Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Lures => Topic started by: ReelFishingProblems on October 28, 2016, 06:37:26 PM

Title: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on 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
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: David Hall on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: handi2 on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on 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!
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Bill B on 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
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on 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...
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: oc1 on 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
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: thorhammer on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: thorhammer on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Cor on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: 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?
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Bryan Young on October 30, 2016, 05:35:53 PM
My friend uses Bondo. I have yet to try it but want to.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: thorhammer on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on 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.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: jcool3 on November 02, 2016, 05:50:54 AM
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 30, 2016, 05:35:53 PM
My friend uses Bondo. I have yet to try it but want to.

i have tried making molds with bondo. all these molds warped after a dozen pours.  it is hard to
work with as it hardens way too fast.  it is also quite toxic
(msds http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSuUn_zu8l00xM8tvmxm95v70k17zHvu9lxtD7SSSSSS--)
Way more toxic than melting lead.

My silicone molds each use $8 worth of MOLD MAKING SILICONE.  See my primer on silicone mold making.


Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 03:32:58 AM
I'm new to the forum, not sure if I want yet another detail-oriented hobby, but here goes...

Would it be possible for someone to post a pic of one of the commercial molds you guys are talking about (or point me to a site)? I just want to get some idea of the size and shape of these things.

Thanks!






Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Bryan Young on January 16, 2017, 04:43:33 AM
Quote from: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 03:32:58 AM
I'm new to the forum, not sure if I want yet another detail-oriented hobby, but here goes...

Would it be possible for someone to post a pic of one of the commercial molds you guys are talking about (or point me to a site)? I just want to get some idea of the size and shape of these things.

Thanks!

I think the mold company is do-it-molds I recall
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Cor on January 16, 2017, 04:47:26 AM
Here is an example of a silicone mould, this one a bit crude!
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 06:31:21 AM
Maybe my brain has shut down for the night, but I just spent 20 minutes at the Do-It Mold site and couldn't get an answer to a really simple question. What are the lead molds made of? Are they aluminum? The reason I'm asking is that I have a bench-top CNC mill out in the garage. My current software is 2D, but 3D is available (I just need a good excuse to buy it). That silicone mold in the photo above would be pretty simple to duplicate in 6061. Is that what Do-It is selling - aluminum molds that can be hinged or clamped together while the lead is poured?

Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Bryan Young on January 16, 2017, 09:01:03 AM
Quote from: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 06:31:21 AM
Maybe my brain has shut down for the night, but I just spent 20 minutes at the Do-It Mold site and couldn't get an answer to a really simple question. What are the lead molds made of? Are they aluminum? The reason I'm asking is that I have a bench-top CNC mill out in the garage. My current software is 2D, but 3D is available (I just need a good excuse to buy it). That silicone mold in the photo above would be pretty simple to duplicate in 6061. Is that what Do-It is selling - aluminum molds that can be hinged or clamped together while the lead is poured?

I believe that the molds are made of aluminum alloy.  To the exact type, I don't know.  Sorry.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: thorhammer on January 16, 2017, 02:10:31 PM
They are aluminum. You can get a blank mold from Jann's Netcraft.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on January 16, 2017, 02:22:14 PM
Maybe we'll have a new source to make custom jig molds here
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 08:42:53 PM
OK, I'll need to think about this a bit. It's got to be a combination of selling some and using some myself to be worthwhile. Thanks for the info, I'll follow up here on the forum if it looks promising.

Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: gstours on May 21, 2017, 05:01:58 PM
Steevo was right about no moisture in the mold.  :-\ ::) Preheat the mold first to aid in the initial pour.  Lead and water are kinda explosive, so wear safety glasses at least.    Lastly if making a silicone or bondo mold use long pieces of coathanger size wire inside on each side like rebar to stiffen the mold jig.n   Good luck and have fun. ;)
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Gadget on November 16, 2017, 03:32:50 AM
Hi Steve - O .I make my own slow fall and knife jigs up to 350gms over here from high temp silicon moulds made inside PVC plumbing tube.
They work well but the question I have is where did you find the eye stickers you are using.
I cannot locate anything similar over here and just wondered whether it was one of the usual tackle stores there so i could purchase on line
regards
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on November 16, 2017, 10:05:16 AM
I bought some from https://www.jannsnetcraft.com

