:56 PM
When you work on bulk lead melting in massive amounts >50 lb be careful with cast iron. It will crack at some point so I bought this pot made from the fellas at another forum boolit something where they do this all day. Get the right ladles and don't use the cupcake pans as they well fall apart soon. Use the right equipment with respirator and face shield like you said you did. But be careful as even a drop of sweat into molten lead can send you to the ER and at least a few days on the floor

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on May 04, 2016, 12:36:39 AM
Thanks guys for the tips. So heres the update:

I wanted to start painting it "just because" it looked cooler. So after doing a lot of research, i went with the powder paint method.  Built myself a diy fluid bed for the powder.  Used a 2 inch pvc union, with a plug on bottom, and a 2" section on top.  Drilled and screwed the bottom plug to a wooden board, drilled a hole to the lower side of the plug for a air valve. Powered it with an old aquarium air pump.  It worked flawlessly after some adjustments.

For the paint i used pro-tec bought from bps for 7.99 before i found out about the similar product from harbor freight. Ill chevk that out when i run low.  Color of choice is red.

I had a cheapo heat gun but it wasn't heating it fast enough, so i decided to go with the traditional candle heat.  I had a few candles lying around from when i used the wax to flux the lead.  First few tries i chared it black and the psint didn't stick. But after that i found a sweet spot and with patience, i was able to get it right.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/dadfb53e2ae554cce957d1b3ef05c712.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/f25c7d78782cc28c393d3f68bb177c1d.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/95e47bef3b7cfb73df1966ed7efe644e.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/b85942c35f5428ace75beb560a3bb66b.jpg)

Few done, many many more to go.

Contemplating on wether or not i want to put eyes.  Maybe for GSX.

One challenge i had with these big jigheads is that it would rip some of my swimbaits after rigging. It would rip through the side.  First i suspect that my collar and the bait lockers are too big, but after compariing with a few of the store bought 4oz jig heads i had from before, they look identical.  Im sure i rigged it correctly making sure to wet and lubricate that  part when inserting, but when left overnight, the swimbaits ripped open.  On the newer ones, i drilled holes in them to open a gap for the lead to sit with stressing the plastic. Hopefully it holds.  I also heard theres a tube made to bore out swimbaits that is used for rattles and scents which can also be used for this purpose "swimbait plastic extractor"  i looked it up and seems the company thst makes it shut down...

How do you guys deal with this issue?  Is everyone drilling their swimbaits?

Currently these are not for sale, unless you want to meet me at a ncka hookup for a few.  But hopefully when i am able to produce more, they will be up for grabs, since i dont know of anyone in the southbay producing these.

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Str8FishiN on May 04, 2016, 02:58:04 AM
Nice work Bob and congrats on making your own jigheads! 
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: trianglelaguna on May 04, 2016, 04:01:08 AM
lot of work man
good write up and replies and great pics...
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: scooter on May 04, 2016, 06:01:44 AM
I use that same of swim bait style as the green one on the right sometimes cause they are cheap but I cut the head off until it fits up to my lead head better. That may also help with the splitting? What about using a hot nail to melt a hole into the swim bait?

I like your fluid bed. I made one of similar design and it is much nicer. I will get you some pics if I get a chance. Only way to go. What did u use for the air filter material?
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on May 04, 2016, 06:37:30 AM
Try this heat gun. guaranty it's better than a candle. 
http://m.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Cabeza de Martillo on May 04, 2016, 07:00:05 AM
Bob

Looks like you got a new hobby for when the WX sucks.

Looks like seal candy  :smt007

Good job bro!
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on May 04, 2016, 08:55:00 AM
I use that same of swim bait style as the green one on the right sometimes cause they are cheap but I cut the head off until it fits up to my lead head better. That may also help with the splitting? What about using a hot nail to melt a hole into the swim bait?

I like your fluid bed. I made one of similar design and it is much nicer. I will get you some pics if I get a chance. Only way to go. What did u use for the air filter material?
I forgot to mention i used coffee filters. I may switch to something finer, or double up on layers

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: ex-kayaker on May 04, 2016, 09:04:50 AM
Good stuff bob.  I've found powder coating to be easiest when I go straight from the mold to the dip.  The freshly poured lead is still hot enough to liquify the powder and get a nice even coat. 

