5 replies to this topic

[knifemaker3]

Hello again all,

It's been quite awhile since I posted on the forums. Been too busy to keep up with lure making but am getting back into it again.

Is anyone here powdercoating small crappie size jigs in 1/16 and 1/32oz. sizes? If so, do you use a fluid bed or just bust the eye out while still hot?

I've always painted mine with a brush and tester model paint with Devcon overcoat and was looking for a better way as I have several thousand to do.

Thanks
Craig Blankenship
a.k.a Knifemaker3

[LedHed]

I've done 1/64 and 1/32 jigs - with hemostats, hot gun, and xacto knife. The small jigs don't retain heat long so you have to be quick. Clamp the jig in the hemostats, pre heat the jig (around 325 F), and dip in powder paint. Clean the eye with the xacto knife (easier when the paint is not cured) and then cure it in a toaster oven. I don't know about a couple of thousand - I would try to farm it out... Fluid bed would probably be your best bet.

[dayooper]

What we do when we paint a large number of jigs is to place a bunch of them in a pan in a toaster oven and preheat them for about 20 - 30 minutes at 325 to 350. Then using hemostats pull them out and quickly dip them in a fluid bed and then into a bowl of water. You can do quite a few in quick time this way. Make sure you clean out the eyes before curing them. Then hang them on a rack in the toaster oven to cure. You can also get a bigger fluid bed so that you can hang a bunch of jigs on a rack that you preheat in the oven and then dip them all at once and then back in the oven to cure. You would have to make sure that the eyes are cleaned out before curing though. I do make fluid beds if you are interested. They are on eBay listed under dayoooper25. Check them out and if you have any more questions I'd be glad to help.

Benjamin
TJ's Tackle
www.tjstackle.com

[jigmaster]

FYI.........I bought one of Dayoopers fluid beds recently, and they are a class act.

It takes a bit of getting used to........especially if you are accustomed to the old fashined way of torch heat and jar dipping..........the fluid bed gives a nice consistent coat, and uses less paint, which allows for better curing, too.

If you are gonna invest in a fluid bed, check these guys out.....they make a great product.

JM

www.daimonlures.com

[dayooper]

Thanks for the great compliment!!! I hope you are enjoying your fluid bed.

Good luck fishing!! Tight Lines!!

Benjamin
TJ's Tackle
www.tjstackle.com

ebay id: dayooper25

[knifemaker3]

Hey,
Thanks for the repies. Day, I've seen your fluid beds before on ebay. I will probably be investing in one when money allows.

Thanks again guys. Gotta get to casting lead