Nick
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: thorhammer on November 16, 2017, 12:50:48 PM
Nick do you want some diamond jigs when I send your goody box down?
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: droppedit on November 16, 2017, 03:52:57 PM

http://www.dbanglingsupplies.co.uk/pirk-moulds

I found this online and know of a couple people that have purchased these. I actually fish with 10oz jigs for cod and pollack in New England and found them to be my favorite.
Hope this helps,


Dave
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on November 16, 2017, 10:13:43 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on November 16, 2017, 12:50:48 PM
Nick do you want some diamond jigs when I send your goody box down?
You know i'd never say no to that.
I may need you to put a note in the box that you threw them in there. She'll think i've been going to Tampa fishing outfitters instead of work!

Nick
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: gstours on November 19, 2017, 02:21:43 PM
  Has anybody purchased anything lately from these folks?   They look pretty well made,  and have a pretty good selection of Jig molds that i,ve never seen before.   Is shipping expensive,  if so people could combine an order possibly?    Just wonderin.    Maybe somebody knows.   
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: ReelFishingProblems on November 19, 2017, 03:00:25 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 19, 2017, 02:21:43 PM
  Has anybody purchased anything lately from these folks?   They look pretty well made,  and have a pretty good selection of Jig molds that i,ve never seen before.   Is shipping expensive,  if so people could combine an order possibly?    Just wonderin.    Maybe somebody knows.   
I'd be interested in joining an order for some of the pirk molds. They look great
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Keta on November 19, 2017, 03:10:53 PM
A friend of mine lets me use his D0-It Flutter Jig mold, depending on the size they run between $35.00 and $75.00.  When they let us fish a lot of lingcod are caught on these.  I prefer using large plastic swimbaits over jigs most of the time though.

(https://www.barlowstackle.com/Assets/ProductImages/Molds/473460.jpg)

Quote from: basszilla on January 16, 2017, 06:31:21 AM
That silicone mold in the photo above would be pretty simple to duplicate in 6061. Is that what Do-It is selling - aluminum molds that can be hinged or clamped together while the lead is poured?

My Do-It molds are all hinged aluminum.  Almost any aluminum will work, use what you have,  I think I have 1 home made aluminum mold made out of 5056.  

I have 2 molds (16oz and 32oz cannonballs) that came hinged but the hinges broke due to years of use and they are held together with a clamp when poring. My 16# downrigger ball mold hinges broke on the second ball I cast, the handles broke off a few later, and has been clamped with a C clamp for many pours.




Quote from: oc1 on 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

I cast a dive weight mold using greensand.


.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: gstours on November 21, 2017, 02:35:35 AM
   Mr.  Keta,   Im a dummy here in like what is greensand?     Sand with ???    thanks.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Bill B on November 23, 2017, 10:27:45 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 19, 2017, 02:21:43 PM
  Has anybody purchased anything lately from these folks?   They look pretty well made,  and have a pretty good selection of Jig molds that i,ve never seen before.   Is shipping expensive,  if so people could combine an order possibly?    Just wonderin.    Maybe somebody knows.   

Gary, not sure if you are talking about Jans Net Craft or not, but I just ordered 5 guide sets for some light/medium boat rods (they had a pre packaged set of seven guides including the tip) some thread coating and 10 brushes for $35 shipped ($9 was shipping).  The guides are not PacBay for sure but decent quality....Shipping was reasonable and about a week from Ohio to SoCal......Bill
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: droppedit on November 23, 2017, 11:04:09 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 19, 2017, 02:21:43 PM
  Has anybody purchased anything lately from these folks?   They look pretty well made,  and have a pretty good selection of Jig molds that i,ve never seen before.   Is shipping expensive,  if so people could combine an order possibly?    Just wonderin.    Maybe somebody knows.   

Gary, I know a person in New Hampshire is using these molds that he bought a couple of years ago. I do think he modified the forms though, and was using a welding wire that went through the jig. I just went to their website and it looks as though shipping is 10 pounds to the US. Not sure of the conversion rate but it sounds about right.

