Pouring Plastics?

[bassdocktor]

I was thinking about starting to pour my own plastics and have done alot of research but was wondering what everyone else thought. Is it worth it to make my own molds. Also is it even reasonable to melt down my old lures. Please let me know if there is anything else you think I should know.  Thanks alot everyone.

[earthworm77]

Yes making your own molds is worth it if it is done correctly. Consider what type of volume you intend to pour. I go through 7 to 10 gallons of plastic in a month which can equate to 5000+ baits. Remelting can be done but it will slow you down and IMHO, something comes up missing in the end...color changes, flake color changes lack of scent, salt....etc. You'll likely burn more of your old stuff than is worth the effort.

[Raul]

If you 're looking to pour to save money you 're in the wrong path if you don 't pour a lot, it 's not going to save you anything, cheaper resin molds run for 10 bucks a piece, one side aluminum molds run from $30-50, and two sided ones run from $80-120, add plastic, softener, dyes, flakes and you are going to end with a pretty hefty investment. If you 're planning on pouring as a hobby then as a hobby any investment you do is worth it. If you want custom baits what you can do is to have them poured for you instead, that 's what I do, last time I ordered 300 jig trailers in 10 custom colors from a friend who pours for sale, I ended up paying 120 dollars for the job, I got what I wanted in outstanding quality and nobody else has it.

[Marty]

I used to do a little pouring, mainly because I wanted a grub that wasn't available commercially. If you're just pouring for your own use, you probably won't save any money, but by all means, go ahead if you want to pour as a hobby.

As to melting and reusing, the color loses luster. It may catch just as many fish, but doesn't look as good and may result in loss of confidence. One exception to this melting problem is one of my favorite colors, black. These melt and look just the same after repouring and I've done it numerous times.