another mold issue...

[scumfrog42]

Hi gang,

I have been reading the posts on jig molds and can easily tell the right people are members here to as sit with any question on molds and jig pouring.

Here is my question:

I have 3 jig molds for tube jig heads, 1/8, 1/4, and a new combo mold of 1/8 thru 3/8 (2 each).

My problem is that the old molds work great, but the NEW mold will not poor to bottom. I tried to heat mold to HOT, HOT, HOT....and test poured blanks with no hooks approx 15 times and still will not pour to bottom in 5 of 6 cavities.

Same lead, room conditions etc, as old molds that work, so must be mold.

I have noted the smoking suggestion and will give it a try.

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

Hook sizes 2/0 and 3/0.

Thanks scumfrog

[Richoc]

model #?

or can you post a picture of the mold that will not pour.

[Mr B]

I imagine you are using larger hooks than the mold calls for. We all do. You probably need to do a little modifing to the mold. Open up the hole that the hook shank lays in. This will allow air to escape out the bottom of the mold better. I usuall take a tiny drill bit and lay it in the slot and close the mold. A couple of pulses on the drill will open up the slot. Do not use a bit that is too big, it will open it up too much and lead will pour out the bottom along the hook shank.

Try smoking the mold.

Also try tilting the mold while pouring. Either forward (mold handle up higher) or with the mold handl lower than the hinged side. Sometimes this helps.

[Richoc]

Mr B.

Good thinking but not the best way.

Take a razor and score only one side of the mold in the hook shaft spot.

Then take a small needle file and open up it as the vent.

No need to alter the entire hole size unless going with larger hooks all the time.

Less flash and it will still hold the hook in place.

But he is saying that it will not even pour with out a hook in it.

So much more to see before I can help with this one.

[jigmaster]

IT will not pour a good shot even without hooks? Odd.

SMOKE them molds...........!!

[scumfrog42]

thanks gang....

Yes, no hooks and will not pour to bottom.

The vent situation could be the problem as well as posted on a previous topic.

I will report back on the smoking to see if it was the trick.

I will also try to slightly open hole to cavity a little if smoking does not work.

How does one tweak cavity for proper venting?

Also, do you recommend candle for smoking?

Thanks scummy

[basskat]

I use a candle. A keorsene lamp works great also. In a bind you can even use a match altough this takes a longggg time.

[clemmy]

I'm not a lead expert, but is the overall mass of your mold bigger? you might just need to preheat....

[scumfrog42]

clemmy,

mold mass the same and preheated to HOT HOT HOT!!!

scummy

[scumfrog42]

Sorry forgot to post mold info you requested.

I do not have mold in front of me or #, but it is a DO IT mold chic let tube head, blue handles, size combo 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 size (2 each).

The other molds that work are same mold but all 1/8 and 1/4.

Thanks for any further feed-back.

I will not be able to try candle trick until next weekend.

scummy

[GEEMAN]

A long shot here but perhaps you have a lead issue ? I've found in the past that when I used lead with alloys in it such as wheel weights some of my molds did'nt turn out decent jigs consistently. Wheel weights ( tho I hav'nt used them in years and won't anymore ) are ok for things like sinkers and such but not so good for molds with smaller cavities or jigs with collars etc.

I ONLY use soft lead now. I get mine at the local scrap metal dealer and if I can't leave a mark in the lead with my thumbnail I won't use it.