Mold Clamping Questions

[cub48]

I have been trying to use clamps instead the screws. My problems are i have tried two different clamps the first ones were the blue vise grip not the smallest but middle size the molds would blow out i clamp two at the same time. So the next ones i bought the heavy blue vise grip it works but still it will blow out sometimes. Was thinking if i need to block sand my molds to make them flat. Has anyone had a problem like this. Also just tried a microwave today. What do you use to stir your plastic with. I used a spoon but it would build up plastic on it. Cub48

[CTom]

If you can shoot without flashing using the screws, the mold is as flat as its going to get. Don't sand it. Get two matching clamps and try that.

For stirring plastic I use popsicle sticks and clean between stirrings with a single edged razor blade..

[cub48]

Thanks Ctom What i was talking about was the outside of the molds not the inside. What i was thinking the screws may of distorted the outside. Was thinking of taking a block and sand it lightly. The first clamps were matching the last ones one is a little heavy built than the other but close the same size. Fisher Hawk uses the same clamps like the first ones and don't have any problems, if i use the screws mine never fail even has no flashing at all around them. I shot a 120 yesterday baby shad and had 3 or 4 blow outs LOL. The popsicle sticks will work i was thinking of something glass you could leave in the cup. The spoon would cool the plastic some and build up a lot. Can you get long popsicle sticks? A 1/4 round wood dowell cut to length might work too. trial and error is the fix most times but was pleased for both microwave and new clamps only scorched one shot. Was using remelts old pink worms to make new pink shad only have 20 salmon colored LOL Merry Christmas Cub48

[CTom]

The popsicle sticks will work i was thinking of something glass you could leave in the cup. The spoon would cool the plastic some and build up a lot. Can you get long popsicle sticks? A 1/4 round wood dowell cut to length might work too. trial and error is the fix most times but was pleased for both microwave and new clamps only scorched one shot.

Cub...Go to a paint store and get a couple stir sticks. Split them in half the long way. You'll end up with a nice long stick that does a better job of mixing than a round dowel. Sand the cut edges smooth and have at it.

Glass can drop and break so I keep stuff like glass stir sticks off my shooting bench. Glass can also get hotter than heck and holds heat way more than metal. Spoons are great for doing small hand-pours, like bellies in 1.5 inch shads, but they really mess with plastic by acting as heat sinks. The metal knives are just as bad as spoons. Wood doesn't rob much heat...doesn't hold much heat either, is easy to clean and maintain, but if left in plastic wood will cause some foaming. It boils down to what works best for you. I like the wooden sticks.

Also on the clamping.....If you use the screws and don't see any flashing, lay the clamp pads right over the screw holes and tighten well. Sometimes it is a very fine line in pressure points to eliminate flash. You could also try not leaning on the injector if you are shooting with lots of force.

[crappiefarmer]

I Use some sacrificed butter knives for stirring. they work great and plastic cools quick on them and You just roll off the plastic. I have not had any problems using them. They don't seem to cool off the plastic real fast.CF

[snake River]

I do not use any type of wood for storing it least too many bubbles for me . i use braising rods I believe they are brass and I take them and cut them about a foot and a half long but each to his own I'm just going by past experience. I find that the rods leave less bubbles. using the 502 plastic I usually do not get any bubbles .

[cub48]

I may have some brass rods in the shop will try these may also try the butter knife but do some grinding on it make it about 1/2" wide. I also have a place to get the paint paddles. I found out trial and error is the way you find out what works for you LOL. I liked the microwave so far i have been using hot plates only thing i noticed was the microwave may have a few more bubbles but it may just be the remelts i was using. My thinking on the molds i am going to block sand the outer surface that way when you clamp them together they will be flush. I will try clamping at the screw holes also. Thanks Guys for the info will try it all and see what works best for me LOL Cub48