Fluid Bed Suggestions

[spartyon8]

The Christmas gift to myself this year was a few molds to get into jig making. I have to say, like painting cranks it is very addictive. I built an 8 bed setup and it is working wonderfully. I just finished my first "professional" run of 16 ned heads in PB&J and they look phenomenal. Those of you who use a fluid bed, do you keep the powders in the cups or return to original container? I am wondering if moisture from the air pump and paper filter would ruin the powders.

[Jig Man]

I keep them in the cups in a closet in the garage.  Some have been in the cups for over 10 years.

[cadman]

That's a hard question for me to answer. If you can keep them dry and humid free than leaving them in the cups is fine. I've tried to leave them in the cups and for some reason, I am unsuccessful in keeping mine this way. They always clump up for me. I must be doing something wrong. With that said, I put mine back in my Gatorade container.

For what it's worth it is easier to keep them in the cups, this way it is always ready to use.

[looking45]

I’ve done it Both ways with no problems. When I store the paint in the PVC cups I use a PVC cap. I take the cups off the fluid bed and store them in a drawer. If you don’t paint that often, I’d suggest putting the paint back into the original container. YMMV

[spartyon8]

Thanks everyone. I am going to see how the winter goes and if they start clumping I will return to original containers.

 

One a side note, being new to pouring jigs is a bit confusing with hook options. For example, my research led to a handful of people who don't use the recommended hooks from the mold manufacturers. I took some advice from searching ned heads here and am using the Lil' Nasty hooks by Eagle Claw. I am really liking them so far. Is there a thread or website out there that compiles hooks that work with different molds not originally intended for? If not, maybe we can start a thread/sticky here to compile info?

[Munkin]

8 hours ago, spartyon8 said:

Thanks everyone. I am going to see how the winter goes and if they start clumping I will return to original containers.

 

One a side note, being new to pouring jigs is a bit confusing with hook options. For example, my research led to a handful of people who don't use the recommended hooks from the mold manufacturers. I took some advice from searching ned heads here and am using the Lil' Nasty hooks by Eagle Claw. I am really liking them so far. Is there a thread or website out they that compiles hooks that work with different molds not originally intended for? If not, maybe we can start a thread/sticky here to compile info?

 

Barlows tackle lists alternative hooks for molds.

 

Allen 

[spartyon8]

9 hours ago, Munkin said:

 

Barlows tackle lists alternative hooks for molds.

 

Allen 

Yes, I saw that Barlows had some suggestions for various hook alternatives but my example of using the EC Lil'Nasty wasn't one that they said works with the mold. However, it does work with the mold. It was just a thought...

[Jig Man]

With all of the hook companies and the variety of products I’m not sure you could get a complete list plus the number of jig makers on her probably isn’t going to be very large.

Small Jaw, Cadman and Mike Seibert would be my people on here if I had hook questions.  They have always stepped up and helped.

[spartyon8]

I guess while I posed the question, does any one have any alternatives or preferences to the following jig hooks for my finesse swimbait heads?

 

Victory 10111

Gammy 111

Mustad 32746

 

I am liking the hookup ratios of the sickle style hooks but not sure if they are best for a swimbait head. If so, maybe the EX 635?

[Weekend_Angler]

1 hour ago, spartyon8 said:

I guess while I posed the question, does any one have any alternatives or preferences to the following jig hooks for my finesse swimbait heads?

 

Victory 10111

Gammy 111

Mustad 32746

 

 

I believe VMC 7147 should work in this application. I just started using them. Their build quality is consistent and good and hooks are sharp. Have not had a chance to fish them yet.

 

Owner 5318 should also work...but they are expensive!

[Jig Man]

I use the Gamakatsu hooks for swim bait heads and Neds.