What do you use for verticle jig molds?

ReelFishingProblems · October 28, 2016, 06:37:26 PM

Hello all,

I'm looking to start making my own verticle jigs. Messing around with lead right now (following safety precautions) but I haven't found a jig mold for under $160. Why is there such a premium on these? How do you make your own molds that last numerous pourings of molten lead?

Nick

David Hall · October 28, 2016, 07:55:33 PM

Several guys on here doing just this. Look at threads for rock fish, lung cod jigs. I was just reading some of them yesterday.

handi2 · October 28, 2016, 10:04:58 PM

The last time i bought a mold it was $150.00.

I think the jig weight is 8 ounces.

ReelFishingProblems · October 28, 2016, 10:43:21 PM

I guess I need to find a way to make my own mold, and/or follow some of the.creative folks on the site!

Bill B · October 29, 2016, 12:01:33 AM

Lots of good tutorials here, mold material runs the gamut of Bondo, silicone and Steve-O used Durhams Rock Hard Water putty...I even saw a video on You Tube where someone used wood blocks.....let us know what you decide on and if you can post a tutorial of your methods we would be grateful....the good thing about this site is we are always learning new tricks and eager to share our successes and failures for all to see.....Bill

Steve-O · October 29, 2016, 12:03:27 AM

Depending on how much effort, time and $$$ you want to invest into the endeavor you have a number of options.

There is a blank Do-It mold out there. You mill your own cavity into the aluminum and start casting.

On the cheap there are lead filled copper pipes - very effective ling cod killers.

Copy a jig in a silicone mold poured into a Lego blocks mold. Holds up fairly well for a dozen or so then make another.

I went even cheaper and easier.

Carved balsa wood plugs in the shape of keeled flat fall or slow fall jigs and made several molds using Durhams Rock hard putty. Mixes with water, sets up fast. So far holding up for a number of pours. Mine were very effective on all bottom and mid water column species in Southeast Alaska for me.

Here's a 165 gram slow fall jig I made. 6 ounces. Covered in holographic foils and dipped in epoxy.

Sorry for the crudola iPad images. They really are shiny, blingy!..and durable.

Retail for this size is $8 or so. My cost $1.50 with hooks.

Yep....Bill was typing at the same time as I was...

oc1 · October 29, 2016, 08:29:15 AM

We used to make sand castings. You can do one-offs with nothing but moist sand impressions. Can't get cheaper than that.
-steve

thorhammer · October 29, 2016, 10:57:44 AM

Nick what kind and size jig are you after? I have a bunch of do it molds for diamond jigs and buck tails. You won't need a pound in Fla.

ReelFishingProblems · October 29, 2016, 09:41:10 PM

I love the ideas, and will have to try some of them out. Making jigs just seems like a fun thing to do on a non fishing day, plus good to have. Looking at making jigs between 4-8 ounces.

thorhammer · October 30, 2016, 01:21:50 AM

I have a 4oz diamond jig mold. You can get a 100 wire forms for about $7 and have a lifetime supply welcome to borrow it if you wish.

Cor · October 30, 2016, 08:40:40 AM

I think the main question is the quantity you wish to make and if it is for commercial sale?

If for your own use, there are many ways as already listed. For many years guys here made jigs cast from white metal in to Plaster of Paris (or similar stuff) moulds. Is a little bit crude and does not last too well, but cheap and perfect to make 10 jigs for yourself, then make another mould!

If you want to make a nicer looking and more precise product, Silicone is the way to go but can become expensive

After that have a mould made by a foundry, not too expensive and lasts a lifetime.

There is now a tendency to use Stainless Steel to machine jigs from, which are a lot more durable and not even that expensive either considering it can last for many years.

ReelFishingProblems · October 30, 2016, 04:59:46 PM

John,
Thanks for the offer, but I think the plaster mold is probably as in-depth as I need to get. I like P-line minnows and the arts & crafts part of decorating them seems like a fun tinkering project.

What do you like best about diamond jigs?

Bryan Young · October 30, 2016, 05:35:53 PM

My friend uses Bondo. I have yet to try it but want to.

thorhammer · October 31, 2016, 02:41:21 PM

Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on October 30, 2016, 04:59:46 PM
John,
Thanks for the offer, but I think the plaster mold is probably as in-depth as I need to get. I like P-line minnows and the arts & crafts part of decorating them seems like a fun tinkering project.

What do you like best about diamond jigs?

...that I have the mold already

. Bought that and butterbean jig mold from a guy for $30 twenty years ago.

I use diamonds in situations where I need to drop deep quickly or cast over a hundred yards; sectional density is better than a flat plug (spoon) for me anyway.

Received the plates; nice. they will get a gold Tib frame and ride on one of the sticks I sent you the pictures of.

Steve-O · October 31, 2016, 08:28:22 PM

one key item to address when making a wet mold is that you need to cure the mold and dry all the moisture out before use.

The Durham Rock Hard putty was ready in one day to start casting. Plaster dries pretty quick as does bondo since it is a chemical exothermic cure to my knowledge.

Then preheat the mold right before pouring lead. I just flash the propane/butane torch over it a few passes to just above warm to the touch.

Casting is a bit art to get the swing of how hot to get the lead right at pouring time. i like it when it is noticeably very fluid and extra shiny. There is a difference in just barely molten and extra molten. It pours way better.

NO WATER AROUND! including sweat or drizzle. GOOD ventilation is a must as is proper eye and skin protection.

I use a cast iron lead melting pot - free gift when I bought a used muzzle loader. I also presort my lead since they're wheel weights. Some are "soft" lead and others are mixed with zinc and will not melt without a LOT more heat. I don't even bother with those because I got 140 #'s! Total cost $42.00 or 30¢ a pound or 2¢ an ounce. 12¢ for a 6 oz jig in lead. Why would anyone ever pay $9 bucks for a jig?
small batches work for me...half dozen or so...then file them smooth enough for Gov't work and decorate. Holographic foil tape with some kind of fish scale looking pattern in silver, red, green, blue, and add accents of eyes, gills, bars- like many smolts have, maybe some glow in the dark paint, coat in epoxy. DONE! ready for assist hooks and a fish's greed instinct to CHOMP!

Hope you dive into it and show us what you come up with.