[docirv]

I just cannot seem to get the plastic to the right consistency to pour into the hole without it plugging up. If I heat it too much then it gets thicker and if not enough then it does not set right. What is the secret that I am missing. I have been pouring into one piece molds and never had that problem but that would be because there is no small opening to get stopped up. I have tried using the pyrex in the microwave and when the plastic got cooked right I added the powdered salt in the ratio of 7 ounces plastic to 3 of salt. I got a few good pours but then it just goes down hill from there and never stays fluid enough to get into those dang holes. The few I made look great but I do need some suggestions spelled out clearly for someone like me who is obviously challenged in these matters. Thanks.

[woodsac]

If I heat it too much then it gets thicker and if not enough then it does not set right.

Plastic actually goes through 2 stages when heating. First it gets really thick like a gel. Second it turns back into a liquid. I think you need to continue heating it until it liquifies the second time. As it cools, it slowly turns back into a gel and then to a solid.

[dtrs5kprs]

Your plastic needs to be very hot, close to scorching to get best results with a full round mold (not equipped with injectors). From there it is a matter of playing with pour rates and technique until you find a method that works. I use my Del-Mart mold with a large lee pot, usually running on about setting 7-8, depending on volume of plastic. Can be pretty hard to use that sort of mold with pyrex cups or hot plate and tin cups. My first couple of batches were a mess, probably average about one lost cavity per pour now.

[Mercury]

Originally Posted by docirv

I got a few good pours but then it just goes down hill from there and never stays fluid enough to get into those dang holes. The few I made look great but I do need some suggestions spelled out clearly for someone like me who is obviously challenged in these matters. Thanks.

It sounds like you have the right mixture. But let me ask you/ Is ite plastic cooling too much for you to pour it? You get several, but then it gets to thick to pour.?

Are you re heating it? After 4-8 cavitys I do have to re heat for about 45 seconds to 60 seconds. This keeps it hot enough to keep pouring.

See if that helps.

Jeff

[midknightassazzin]

I didn't want to start another senko thread, so I chimed in on this
one since I am also having difficulties. I poured my first attempt
of a senko-alike and it failed miserably! I got a recipe that said
use 7 oz. of plastic, 1 tsp. of heat stabilizer, 2 tbsp. of softner,
and 3 oz. of salt which I ground finely using a coffee blender.
I also added pro-cure scent and coloring. I was told to bring the
mixture to 350 degree's which I did in a seperate pan. I then
stirred it well and poured it into my lee production pot. I had salt
at the bottom of the first pan, and more salt ganging up on the
bottom of the production pot. My pours were terrible! I had oooey
guey globs of plastic with salt strips in some of them? what the heck
did I do wrong? Can someone please get me on the right track in
making these baits. thanks.

[woodsac]

My pours were terrible! I had oooey
guey globs of plastic with salt strips in some of them?

That part is from not mixing your plastic enough in the container before you poured it. If you got your plastic from LC, you may need to stick something in the bottle to mix up the hardener. Sometimes shaking the bottle just isn't enough.

As far as the salt goes, you have stir, stir, stir, stir and stir. Oh yea, and stir some more

[midknightassazzin]

Thanks for the tips woodsac!
I figured I didn't stir it long enough.
I will give it another go in a few days.
Will use your addvice and stir, stir,
stir some more.

[Mercury]

Also if you stop stirring the plastic the salt will settle verry fast.

THats why you got the salt int eh bottom of the pan and production pot.

Jeff

[Mattbell]

To stir the lure craft cut a metal hanger at the hook and stick the rest in a gallon of plastic then put the two ends of the hanger in a drill and use the drill to stir it. A minute of this and the plasic will be like when you bought it. Be sure to push down on the bottom to get everything up.