Let me know if you wanna pour some iron. I have molds for jigs between 2 and 10 oz's.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/68b3c8e314e0c1a15dc91d39d037e7cf.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: scooter on May 04, 2016, 09:40:59 AM
I have been meaning to try coffe filters also . Right now I use brown paper bag material but I have some heavy duty notebook paper I'm going to try next I think. The paper bag works good but better with some colors than others. Lots of good stuff about this on youtube
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: matanaska on May 04, 2016, 10:05:32 AM
I find it easier to heat jigs in the oven then powder coat.  I use a torch and a awl to premelt holes for jigheads.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: agoodhi on May 11, 2016, 12:10:34 PM
Try this heat gun. guaranty it's better than a candle. 
http://m.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

that's what i used, much better than a torch too!
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: jonesz on May 31, 2016, 08:07:20 AM
I hang em in the oven at 350 that melts the paint and then re hang em for a few minutes after sprinkling the paint on. I dip a chip brush in the paint and then tap the side of the brush to dispense the paint where and how much.  Do it over a large plastic cup so you catch any paint powder the doesn't stick. Cuts down on wasted paint.  You can also blend colors that way. I've put glow paint on the bellies of some. I make S hooks by bending out paperclips to hang them on the oven racks. When I heated with a torch, I melted some by quickly over heating the lead. The oven is controled, so this is never a problem. 
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on September 28, 2016, 11:02:30 PM
so after fishing with diamond jigs snd being very successful the last few times, i went shopping. but looks like diamonds , flutter jigs, and anything for vertical jigging cost an arm and leg as well.  thinking to myself, with this time i have off the water due to injury, why not try to pour some.  so i ordered the 4oz do it flutter jig mold and went to work.   i opted to use siwash salmon hooks as they snagged way less than trebles.  i may try to make some true flutter jigs using double butterfly hooks on top. not sure if they will work better for lings.  i also went out and bought more colors in powder paint and 3d eyes. 

may try to sell some off. is there a market for these things?

would people be interested in unpainted jigs? ir simple one colored ones?  since in our area lings are the main audience.

let me know what you guys think

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160929/9f7de79d1c72d10d0236324581186691.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160929/c8345d952f0200716269d9a6c7307d21.jpg)

holloween is coming up

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160929/28f4df0bdcec15a7b97d777195ea8031.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: yakyakyak on September 28, 2016, 11:15:50 PM

Cool stuff, Bob! 'love the jig heads that I got from you.  If you do make those diamond/flutter jigs, let me know if you make 10oz ones.  White/chartreuse/glow.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on October 01, 2016, 12:57:48 PM
just got done with my first set. let me know what you guys think.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161001/519b69753937d61d7c3e8966db9b406a.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Cabeza de Martillo on October 01, 2016, 01:07:36 PM
Dude.....looks sweet!  :smt007
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on October 01, 2016, 01:20:21 PM
Looks great bob.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sebast on October 01, 2016, 01:21:20 PM
Very nice! I also like another picture a lot.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: TFM on October 01, 2016, 01:21:56 PM
Badass bro!
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: CptSloppywood on October 01, 2016, 07:05:06 PM
Those are gonna kill some fish!! I WANT SOME :smt007
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Cowman on October 01, 2016, 07:30:05 PM
Looks good Bob!


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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on October 02, 2016, 05:17:27 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161003/77b1ccbfa30e256f2cd05d8f2ce4e504.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: KPD on October 02, 2016, 06:15:15 PM
That right there is a rad looking jig.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: mako1 on October 02, 2016, 06:50:19 PM
I like the 8 o'clock and the one at 5 o'clock.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on October 02, 2016, 08:44:38 PM
thanks guys. thinking about selling them off after i try out a few.  not sure for how much yet.  but i gatta make sure it works, and the powder paint stays on reasonably  but anything will get banged up on rocks if fishing for lings.

do you guys think 4oz is adequate?



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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: mireland62887 on December 01, 2016, 12:30:31 AM
I realize I'm resurrecting an older thread, but those look great!!!

I've poured balls and bullets for black powder, decoy weights, and even some 9mm bullets for reloading, but never jigs. I may have to dig out my stuff and buy a mold!!! Those look great.

