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dippin' LARGE tubes/what to use?

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Sure, I could buy them, but why is this website here then, right? So, I have dipped small tubes with a metal rod, a solid one. My pyrex is about 3 to 4" deep. I want to try muskie size tubes. Would a wood dowel 1'' in diameter work??? Would it need to be coated with something first? Has anyone tried this for large tubes, and if so, what deep container was the plastic melted in??? Thanks, the rookie.

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First of all,if you are going to make really long/thick tubes in small amounts in different colors,you might consider to make them the way I have been for years.Dip horizontly,using a teflon coated bread loaf pan to provide the container for the plastic that has been heated in the micro wave.The loaf pan is on a heat sorce. I use a 2 burner buffet heater from Wal-mart.

I have used wood dowel covered in Devcon 2 ton epoxy,and it was not near as effective as metal rods.Actually a bad idea.stick to metal.A friend that I helped with large tubes came up with a really good find.He uses copper pipe stub outs(various sizes)from plumbing supply stores.They are made at a 90 deg bend.

I'm always looking for simple cost effective ways to make lures.This gives the kids a chance.

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I always post omething and then go search the archives. I have to change. :oops: I bought a rectangular Pyrex dish tonight after reading about the horizontal dipping method. It seems large enough diagonally to do a 7" tube. It's about 3" deep. Now I have to decide on what to use for the dipping. Does it have to be solid? I see how an aluminum tube/pipe would work better for vertical work. How thick a piece of rod does everyone use? ( Now I'm headed off to read some more..... :D )

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Fin, go with 1" pipe and plug one end. If you are dipping one at a time, a pan will work fine. It takes a while to get the technique of rolling the tubes to avoid a belly on one side...or maybe that will creat a more realistic baitfish profile ? We are making 7 and 9 inch tubes but are using a 5 gallon hot pot to dip from, something you might want to consider if you intend to sell any.

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You could set up a 3 in copper pipe about a 8 inches long with a cap on it. Heat it with band heaters, controlled with a lamp dimmer. It would hold about a quart and a half of plastic. Copper transfers heat very well, so you might be able to get away with only one heater near the bottom if you insulate it a little above the heater.

Soft solder, like plumbing solder is ok for experimenting. If I were to put this into production, I would solder the joint with silfos silver solder at 3% - 15% silver. You need at least a map gas torch to do it, oxyacetylene is best.

If you need just one stick of silfos 15, I could send it to you.

jm

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Not looking for numbers here, just making a few LARGE ones for Canada trip. Looked at these tubes in a picture in a Muskie magazine and they look thin. I wonder how many layers they do for theirs? I just need a larger pipe diameter for dippin. Just was wondering what to cap it with. I do have some copper I saw out in the shed. Can't be more than 3/4" to 1" diameter though. Probably good for starters. Tomorrow is lure making day! :) Thanks for the help.

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Wished you would state how large tubes you want.Remember you can use any metal tube,it does make a difference what diameter you want.You can buy ridged galvanized conduit,you have a choice of what dia. you want.Remember if you dip a bunch of times your diameter will increase greatly.You could end up with a tube the size of your forearm.

If I can help,let me know. My e-mail kocron@comcast.net

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I have pour many tubes and for some darn reason I always seem to have a few tiny bubbles. But wood dowels will produce FAR more vaper bubbles in the tube due to mosture retained in the dowel. I'd suggest you stick with metal rods.. I like to use solid aluminum rods with a rounded end

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