Recomendations for a newbie to pouring jigs

[rubicon3680]

Guys I'm a completly new to this whole pouring jig heads thing. But the jigs i use the most are getting more and more costly every year. I don't want to sell anything I make and will only be pouring a couple hundred heads a year. Sadly they will be pony head style jigs so i can't just buy em from one of you guys. What tools would ya'll recommend that will be reliable and easy to use? Also safety wise are there any must have items? It will be this winter before I start getting set up, just trying to do some homework beforehand.

Chris

[slabbandit]

Hey Chris, I would get a Pony Head Mold from Do-It Molds. They are about 40 bucks. I watch molds on E-Bay all the time and if I find one I'll let you know. They go from 1/32 to 3/8 oz I think. I have one my Brother-in-Law let me use but I haven't tried it yet. Ordering components this week. I'll post some pics of how they turn out.
I would recommend getting a 10 lb bottom pour Lee Melting pot. Always used clean "fluxed" lead in your melting pot as trash, dirt, impurities, will stop up the spout. It's rewarding and lots of fun to pour you're own jig heads but there are a few precautions to take in regards to fumes and getting burned. The best place to buy already clean and fluxed lead is on E-Bay. You want as pure of lead as you can get so your barbs will flow and pour good. Tire weight lead is good for larger egg sinkers but can give you a little trouble with small jigs.
I can go on and on about pouring jig heads which I pour almost all of my own. Send me a PM anytime you want more info or ask any of the knowledgeable folks here on the jig tying forum.

Dave

[Fatman]

Chris

First you have to decide which mold you want Pony or Horsehead??? Photo below shows the Pony on the left Horsehead on the right


You can get the Assorted mold with either one of them - but then your going to need the crane swivels and the hooks (if you get Sickles - sit down with them and the mold and dry fit each one so that when you go to pour you know they fit) - and with the assorted you'll need assorted sizes.

Bottom pour Lee pot is the way to go makes it much easier - lead some like total pure for jigs both my molds pour fine with a mix of 2 parts tire weight to 1 part pure, I feel it holds the swivel better.

Powder painting them is okay but I cover my swivels with tin foil and before curing take it off.

Have fun with them, take safety percussions with the molten lead and you'll turn out some good jigs. If you need help just ask!!

[rubicon3680]

Thanks for the info guys. Fatman you've already saved me some money. I'm definately planning on the horsehead style. I didn't know there was even a difference between the two. Those sickles look wicked man, but i'm actually wanting to do a lighter hook one that i can straighten out whenever i get hung up on something pretty solid. I'm hoping not to lose as many jigs. Although I definately plan on experimenting with hooks and blades, that is where the fun is at when it comes to fishing. Looks like I'll start looking for a Bottom pour Lee melting pot.