I too have used tire weights, but it seems the lead ones are harder and harder to find.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Martianfish on December 01, 2016, 04:01:04 PM
One thing to remember about tire weights is that they are hard lead because of the tin in them.  Do not try to make split shots with tire wts. as they do not pinch down without pliers.  :smt013 Been there, done that.  You need soft lead like what plumbers used to use for castiron pipe fittings.  This is also better for bullets as less chance to scour the barrels of your pistols or rifles.  I have the same jig mold, but have just dipped in paint for the colors.  Even this paint stays on well after bouncing off of rocks. :smt001
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on July 07, 2017, 12:50:27 AM
some more stuff i have been working on.  more flutter jigs and new speckled jigheads, as i wanted to be different from other producers.

also acquired a mold for 5,6, and 8oz ultra minnows.  did a few test spins with bucktail.  not sure if im going to be able to push out a lot of bucktails as they are very time consuming to make.  the tails i found have somewhat short fibers although they are from a large animal. 

does anyone know a place to buy/order larger (xl, jumbo) bucktails? tips would be much appreciated.

let me know what you guys think.

these products are for sale so please don't hesitate to ask. i can ship flat rate.

the 8oz ultraminnows are monstrous!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/53fc06098d65a9b5023fbfc7dfa98fa8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/2f77518eb632fae54e03e42176976dca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/453b4ebc97385f3f3b05a6babb15dafa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/32f560e0bead8921815629c70e90cf8d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/9cc8cb93046d2be21814040e7a35562f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/28d4cf64f79778b1ae9264ecd8de6537.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/ca5aa418b6cb8050a640aaad5c51cb88.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/152128b8e130c92b7eeba3f5a1253f49.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/eee2df409d218ad6a7b499be9516f3c2.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Der_Huntsman on July 07, 2017, 04:09:23 AM
some more stuff i have been working on.  more flutter jigs and new speckled jigheads, as i wanted to be different from other producers.

also acquired a mold for 5,6, and 8oz ultra minnows.  did a few test spins with bucktail.  not sure if im going to be able to push out a lot of bucktails as they are very time consuming to make.  the tails i found have somewhat short fibers although they are from a large animal. 

does anyone know a place to buy/order larger (xl, jumbo) bucktails? tips would be much appreciated.

let me know what you guys think.

these products are for sale so please don't hesitate to ask. i can ship flat rate.

the 8oz ultraminnows are monstrous!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/53fc06098d65a9b5023fbfc7dfa98fa8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/2f77518eb632fae54e03e42176976dca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/453b4ebc97385f3f3b05a6babb15dafa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/32f560e0bead8921815629c70e90cf8d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/9cc8cb93046d2be21814040e7a35562f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/28d4cf64f79778b1ae9264ecd8de6537.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/ca5aa418b6cb8050a640aaad5c51cb88.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/152128b8e130c92b7eeba3f5a1253f49.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/eee2df409d218ad6a7b499be9516f3c2.jpg)

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I work for a HVAC company and we make all of the roof flashing for new homes. I have about 3-400 lbs of soft scrap lead lying in a pile in the shop. It's pure lead, maybe a little tin, but WAY better than tire weights. I will make you the same offer as I made Scotty a few weeks back, I'll trade you lead for weights and jigheads. I already gave him 100 lbs. Shoot me a PM if you are interested. It's mutually beneficial, I also don't like buying weights and things, and I need to get rid of the scrap anyways. I garantee it's better quality than tire weights.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/2c9d44c1f3064e7585a937a3b6e1b0bd.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/85c0ea381614b920cfd378c5abc8777c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/0545f974b5a19cd5a6f509d12687e3fa.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Der_Huntsman on July 07, 2017, 04:11:05 AM
some more stuff i have been working on.  more flutter jigs and new speckled jigheads, as i wanted to be different from other producers.

also acquired a mold for 5,6, and 8oz ultra minnows.  did a few test spins with bucktail.  not sure if im going to be able to push out a lot of bucktails as they are very time consuming to make.  the tails i found have somewhat short fibers although they are from a large animal. 

does anyone know a place to buy/order larger (xl, jumbo) bucktails? tips would be much appreciated.

let me know what you guys think.

these products are for sale so please don't hesitate to ask. i can ship flat rate.

the 8oz ultraminnows are monstrous!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/53fc06098d65a9b5023fbfc7dfa98fa8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/2f77518eb632fae54e03e42176976dca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/453b4ebc97385f3f3b05a6babb15dafa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/32f560e0bead8921815629c70e90cf8d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/9cc8cb93046d2be21814040e7a35562f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/28d4cf64f79778b1ae9264ecd8de6537.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/ca5aa418b6cb8050a640aaad5c51cb88.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/152128b8e130c92b7eeba3f5a1253f49.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/eee2df409d218ad6a7b499be9516f3c2.jpg)

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I work for a HVAC company and we make all of the roof flashing for new homes. I have about 3-400 lbs of soft scrap lead lying in a pile in the shop. It's pure lead, maybe a little tin, but WAY better than tire weights. I will make you the same offer as I made Scotty a few weeks back, I'll trade you lead for weights and jigheads. I already gave him 100 lbs. Shoot me a PM if you are interested. It's mutually beneficial, I also don't like buying weights and things, and I need to get rid of the scrap anyways. I garantee it's better quality than tire weights.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/2c9d44c1f3064e7585a937a3b6e1b0bd.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/85c0ea381614b920cfd378c5abc8777c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/0545f974b5a19cd5a6f509d12687e3fa.jpg)

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San Jose is a little far, but I'm sure we could work it out.

