Clay Molds

[John J.]

I've got a question. I've been pouring my worms into the molds bought at Barlow's Tackle (the hard plastic ones) and I was wondering. Is there anyway I can buy some molding clay (used to make pottery) and press a worm into it and make the form and use that as a mold?

If not what would be the easiest homemade mold that I can use to either press currently made mold or make my own mold?

thanks for any help!  8-)

[Siebert Outdoors]

here are some materials you can use

plaster of paris and epoxy

durhams water putty

bondo resin

So far I really like the bondo over plaster.  I havent poured it much but its easier to make and less time consuming.  It is more expensive though.

[dampeoples]

I'm not sure about the Bondo, but make sure you have the water putty or plaster completely dry before pouring into them, plastic and water do NOT mix. Also, to get a shiny worm, you'll need to seal the molds somehow. I see that some use devcon to do this, but i'd try and find something that's not so thick, as you'll lose detail!

[Taliesin]

It's been many years, but my dad made molds using Plaster of Paris.

Someting that might make a difference (I don't know)...

When my dad was doing this there were no additives to plastic baits. All of the salts and other flavorings may have some effect on how they melt, pour, etc.

[John J.]

So in other words, clay wouldn't be a good idea? I would like to have an idea on something cheap but effective.

thanks for the replies though guys!  8-)

[Siebert Outdoors]

if you want cheap the plaster of paris is the way to go.  About 8 dollars at wally mart for 10lbs.  and then you will need some good epoxy like devcon.

[John J.]

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if you want cheap the plaster of paris is the way to go. About 8 dollars at wally mart for 10lbs. and then you will need some good epoxy like devcon.

what's the benifits of plaster over bondo? (other than being cheaper)

[Siebert Outdoors]

Bondo is easier and there is no epoxy.  I havent used the bondo enough to know yet of durability and heat strength.  Another forum member told me about it.  He uses it all the time.  The problem with POP is the epoxy will break/flake off and it will have to be re-epoxied.  I dont know if you can make a 2 piece mold with bondo but you can with plaster.  I've just started with the bondo but so far I like it better.  I dont get the air bubbles in it like I do with plaster when making a mold.

[dampeoples]

If you want to get real fancy, you can use silicone. It's more expensive, but doesn't need a coating, and I'm not sure, but I think it lasts longer as well. Check Tackle Underground for some tutorials, although most of the tutorials over there were lost.

One note about the molds lasting - the more salt content, the less total pours you get out of a mold, I dont' have any exact figures, but for personal use, you shouldn't have any problems for a long, long time.

[dampeoples]

One note: I noticed you're using Barlow's molds, which are M-F molds. have you ever checked into using mold from Lurecraft.com? They have thousands of silicone molds, for around $10 or so each, plus a lot more selection on plastic, glitters, colorant, etc, and a bit cheaper. Wasn't sure if you were aware, if you just wanted a mold or two, buying one outright might be the way to go!

[John J.]

Barlow's molds are within the $8-$9 range. I would like to make my own mold now that way I can basically copy a currently made mold or I can make my own form.

I was originally thinking about a two way mold which has the compressed form inside and I can pour the plastic in the top and form the lure, and then pull the mold apart to reveal a 3-D lure.

That's what I was originally going to do with the clay if I can figure out if it will work or not.

[Siebert Outdoors]

You can do that with the silicone mold like DP is talking about or the plaster mold.  I have a couple 2 piece frog molds that i have made.  Actually threw one away the other day.  Somewhere through the tutorials on here SenkoSam has a tutorial that shows you how to make a 2 piece pop mold.

[dampeoples]

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Barlow's molds are within the $8-$9 range. I would like to make my own mold now that way I can basically copy a currently made mold or I can make my own form.

I was originally thinking about a two way mold which has the compressed form inside and I can pour the plastic in the top and form the lure, and then pull the mold apart to reveal a 3-D lure.

That's what I was originally going to do with the clay if I can figure out if it will work or not.

I know it, I was offering the suggestion if you wanted a mold that Barlow's didn't have. Two piece molds are doable.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Senkosam instructions on 2 piece mold making

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/pouring_plastic_worms.html

[John J.]

Oh ok. Thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks for the link GMAN!  8-)