First Pony Head Pour

[dandeman]

This is my first attempt at a pony head pour, this one is 1/16 oz.. Does anyone have suggestions about not getting powder paint on swivel? I tried wrapping it with aluminum foil but as you can see still got some paint on top end of swivel barrel. The swivel works properly, I just don't like the look of the paint on the swivel.

[Cray]

No picture. Foil works but time consuming. You have to really work foil around swivel. I clean them real good with small pocket knife then bake if powder painting.

[canebreaker]

I borrowed a ponyhead mold to get me a few in my system. I'm casting 1/8 with a #14 swivel and 2/0 hook, 1/4 with a #12 swivel and 3/0 hook.
Mr. Jim cuts 1/8" heat shrink about 3/16" long and puts it on the swivel before heating. When you heat it the second time, use tweezers to remove it.
The ones that don't make a barb will be tied. Grubs will go on the good ones.
I've got a drs. appt. tomorrow. I'll take a box of heads, split rings and blades along with me.

[Fatman]

Have always used tin foil and make sure it gets up there tight. I don't have a problem if some gets on the swivel I'd be more concerned that the wire between the head and swivel are clear and spinning freely. If it really bothers you hold the barrel with a pair of needle nose and use a razor blade to scrape the the paint off.

[Cray]

Now I see what you mean. I started using Jimfishe's trick of using the heat shrink tubing and it does a great job. Hands are getting to stiff to work with foil. Picked mine up at electronics supply store in 3rd sections for about a dollar a section. Like Fatman says paint on swivel not bad but on wire it can get into top of swivel and cause it to lock up. I also use Christmas tree ornament hangers to hang by swivel to cure. Keeps any excess from running into swivel.

[Fatman]

Cray - doing the pony and horseheads this way I think I've only busted off one swivel because of hardened paint and it was my fault!!! Forgot to take the tin foil off before curing!!!LOL

I always end up cleaning a few swivels and actually it's a good thing, after curing I want to check and make sure BOTH ends of the swivel are turning freely. If only one end works you lose 50% of the action. I've cured mine for years hanging the hook in a hole cut into the edge of an aluminum bread pan. I don't have to clean to many.

The only problem if using a fluid bed is using a small 2", make sure when dipping pony and horseheads you add a little more powder than usual to make up for the tin foil on the swivel.

[dandeman]

[QUOTE=Fatman;2113145]Cray - doing the pony and horseheads this way I think I've only busted off one swivel because of hardened paint and it was my fault!!! Forgot to take the tin foil off before curing!!!LOL

Thanks for all the tips guys!!! I didn't forget to take the foil off before curing, I just didn't know better. Ouch!!!

Cray - I like the idea of using the hooks to hang by swivel during curing.

[Cray]

Here are some pics of some i did this afternoon

[canebreaker]

You got those looking good.

[Fatman]

Cray - they look good!!!!!!!!! Now you can try brush tapping for two tones. LOL