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: yakyakyak on July 07, 2017, 08:36:18 AM

Bob, if you make something like the Kalin lead weight & grubs, I would line up and get some on a regular basis.  All my big lings have come from Kalins, so I am a big believer.  Glow/chartreuse is best.  They also have the Kalins at Fisherman Warehouse & Bass Pro Shop.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Kalins_Big_N_Jig_/descpage-KBG.html (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Kalins_Big_N_Jig_/descpage-KBG.html)
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Kalins_Lunker_Grubs_10pk/descpage-KSLG.html (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Kalins_Lunker_Grubs_10pk/descpage-KSLG.html)

Also, a friend in the industry told me that in general, Tackle Warehouse has everything (I have no relation with them).

Here is some links for your mold source (if you don't know already):

http://anglingai.com/ (http://anglingai.com/)
https://www.enforcerbaitmolds.com/ (https://www.enforcerbaitmolds.com/)
http://ultramolds.com/



Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on July 09, 2017, 10:32:40 PM
some finished pieces ready to hit the water. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/f3d66ba0d335c69e08a55d0bcdc7b1be.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/b4e1b9bda36e4bf8aa1fe07d9cd01551.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: greenthumbrian on July 27, 2017, 03:10:38 PM
VERY nice, Bob!  Mind if I ask about what it would cost to get a beginner setup?  I love DIY stuff (as opposed to paying 10X at the store) so I've been thinking about pouring my own jig heads.  I have no clue what a jog mold would cost or if anything else is required to pour the lead - I have containers to melt it and process it safely outside...just think it'd be fun to pour some simple jigs and avoid paying a few bucks per snag  :smt013

Thanks!
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on July 28, 2017, 06:36:11 PM
VERY nice, Bob!  Mind if I ask about what it would cost to get a beginner setup?  I love DIY stuff (as opposed to paying 10X at the store) so I've been thinking about pouring my own jig heads.  I have no clue what a jog mold would cost or if anything else is required to pour the lead - I have containers to melt it and process it safely outside...just think it'd be fun to pour some simple jigs and avoid paying a few bucks per snag  :smt013

Thanks!
the items i discussed in the original post.  all can be had on amazon.  molds usually cost around 30-50 bucks depending on the style.  they usually come with a few different sizes.   then you got hooks and hardware. you save a lot of money if you go through a lot of gear.  but start up cost probably look at spending a couple hundred.  and consumable hardware,  for example would cost me about a buck for a 4oz jighead with paint.   as opposed to paying about 2.50-4.00 retail (that's if there's a store that sells it near you)

for me and the #of times i go fishing, and losing gear to snags, fish, etc. it paid off in about a year for just my usage.   but you can always sell to your friends to offset starting costs.

hope that helps

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: greenthumbrian on August 04, 2017, 04:07:35 PM
Thanks Bob!  I hope this isn't too stupid of a question - if the molds are about $30-40, what is the remainder of the "couple hundred" startup costs?  I have a large charcoal grill that I was thinking to fire up to melt the lead (the grill would NOT be used for food after this) as well as high temp gloves, etc.  It seems the hardware would run maybe another $30 or so for hooks and loops, plus the cost of lead if I'm not able to find some for free.  I'm probably missing something obvious but I'd think it should only be around $100 or so for the mold and enough hardware for a few batches?

