Thread: New Guy

Trust me, it is by far cheaper to buy it already made. It is very easy to get above the $500 by the time you buy the plastic, tints and glitter. And we have not even touched molds yet. If you microwave, it will need to be for this purpose only and you will need some pyrex cups. If you will be using a presto pot, you will want a stirring motor. A motor will prevent scorching plastic but you will get more smoke using it. You do not want to breath the fumes so some exhaust is needed here. If you get hot plastic on you , it wont come off until it has cooled. Its kinda like getting hot bacon grease on you but you cant wipe it off. My advise would be to check bears baits for some pricing to see if you want to invest the money.

Welcome from Alabama. There are many on here who will tell you this hobby is not cheap. In fact there is a thread on it right now you should read. Be sure and read the "Do Not" stickie at the top of this forum. I am just a beginner in the hot plastic injecting and I can tell you the reward is when I fish hits a lure you made for yourself. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Miller

I am wanting to start making my own tubes and stinger type plastics. What is the bare minimum equipment/supplies will I need?

make sure that you check out what materials were going to cost you before you jump into this hobby you could easily spend over $300 to start out with young matches for basics it may even go higher please read all post here lately carefully and you will find out it is not cheap read my recent post it's not cheap to make plastic baits in if you do decide to jump in welcome aboard it can be very rewarding you get the chance to make plastic baits that you will enjoy forever once you buy a mold it will last you a lifetime the good thing about if you are making baits for yourself there's nothing better than catching fish on something that you made with your two hands so good luck to you if you get into the hobby.

Originally Posted by Miller

I am wanting to start making my own tubes and stinger type plastics. What is the bare minimum equipment/supplies will I need?

A short list:

plastisol - 1 pint $12.95
dye - $3.99 for 1 oz.
glitter - $4.49 for 2 oz.
aluminum mold - $50
injector - $50
c clamp - $2
pyrex cup - $2
gloves - $2
safety glasses - $2
microwave - $25 (hopefully you can find a cheap used one)
dinner with wife to break the news of new hobby - $50 (optional)

I'm sure I left something out, but you're looking at about $150 minimum to make one color of one bait. You may find less expensive substitutions on molds and injectors, but that usually comes with lower quality and higher risk of significant burns...

Keep it simple to start:
1. Microwave and some Pyrex cups.
2. Gloves (absolute MUST), shoes (a must!), long sleeve shirt.
3. Well ventilated area...best if you wear a respirator.
4. If you are going to focus on crappie/panfish baits...I would recommend Jacobs Baits. He has really nice panfish molds. I also really like his injector. It's necessary for his sprue size (small)...but will also work on everyone else's 5/8". It has a locking tip and is really smooth.
JACOBS BAITS Home Page
5. I personally like Caney Creek Molds plastic the best (by far). He also has some really nice panfish molds Welcome to Caney Creek Molds - Index - Fishing Molds, Jig Molds, Injection Lure Molds, Soft Plastic Hand Pour Molds6. Some colorant and some glitter. The pearl colors on Caney Creek...mixed with small glitter is really good.
7. A good 'instant read" digital thermometer that reads to 400 degrees (or more). I got mine at Target for $15. Especially as a beginner...you need to make sure your plastic made it to 350...and then inject...
8. Mold at 320-350 degrees (that's why you need the safety stuff!!!!) depending on the mold. Remember...water boils at 212...plastic is over 300!
9. Go SLOW and NO pressure. Pressure is the enemy!!!! It makes baits with flash...and causes very painful accidents!!!! If you need anything more than light hand pressure on the injector...something is WRONG...STOP and figure it out (your tip is clogged!). NEVER point an injector at your face!!!! Look down at it..facing away from you to see if you have an issue. A lot of people wear a simple face shield when molding...probably a really good idea!
10. VENTILATE (it's worthy of two mentions!!!)

Yeah...you will have at least $500 in this to start....but it's as much fun to make baits...as it is to use them!

Originally Posted by DaBehr

Keep it simple to start:
1. Microwave and some Pyrex cups.
2. Gloves (absolute MUST), shoes (a must!), long sleeve shirt.
3. Well ventilated area...best if you wear a respirator.
4. If you are going to focus on crappie/panfish baits...I would recommend Jacobs Baits. He has really nice panfish molds. I also really like his injector. It's necessary for his sprue size (small)...but will also work on everyone else's 5/8". It has a locking tip and is really smooth.
JACOBS BAITS Home Page
5. I personally like Caney Creek Molds plastic the best (by far). He also has some really nice panfish molds Welcome to Caney Creek Molds - Index - Fishing Molds, Jig Molds, Injection Lure Molds, Soft Plastic Hand Pour Molds6. Some colorant and some glitter. The pearl colors on Caney Creek...mixed with small glitter is really good.
7. A good 'instant read" digital thermometer that reads to 400 degrees (or more). I got mine at Target for $15. Especially as a beginner...you need to make sure your plastic made it to 350...and then inject...
8. Mold at 320-350 degrees (that's why you need the safety stuff!!!!) depending on the mold. Remember...water boils at 212...plastic is over 300!
9. Go SLOW and NO pressure. Pressure is the enemy!!!! It makes baits with flash...and causes very painful accidents!!!! If you need anything more than light hand pressure on the injector...something is WRONG...STOP and figure it out (your tip is clogged!). NEVER point an injector at your face!!!! Look down at it..facing away from you to see if you have an issue. A lot of people wear a simple face shield when molding...probably a really good idea!
10. VENTILATE (it's worthy of two mentions!!!)

Yeah...you will have at least $500 in this to start....but it's as much fun to make baits...as it is to use them!

Those are great starter tips. Also look at the "DO NOT" thread at the top of this forum. Welcome from Alabama.

Check the Jilly Jelly Jig thread. It's easy and and gives a guy something to do in his "Man Cave" plus it's very cheap and you get the same satisfaction when you catch a fish because you made it yourself. I used some body's that I prob would never use and added tail colors of my choice.