DIY Swimbait

Mods please Delete this thread for me

I think this is a good guide for those thinking of pouring their own swimbaits. Can you fill in the Big Hammer imprint in the molds? I see no problem using their swimbait for patterns. They will not be mistaken for big hammers if the name is not on the sides and tail, and you use different plastics.

Thank you for sharing!  Definitely a cool project.  Awesome work Allen!

Thanks guys.  Really kinda bummed out for myself that I tried to hide (LIE) the fact that I had 2 Big Hammer swimbaits in the mold when gently questioned.....really hitting my head over that move.  maybe I should have used my own clay models to make the mold 

I think as long as you are not trying to sell them there should not be an issue.

Poor Fishtraps, no cares about them being in the mold lol.

The thing I find most impressive is the use of the kitchen counter and (guessing here) the kitchen microwave for this, and living to tell about it!

How can I buy these from you?

I'm kidding, but a great idea to use the silicon RTV for a mold.

Hope you catch a PB ling on your swim baits brother.
Thanks for sharing your project with us 

Poor Fishtraps, no cares about them being in the mold lol.

The thing I find most impressive is the use of the kitchen counter and (guessing here) the kitchen microwave for this, and living to tell about it!

++1

Was looking at this through my IPad earlier and now on my desk top with a bigger screen.

I'm impressed how long did it take you to do this once you had all the material?

Be careful of the fumes.  I always wear a good mask when pouring plastics.  It's also good to be in a well ventilated area.

Martin

Use the mold to make big gummy worms and you will have a snack when the fish are not biting.  One for you, one for the fish. 

Very nice!  It becomes addictive and what started to save money just costs you more, lol.  I started with POP molds, used household silicon and bondo, got into aluminum and now I inject.  I still use all the molds I have made as the POP still works great and are cheap.  I have a few I need to clean and re-seal.  It is a great hobby.  I will PM you a great tackle making site if you are not already on there.

A couple things.  Don't pour in your house.  The fumes are toxic, especially when...and I do say when, you burn the plastic.  Don't use your household microwave due to the toxicity and food use.  Get one from the local donation center or craigslist and dedicate it to just pouring and shop crafts.  The plastic fumes build up in it, your room and your lungs.  I do not use a mask, but have a well ventilated area with a fan to suck the fumes away.  You will be amazed how oily the fan blades get after a while.  Keep water close in case you spill plastic, it hurts! LOL.  Don't set your hot pouring cups on anything cold (counter tops, metal work bench), they can shatter or crack and hot plastic goes everywhere.  I set mine on a board, or some insulating surface.  Ok, enough safety rant.

Welcome to the madness....of pouring.  I can not wait to see more.

Looks like Allan is using an RTV (room temperature vulcanization) silicone, which has very little fume off put and does not require heating to cure.

What durometer silicone are you using? Nevermind. Saw it on the label.

When I was very young, I poured my own molds using my Creepy Crawler set!  I was maybe in the 4th or 5th grade.  I'd set hooks right in the plastics so that I wouldn't damage them when setting a hook in 'em.  They worked great!  Especially the crawdad. 

Back in those days, Creepy Crawler used a hot plate and aluminum molds.  Eventually I carved my initials in the molds and poured a different color for those so they stood out. 

Thanks for the memories!  That's been over 50 years ago. 

Rock hopper, the RTV mold is fine.  Its the plastisol that is toxic.  You have to heat it to activate and harden, and reheat it each time you pour your baits which creates fumes.  Some brands are better than others, but all smoke and smell. 

I bought a micro-wave at Walmart for $39.99 a couple of years ago.  It's only use is the heating of Plastisol for swimbaits.  I find that a mask is essential, even when pouring in my garage with the doors open.  After one raging headache, I bought a 3m mask.