Do-It Minnow head mold - frustrated about actual weights

I have had a few inquiries to make wire retainer jig heads lighter than 1/32. I found the Do-It JMWB-7-A Minnow head mold and bought it.

Much to my dismay, the smallest cavity, supposedly 1/48 oz, produces jig heads weighing 1/32 oz (0.9g).

The 1/32 cavity produces heads weighing slightly over 1/16 oz (1.8g). It’s actual weight was 1.9g.

The 1/16 (1.8g) cavity produces heads weighing 2.4g (which is approaching 3/32oz).

Here is a picture of a 1/32, the supposed 1/48, and one filed down to weigh 1/48oz
Attachment 371811

So very frustrating!



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When you get down in those smaller size heads that are doodad heads with pointed noses and recessed eye sockets which makes them thin to start with then you have to add enough lead to hold the wire or you would be defeating the whole purpose to start with. Try just weighing the head with NO HOOK AND NO WIRE...they dont base their weight on that being in there...just on the weight of the lead itself...there is many many many factors when you go to weighing heads....things you cant control and never will be able too...not saying you or I could not make a 1\48 or close to it with a wire insert but some things would have to change the get close to that weight...like a guy told me one time there is no way you can pour a 1\64 round head with a barb on a #2 hook....I have sent him several 1000 sent then...lol....IT CAN BE DONE....you just got to get your mind right like Cool Hand Luke....lmao...

Density and lead alloys can influence jig weight. especially in the little guys.

When you get down in those smaller size heads that are doodad heads with pointed noses and recessed eye sockets which makes them thin to start with then you have to add enough lead to hold the wire or you would be defeating the whole purpose to start with. Try just weighing the head with NO HOOK AND NO WIRE...they dont base their weight on that being in there...just on the weight of the lead itself...there is many many many factors when you go to weighing heads....things you cant control and never will be able too...not saying you or I could not make a 1\48 or close to it with a wire insert but some things would have to change the get close to that weight...like a guy told me one time there is no way you can pour a 1\64 round head with a barb on a #2 hook....I have sent him several 1000 sent then...lol....IT CAN BE DONE....you just got to get your mind right like Cool Hand Luke....lmao...

When I contacted Do-It, their response was to pour Tin instead of lead.

That would be a pain to switch back and forth between, plus from what I understand quite a bit more expensive and harder to find.

I decided to go ahead and create an Excel spreadsheet comparing pure lead, pure Tin and Bismuth.

From what I read about bismuth, it has a much lower melting temperature that could cause problems when powder painting.

Attachment 371921


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Just remember lead manufacturers and others can legally have up to 10% foreign material in them and still meet the 96% pure lead grade. if that 10% was a ferrous material it could effect weight quite a bit. That is why small mold companies suggest tin. It is inherently a cleaner product than lead and more expensive. Oh and it will powder coat, just less time on the burner. I am no metallurgist but have worked with all these products for a long time. Good luck

If you want those very light weights you can get them with lead by going to the round head molds like JNR-6-A and RVB-6-SA. But you will have to use the smaller hooks these molds were intended for. I have cast and weighed many. You can tie the barb insert on the jig quite easily. Although I haven't weighted them I suspect the #2 hook probably weighs more than the 1/48 you might be wanting to achieve. Also on these small jigs the paint adds more weight than one might think. Tin is a alternate. I have a separate pot I use just for tin and it works fine as well as powder painting. Just reduce temps.

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z520tom,

Where do you get your tin and how much does it normally cost you?

Also, The hooks I used were #4 sickles


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Haven't bought tin in over 5 years. I probably just googled it and found it there.

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Rotometals is where I get my lead from. They have tin. Not cheap. I would say you need a smaller hook than a size 4 sickle for a 1/48. I have a 1/32 round head and it calls for a size 6. Probably help you out in the weight range you want if you went to I’d say a size 8 hook for that small of head.

I use a do it 1/32 ball head mold and a #8 sickle and it comes out 1/43. Works very well for all of my ultra light casting and shooting up under things on my 2 lb rig. If you need it, I’ll go get the mold number for you. It’s a production mold which is nice getting 8 at a time, and the gate is smaller so it breaks off easy. As far as a minnow head, I have no clue. I have the minnow head and it’s just too heavy for what I’m trying to do. Might have to get one made to get it done right.

I have no business doing it, but I have entertained the idea of buying a small tabletop CNC so I could make my own molds.

Do you think the wife would say that is taking a hobby too far?


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No, we can never go to far when talking about crappie fishing.

Heck no, just buy it and ask for forgiveness. It will cost you some money down the road though, she will not forget.nonono

The amount of money I’ve spent in making jigs I could’ve had a new boat by now. So what I’m saying buy it and let me know when you’re cutting molds, lol.

Hobbies are always fun til you get too serious. And then if you’re trying to sell your hobby to others, you have to deal with a few serious people here and there. When it comes to tackle, people can be downright snobbish.
As far as weight issues, those lil jigs are just dumb. Plain n simple.
If you make a jig that is close to the proportion and size you want. And it’s not working the way you think the fish might want it that day.....
that’s why they make pliers that cut


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Hobbies are always fun til you get too serious. And then if you’re trying to sell your hobby to others, you have to deal with a few serious people here and there. When it comes to tackle, people can be downright snobbish.
As far as weight issues, those lil jigs are just dumb. Plain n simple.
If you make a jig that is close to the proportion and size you want. And it’s not working the way you think the fish might want it that day.....
that’s why they make pliers that cut


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Once you get it!! and learn how to do mods to molds and make molds it will slowly start making you money BUT it will cut down on your fishing cause you'll be making and moding stuff for everyone else!!

Fatman said it all. But, I still buy new molds all the time.