Thanks for the info!  I have a habit of losing tackle, getting frustrated, and then not going out again until I want to throw more money into the drink  :smt010
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: scooter on August 04, 2017, 08:43:29 PM
Do your self a favor and nix the charcoal grill lead melting scheme. Get a electric pot and make your life 8 billion times better. Your time has got to be worth something. I use a bottom pour lee pot but there are some cheaper ones available. I have another one that you ladle out of similar to this but without the pour spout I got at a yard sale for 25$ if you want it you can have it for what I payed . I tried all the diy options for melting lead but for the most part they are a pain in the ass and not worth the health risks . Here is my setup. I plug it in and then go do other stuff. All of a sudden it's ready!!!
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on August 04, 2017, 09:03:57 PM

Do your self a favor and nix the charcoal grill lead melting scheme. Get a electric pot and make your life 8 billion times better. Your time has got to be worth something. I use a bottom pour lee pot but there are some cheaper ones available. I have another one that you ladle out of similar to this but without the pour spout I got at a yard sale for 25$ if you want it you can have it for what I payed . I tried all the diy options for melting lead but for the most part they are a pain in the ass and not worth the health risks . Here is my setup. I plug it in and then go do other stuff. All of a sudden it's ready!!!
^x100 that pot he has is only about 70 on amazon closer to 100 every where else. Plug it in set your mold on top while it heating then pour a couple blank fills to heat the cavities. And your good to go.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on August 04, 2017, 09:05:19 PM

Do your self a favor and nix the charcoal grill lead melting scheme. Get a electric pot and make your life 8 billion times better. Your time has got to be worth something. I use a bottom pour lee pot but there are some cheaper ones available. I have another one that you ladle out of similar to this but without the pour spout I got at a yard sale for 25$ if you want it you can have it for what I payed . I tried all the diy options for melting lead but for the most part they are a pain in the ass and not worth the health risks . Here is my setup. I plug it in and then go do other stuff. All of a sudden it's ready!!!
^x100 that pot he has is only about 70 on amazon closer to 100 every where else. Plug it in set your mold on top while it heating then pour a couple blank fills to heat the cavities. And your good to go.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Califbill on November 12, 2017, 08:56:01 PM
Goodwill store for melting pans.   Cast iron skillets, less than 5 bucks.   I would buy a ladle.   Craigslist has a guy near Livermore who sells lead at a buck a pound.   I think the ingots are 20 lbs.   I bought for crab pot weights.  Made square weights with a 2x4 wood mold.
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: butlerfishing on November 13, 2017, 07:32:15 AM
Nice job!!!


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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: HamachiJohn on November 13, 2017, 02:02:17 PM
Thanks for showing us how it gets done. kinda like watching Discovery Channel! Now that I know the work that goes into it, have no complaints about what I pay. Thx

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: MolonLabe916 on January 03, 2018, 11:52:45 AM
What is that thing to made out of pvc pipe pieces? You said it’s for the powder coat paint and you use a coffee filter and an old aquarium pump. I have no idea how that works together to put the powder on the jig heads. Do you have a video or something to show how that all works?
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: sonoramike on January 03, 2018, 11:55:40 AM

What is that thing to made out of pvc pipe pieces? You said itÂ’s for the powder coat paint and you use a coffee filter and an old aquarium pump. I have no idea how that works together to put the powder on the jig heads. Do you have a video or something to show how that all works?
Here's a link to one. Just search powder coat fluid bed to find more info.
https://youtu.be/QRL-HuoSSRo
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Azkikr on January 04, 2018, 10:41:16 AM
Goodjob man! I was thinking the same, but its not for me. Keep it up bro
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on March 06, 2018, 01:19:10 AM
in preparation for the upcoming rf opener:

poured another 100x 4oz, 50x 3oz, 25x flutter 4oz,

also trying out the new heavy duty thick nickel hooks on 5,6,8oz ultra minnows.

if anyone is intrested in some as they are before i paint please let me know.  ship available as well.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/2d814ee3ad1d846f9f4c5a232f0207e2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/d28ca2513754b56e45645cda0518232e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/3963c890483d754d1ebe4b0aaf36b453.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: B0B on April 12, 2018, 12:28:11 AM
since i have been getting great luck with these flutter jigs and popular demand i decide i assemble more with the assist hooks setup.  sure is overkill, but why not?  i figured if im going to fish socal waters i may as well get my gear ready.   i am using 300lb test kevlar cord to tie the big game heavy nickel hooks and finished with shrink tubing.  attached are pictures to show just in case anyone wants to diy.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/7d10e503fa505060cb49225b39f4ba83.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/2edf9fb214fce0ec9f8f794b14bc5fe3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/5c42499d69866a684845ad53f1991b5c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/693a341366ebdb69c1aa2cb1e08887f7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/b12b14800d05c458c5eb39295057faf1.jpg)

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Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Eddie on April 12, 2018, 07:45:46 AM
Excellent work... :smt006
Title: Re: My journey into the world of Lead pouring
Post by: Sailfish on April 12, 2018, 07:55:36 AM
Nicely done  :smt007  Can you make some heavier jigs for deep sea fishing?