Powder Paint Question?

[Needemp]

We have some spinnerbait heads we are experimenting with. Two questions:

1) When heating the heads with a flame, there is a black soot that forms on the head. Is this OK? Does the soot deter the paint from adhesing?

2) Is curing in the oven at 350 necessary?

Thank you tacklemaking junkies

[Jig Man]

We have some spinnerbait heads we are experimenting with. Two questions:

1) When heating the heads with a flame, there is a black soot that forms on the head. Is this OK? Does the soot deter the paint from adhesing?

2) Is curing in the oven at 350 necessary?

Thank you tacklemaking junkies

Your flame must be a candle.  A lighter or hand torch shouldn't give out the soot.  I don't cure heads that don't make a living bouncing around on the bottom.

[Needemp]

Jig man, we have used a candle and a lighter. Both created soot. How do you use the lighter without creating the soot?

[Jig Man]

I guess I stand corrected.  I have heated stuff with butane lighters and don't remember any soot.  I have been using a little propane torch for so many years maybe I have forgotten.  I'd try it and see if the paint sticks.  I have used candles in the past and don't remember any painting problems.

[luckyinkentucky]

You do want to cure them in the oven before use.  It hardens the paint.  

Preheat the oven before putting them in.  If not you could get a flash burn and melt your lead.  

[jaskoh]

I guess I stand corrected. I have heated stuff with butane lighters and don't remember any soot. I have been using a little propane torch for so many years maybe I have forgotten. I'd try it and see if the paint sticks. I have used candles in the past and don't remember any painting problems.

Jigman, Needemp and I are working on this little project together.  Anyways, do you remember where you bought your propane lighter because I am having a real hard time finding someone who sells them in the St. Louis area.  

[Jig Man]

You can find them at your local Wal-Mart Super Center in hdw. for $12.97 which includes a propane bottle.  I light it and set it on the lowest flame I can get with it going out.  Only a few seconds of heat is enough to do the paint.  If you leave it there very long you will only have a hook and wire.

I alto insert it into the paint hook first.  A little powder will get on the hook but will wipe off.  Cure them if you want but if they aren't banging around on the bottom the paint will proll outlast the spinnerbait if it is producing fish.

I wore out 3 of these this fall and didn't cure the paint.

[harshman]

I personally use a toaster oven to heat my lures. You can get a more uniform and controlled heat on the lead and won't run the risk of melting the lure down and having to start all over. I got a cheap toaster oven for what it sounds like you guys are spending on a propane burner. This also allows you to heat up multiple lures very quickly making your use of time more efficient.

I use the same over to cure the baits which I feel is very important, the coating becomes rock hard after this step. Other wise it chips off very easy. If you StL guys want to have a tackle making play date you are all welcome to come over and use my shop if you like. Send me a PM if anyone is interested. I enjoy sharing tackle making ideas as well as learning new ones.

Just my 2 cents worth

Harshman

[Munkin]

I was guessing a candle too as a Bic lighter does not leave any soot. There are several things you can use to heat up the lead to paint it. I use one of those grill lighters that has a trigger and about a 10" neck to heat the baits up. Once the baits are powder coated I use a small toaster oven that I bought at Big Lots for $9 to cure them. Now I has a heat gun that I plan on experimenting with for multiple colors on a spinnerbait.

Allen

[jaskoh]

Harshman, let me get with Needemp and I might be interested in this.  Either way those latest jigs you sent me are perfect.  I just got engaged so money has been short lately.  Let me get things together and I will be putting in a large order.  You can do 1/4 oz right?

Munkin, I think I will look into the toaster oven thing at lunch.

[harshman]

Jaskoh

Congrats on the engagement   I can do a 1/4 oz no problem, not sure if I have any straight offset hooks that small but I know I have the EWG's. Let me know if you guys want to make some lures, now that deer season is coming to an end I will have some free weekends and evenings to play in the garage.

Harshman

[Jig Man]

I also have a toaster oven that cost $5 at a garage sale.  I use it when I am cooking a dozen or so bottom bouncing jigs.

[basscatcher8]

ive been using a heat gun with good results.