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I have used the microwave to melt the plastic for my first few pours and things went fine, but I was wondering how many of you guys use a melting pot of some kind? I'm not into high production, I was just wanting to keep the plastic hot and not have to keep popping it in the MW. Is there a small pot solution? I inject so no need for a spout. Any ideas? I'd rather not use the wifey's stove, I don't need any more lumps and bruises.
Presto pot, but you will have to constantly stir. I hope your not cooking in the house, don't do that
mepperson, I was sort of wondering the same thing. Do the pots keep them at a set temp once they reach say like 325 without scorching the plastic or darkening the color. I have single small molds and every time I put it back in the mic the color gets a little darker. I never get but 2 baits or so with the same color. If anyone would ever produce the molds I want that might change.
Part of your problem with burning the plastic may be the microwave you are using or the fact that when you remelt you are leaving it in too long. I use a little old "dorm" microwave that is low wattage. I have never burned any plastic in this one. I did burn it in the other oven I used but I learned that when re-melting to only leave it in the oven for a max of 20 seconds and then stir and repeat until the plastic is ready. It is tough to learn but with time you will get the feel for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by crappieseeker
One thing I have found is that the color yellow is very difficult re-melt without burning. It starts to turn brown very quickly.
magnum, I use a small low wattage microwave, but I my problem has been with chartreuse which is sort of yellow so that may be the problem. I mean it seems to turn darker before it even gets melted good again.
I have had chartreuse do that also and the secret is shorter cook times. you will mess up a lot of plastic but you will figure out how to shorten your cook times to keep it from burning. I add dark colors to the scorched plastic and make dark colored jigs from it. Better than throwing it away.Quote:
Originally Posted by crappieseeker
get some heat stabilizer to add. I have had my plastic 420 degrees and did not burn at all
crappieday how much do you add per ounce
i add 1 teaspoon for 2 cups of plastic
The Presto pot when set up right is far easier than the micro wave ... Make sure you get a digital Thermometer so you can check aginst the settings on the heat control dial ... once you have it zeroed in you will konw where to go with it ... You can stir by hand but I would advise any one to get or make a stirrer ... pour your plaxtic in, turn on the heat and start the stir motor .. then when ready add your color .. if you are not going to use it all real quick or have to remelt some (if injecting you will have the runners and sprues ... chop them up in small pices and add a little at the time) then add a little heat stabilizer ...Quote:
Originally Posted by crappieseeker
Good Luck
JSC
the problem with presto pots is you really need to be making a minimum of 2 cups of plastic to get the benefits of using one.
Presto pots work great but if you dont wanna do alot at one time walmart or other retails stores sell single and double burners that you can use. They work great for heating and keeping plastics hot also you can use them to keep your injector warm so it does'nt clog as easy
JJ
jiggin joe will those walmart burners heat the plastic to the desired temp and will one of those 14 dollar digital probe thermometers from wally work? I do not use enough plastic to invest in a presto pot and stirrer
yes you can melt the plastic very well with a burner from wallmart as far as the thermometers I am not sure on those.
oh and if you do get a burner from wallmart try and get the double burner it helps alot when doing 2 color pours
JJ
what kind of pans do you use on those burners?
I found metal measuring cups that have spouts on them. They work great for hand pours otherwise just use a very small sauce pan
JJ
where might a man find metal measuring cups with spoouts locally? i know you can order those little spouted pans online
I've "overcooked" my share of plastic, and found that 20-30 sec in MW is the best way for me to melt scraps, and reheat plastic between shots. keeps down on burning the color.
any kitchen type store I found mine when shopping at a Cub (grocery store) in there kitchen gadget isleQuote:
Originally Posted by crappieseeker
JJ
I bought a cheap counter top fish fryer from wal-mart, 24.95. It has the adjustable temp gauge, works great.
Brad
shockley do you use a lot of plastic at one time or small amounts. Seems like that might stick or scorch in that pot with small amounts. I guess you could use just about anything that heats it seems, just gotta work it to your style
I use a microwave for my plastic. I use multiple molds of the same bait and 1 injector to produce 1-2000 baits a day. I heat my plastic, make 3 rounds of injecting then reheat again for 30 seconds. I have thought about going to a presto pot with stirring system but heating in that way causes more fumes and a exhaust hood is needed at that point. I plan to get a full blown injection machine in the future. near future I hope
crappieday, I wish I had the time and knowledge about it as you do. If I did I would buy me an injection machine and start a small business. However I do not have the knowhow and wont have the time anytime within the next few years. If you lived closer I would consider buying you that machine for a small finance charge lol. You do great work and are very helpful for us wannabes.
I wish you lived closer too. lol the machine I am looking into is not out yetQuote:
Originally Posted by crappieseeker
bears is suppose to be showing his new machine in Guntersville at the end of the month, if I get a chance I want to go check it out. I hope you get the machine you want
I would like to make it over and check it out if I can. Thats the one I am looking at getting
Do you know what day and time he is going to be showing that machine? I need to find out what location at the park they are suppose to meet at, do you have any idea?
no, but he may have it on his forum. I think its friday night but not sure
we'll let you in on a little secret for you hot plate guys find a half inch piece of aluminum put it on your burner and then put your pot on top of that. If you do not have this take a metal pie pan turn it upside down on your burner then put your pot on top of that. You must have the barrier from direct heat.