6 replies to this topic

[Rebel2345]

I'm looking to make my first gallon (Or maybe just a couple quarts) or plastisol to start pouring. I read through the Pricing thread below, and I have no problem paying upwards of 50-60 dollars for a gallon, but I want to get a plastisol that's going to end up with the consistency similar to, say, a Zoom Fluke, or maybe even the Havoc baits.

I was looking at Caney Creek, but Barlows has MF for a decent price and they have good prices on the coloring and glitter as well, so who knows. I'm also curious about whether or not it would be absolutely necessary for me to have stabilizer, hardener, and softener when I make my order. Some say stabilizer comes in the plastisol already, but I'm not sure about all of them.

If anyone could give me an idea of which ones come out close to those baits, I would appreciate it.

[bassman2169]

Very hard question to answer. Ask ten different people, get ten different answers and a hundred different reasons. What I prefer, other guys detest because of the smell. I don't think there is any bad plastic out there. Ask companies for samples, try one see if you like it, or buy the smallest amounts from different brands you are considering and try them. Just have to find the one that does what you want and expect. Any of the plastics can reproduce the "feel" of the name brand lures you are trying to imitate.

[Jig Man]

You might check Bear's. I got a good deal on 2 1/2 gallons from him a while back. Also he has some really good cheap gloves.

[SHK]

buy a pint from every company that wont give you a sample, and get a sample from the companies that will, then make up your own mind. try med grade plastic.

[t-billy]

SHK, on 03 February 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

buy a pint from every company that wont give you a sample, and get a sample from the companies that will, then make up your own mind. try med grade plastic.

Good advice. Same goes for bassman2169. I wouldn't worry about hardner/softner to get started. The medium plastic from any of the suppliers should get you in the ballpark. After you settle on a brand and gain a little experience you can adjust from there. Doesn't hurt to add a little stabilizer especially on remelts. It's not absoloutely necessary though.Especially with small batches that won't be kept hot very long. Heat your plastisol slowly and be careful not to overheat.Patience pays off in the end result. I'm sure some people will disagree but,I think a hotplate/pouring pot or presto pot makes it much easier to control temps/heating rate than a microwave. Take your time and read all you can stand to read here and you'll do fine. The search engine is your friend!!! Welcome aboard and good luck,Tim.

Edited by t-billy, 04 February 2012 - 03:38 PM.

[Rebel2345]

Thats kind of what i was expecting to hear. Ill just try a quart or pint of each until i find what i like. Ill order a small bottle of MF from barlows and a bunch of coloring and glitter from them as well, and a small bottle of caney creek, maybe some lurecraft as well.

[D.Hughes]

I agree with every one of you on everything you've said, but what I ended up finding out is that I like different plastics for different baits. My worms, I like Calhoun soft from Bear Baits, My creatures, I like 502 from Lure craft, and my swim baits, I like plastisol from Ozark Tackle. If you want to try a plastisol for a very reasonable price, I would suggest Ozark Tackle. Good Luck!