How I make Lead inserts for Foam and plastic lures.

[Husky]

Here are some Pics;

I got tired of scrounging for appropriate weights for the plugs so I made a mold (Yes, out of Bondo) for lead inserts. I guess I'll have to make various sizes. This one was made from a 1" long, 7/16" piece of Dowel.

The hole insert is a 1/16" SS welding rod. The rod was remove with the mold closed. It will slide right out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L5.jpg

[RiverMan]

Husky,

Very nice job. I have toyed with this idea myself but with wood I seem to have a bit of variation between baits that might create some problems with lead plugs of the same weight. I spoke with a fella once that was doing something similar to yourself......he bought "blank" hilti molds and then drilled them out himself to the size he wanted. A bit more expensive way of going about this idea but very convenient once completed. Thanks for posting the pics.

Jed

[Husky]

Husky' date='

Very nice job. I have toyed with this idea myself but with wood[b'] I seem to have a bit of variation between baits that might create some problems with lead plugs of the same weight. [/b] I spoke with a fella once that was doing something similar to yourself......he bought "blank" hilti molds and then drilled them out himself to the size he wanted. A bit more expensive way of going about this idea but very convenient once completed. Thanks for posting the pics.

Jed

I hear ya, Jed. I'll also be casting 3/8 and 1/4 inchers in the future. The weight I pictured weighs appx 1 oz. In this Puppy below, the 4 inch lure weighed in at 1.5 oz. I positioned the weight amidship. It sinks but maintains a top up posture on the way down. The weight was very near the bottom.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/10.jpg

[mangeboy79]

looks greate. what is bondo?

[Husky]

looks greate. what is bondo?

Auto Body Filler.. $10 a gal.

[Coley]

That's a super idea. It starts the wheel's turning.

Coley

[Husky]

I made some smaller ones. Took about an hour from Idea to what you see. Can you guess what I used for the model? The longer one is 1" and the other 3/4".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/Grmstr/MOFO/L6.jpg

[cheesehead]

and to think as I was sitting at Work today I was wondering if Bondo would hold up to the heat. Now I know it will. Do you think it would hold up well when casting down rigger weights also or is there a different material I could use?

[Husky]

and to think as I was sitting at Work today I was wondering if Bondo would hold up to the heat. Now I know it will. Do you think it would hold up well when casting down rigger weights also or is there a different material I could use?

It might last fdor a few, but I really couldn't tell you for sure. After all, you're talking pounds and something that big will hold the heat for a lot longer han these smaller pieces. I didn't notice any drtamatic breakdown in the Bondo with the piece I poured, and I was going as fast as I could. I'd give it a go. Did you try Plaster? That'll work.

[Tuff-Tackle]

Give a bodyman a can of bondo and he'll make a fender or a door....give a fisherman a can of bondo and he'll make a worm mold or a mold for a crankbait weight. LOL

Husky....looks like the pencil worked pretty good in the last pic.

Good idea !

Tuff-Tackle

[ckarren]

Husky,

I was thinking about this. Where I was having trouble is what did you use for a release agent? How did you get the two haves apart?

I was thinking about molding both ? one at a time then putting together with the molded piece inside as the key. Then drill holes in the corners for a bolt and wing nut. I never got the chance I have been nonstop on the go with the kids. I have also thought about brushing it over plaster making it hard and last longer.

Thanks, GOOD JOB!!!!

-Corey

[Husky]

Husky' date='

I was thinking about this. Where I was having trouble is what did you use for a release agent? How did you get the two haves apart?

I was thinking about molding both ? one at a time then putting together with the molded piece inside as the key. Then drill holes in the corners for a bolt and wing nut. I never got the chance I have been nonstop on the go with the kids. I have also thought about brushing it over plaster making it hard and last longer.

Thanks, GOOD JOB!!!!

-Corey[/quote']

I just use Liquid wrench between halves. If you position the model right, it should pop woth a little coaxing with a screwdriver. My key holes are just shallow drillholes made in side 1. I used a cheap clamp to hold the halves when pouring. It holds them tight and is safer than using your hands. I don't know how many you need, but the molds showed no wear and tear after the dozen or so pieces I poured in rapid fire order. BTW, If you remove the SS rod right after the lead hardens, it'll pull out rather easily even with nothing on it. Do it with both halve of the mold together.

Thanx, glad to be of service. BTW, again. The 1" pencil section weighed in at a tad under 1/2oz with a 1/16th hole on it.

[mangeboy79]

i made a egg sinker mold today that came out fine. i used gungrease as release agent! got allot of ides how to use bondo from this post. thanks husky!