Dave

Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Keta on November 24, 2017, 12:44:19 AM
Quote from: gstours on November 21, 2017, 02:35:35 AM
   Mr.  Keta,   Im a dummy here in like what is greensand?     Sand with ???    thanks.

Casting sand for foundry work.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Gadget on July 02, 2018, 01:25:16 AM
I've experimented now with a number of different silicons and moulding systems.
Dow Corning made a good one years ago RTV 5120 I think it was and those moulds have stood the test of time (made in the early 80's). Apparently now though the mixture has changed and they dont last as long.
I was put onto silicons made by a company in the USA Barnes Corp. they have a couple of different high temp ones but the best is Wacker 4670 a beige coloured silicon. The salmon coloured one (number escapes me at present is not as flexible and can shear when extracting your poured jig.These moulds are good for perhaps 100 jigs if you take care of them.I have currently done 40 odd in a single mould with no visible issues.Two piece moulds are better than singles but they can be expensive. The silicon costs me $95 AUD for a kilo.roughly $70 USD. I can make two 350 gm moulds from 1kg as one piece or 4 as a two peice mould and then up to 630gms.
Hope this helps someone. Happy to take some photos and post them if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Gadget on January 31, 2019, 04:52:53 AM
I realise this is an old post, But I direct this query to Steve-O . I make a lot of my own vertical and flat fall jigs.Where did you purchase your eye stickers?I have been trying to locate those over here in OZ for a couple of years and have yet to work out where to buy them.Any pointers would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on February 01, 2019, 03:39:08 PM
Quote from: Gadget on January 31, 2019, 04:52:53 AM
I realise this is an old post, But I direct this query to Steve-O . I make a lot of my own vertical and flat fall jigs.Where did you purchase your eye stickers?I have been trying to locate those over here in OZ for a couple of years and have yet to work out where to buy them.Any pointers would be much appreciated.

G'day Gadget and Happy Belated Australia Day!  I have a new daughter-in-law  from Cronulla and she's a wonderful addition to the family.

I will be right back with the source of the eye stickers.

Steve-O
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on February 01, 2019, 05:07:53 PM
Here's the answer and probably why you didn't find them for two years.

I made them myself!!  ;D

Took me a bit to figure out that these were my own design, too. I Googled Slow Fall Jig eyes and kept seeing everything but these. Then I saw some on a jig that were kinda like and thought, I can do this.

Problem was I didn't save the file and had to recreate them.

You're free to use these all you want. Download or save the JPEG to your desktop and either use good quality paper or label stock. I used scissors to cut them out then a Sharpie® marker to go around the white edges. Stick them on before you dip your jigs in epoxy or whatever clear coat protection you use.

Cheers!

Steve

PS- if you prefer a different color scheme, let me know. My experience last year in Alaska was the solid green jig with black, red and yellow eyes was the MOST consistent fish catcher of all my jigs. Only had one and lost it ...grrr. The second best producer was white with spots and glow paint. Alaska fish are not very fussy eaters though.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Dominick on February 01, 2019, 06:29:44 PM
More talent on this site than anywhere else.  Dominick
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Alto Mare on February 01, 2019, 09:10:49 PM
Nice job paisano!

Sal
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Gadget on February 06, 2019, 06:57:15 AM
thankyou so much Steve-O .your blood is worth bottling. theyt are just what I've been looking for
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on February 12, 2019, 02:33:19 PM
You're very welcome, Gadget!

And for anyone else.....feel free to download and print all you need.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Gadget on April 09, 2019, 07:04:00 AM
Well Stev-O finally got a signwriter to make me some adhesive backed eyes based on your design (many thanks 0 these are now on some new 800gm knife jigs for very deep water jigging 400m plus.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Ron Jones on April 09, 2019, 01:22:27 PM
Very nice. I think those will do the trick.
Ron Jones
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: Steve-O on April 11, 2019, 01:20:51 PM
Oooooh!   Those look reel fishy! ;D   Please share the results.
Title: Re: What do you use for verticle jig molds?
Post by: gstours on April 12, 2019, 03:34:53 PM
  Yesn looking good,  I,m convinced the glow in dark is worth doing foor the dark depths ,  it just a pretty color anyway.   thanks for the pictures.  g.