onorot Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Hey All, are there any requirements for the first post? Do I have to tell a story, involving a pot of burned plastic turning into a black monster-snake arising out of the pyrex? I've been pouring swimbaits for about 3 years now, stumbling along the learning curve (more llike a roller-coaster)....but making progress. Making swimbaits for saltwater fishing....albacore, pacific halibut & lingcod, rockfish, & the occasional salmon. Lurked here a little bit; obviously a lot of talented & generous folks. I hope I can live up to that someday. One question / problem I have on occasion.....the swimbaits get tiny bubbles in them, which take away from the smooth / polished look and make them look rough. More noticeable with the clear / transparent colors. Any idea what causes this? Plastic is hot right out of the microwave. Could it be too hot? Molds are plenty warm. OK one little tidbit....that may have been shared before...sometimes I use melting pots, for the very small swimbaits that are harder for me to pour by hand. For a stir-sick I use a fork, but the handle end down, and I hold the tines. They stay cool since they have so little mass. Anyhow that's my big conribution today:) Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmer Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I have never poured a swimbait, but I've had the same problem with slug-type baits and bigger worms. I really can't tell you how to solve it, but I think it has something to do with the thick body - parts of it cooling at different rates? I posted pretty much the same question a while back and the general opinion was that my molds weren't sealed well enough, but they've got 4 coats of engine paint on them now and still do it... If you figure it out, be sure to post it, because you ain't the only one with that problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwenbass Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I am by no means an expert. i just started pouring myself. But I also use a microwave and get bubbles as soon as I take the plastic out of the microwave. Here is what I do to eliminate that. As soon as you pull the plastic out of the microwave, give it a quick stir. That usually takes most of the bubbles out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doomdart Posted January 19, 2007 Report Share Posted January 19, 2007 A very knowlegeable pourer here gave this advice: you can spoon the bubbles out. Just dip and lift. Also, what cwenbass mentioned will help prior to using the spoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmik26 Posted January 19, 2007 Report Share Posted January 19, 2007 What type of plastic you use? There has been some isolated isssues with Calhouns plastic having bubbles? Things I read it could be: Microwave - try another one to see if changes anything. Salt - Try and heat the salt up before you put it in the plastic. Plastic - Might have moisture in it. Stir Stick - Metal fork is fine, stay away from wood. Mold - Aluminum, POP, RTV? Could be plastic reacting to moisture in POP mold? Just randoms things you could check...Hope this helps...Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
