New To Soft Plastic Making

[CDMeyer]

I am getting so tired of bluegill ripping tail off my power worms and tearing my soft plastics (I get it its fishing but I am 17 and trying to save for college).  My dad said he would buy me a Ribbon Tail Worm mold 6" from Net Craft.  If it works I will ask for more for my birthday.

My questions are

• Is it safe to place to met the plastic in the micro wave or will the fumes get into food in the future
• Can you melt down used old plastics (I know the color would be off) but does this work

[Denea]

 

I am getting so tired of bluegill ripping tail off my power worms and tearing my soft plastics (I get it its fishing but I am 17 and trying to save for college).  My dad said he would buy me a Ribbon Tail Worm mold 6" from Net Craft.  If it works I will ask for more for my birthday.

My questions are

• Is it safe to place to met the plastic in the micro wave or will the fumes get into food in the future
• Can you melt down used old plastics (I know the color would be off) but does this work

 

 

You can melt your plastic in a microwave, but it would be best to find an old one ( ie. garage sale), and use it.  You should never use a microwave that you reheat food in.  The toxins in the plastic are bad for your health.  Make sure you wear proper protective gear (clear eyeglasses, painters mask (for the smell, and toxins), and gloves (I use Hot Mill gloves which can withstand 450 degrees, and they are only $5.50 from Bear's Baits - these are mainly for injection molds) that can sustain temps of 300-400+ degrees.

 

I would refrain from melting down old plastics, unless it is the plastic you poured.  Combining other plastics (Shaw's, GYCB, Rage Tail) can be bad.  I have never tried it, but all plastics are made differently.  I reuse my old plastics that I have poured without a problem.  But, you need to be careful, as the more you reuse (reheat) your plastic, it will eventually "burn", and will destroy it.

[Jig Man]

You should go over to www.tackleunderground.com and have a look at the dos and don's for newbies.   There is a ton of info there and most of it will benefit you if you get into making your own baits.

[CDMeyer]

Thanks for all the help, I can not wait till my mold arives