Basseducer

I cut myself off. Yes, I do use the same thinner. TJ

I was using the stuff they sell at Jann's Netcraft, but it gets expensive at $18.50 for eight onces. This last time I went to the local Lowe's and found some stuff called "Glaze Coat" and it's $20.00 a pint. Yes

Crankbait, I have used vinyl paint exclusively for years until a couple of days ago when I took my fist go at powder paint. I use an airbrush and get some very good results. You have to thin it to a watery consistancy or else you will shoot spider webs. Use their thinner or a product called Xylol Xyleen by Kleen Strip. Other thinners are to fast. I then spray on a two part epoxy. This is also very thin to keep it from running or sagging as I don't use any kind of spinning/drying device. You can always shoot a second coat of epoxy for added protection if you feel it is necessary. TJ

Kelly, I'm not sure of the wire size, but Do-It sells a screw lock that is made to fit their molds and it works very well. They are reasonable by the hundred and they offer bulk of 1000 for $50.00. I think they might send you a sample if you contact them. TJ

Feason, I just ordered a copy of the Exacto called Excel Hobby Knife. It is the same, but a lot cheaper. I found them at Blick Art Materials (http://www.dickblick.com/zz574/58/?wmcp=yahoo&wmcid=SiteSubmitProducts&wmckw=Excel+Hobby+Knives) The more you get, the cheaper they are. TJ

Bass Pro Shops has what BassnG3 is talking about. The item # is 38-535-287-00. Since they are not attached to the bait you can use them on anything you want. TJ

I tried to peel the dipped part off of one of the test baits and it was very hard to do. It eventually tore.

I've just been sitting here thinking about how simple this is. Even if you don't pour your own sticks, you can buy them off the shelf and add eyes this way or to any bait for that matter.

Thanks Delw TJ

Here are two more

I must have "IT" bad. I got my stick kit from Del's last night and early this morning I was out pouring sticks. This mold pours very nicely. As I was pouring I spotted some tube minnows I had made earlier this week and I came up with these. I took the sticks, dipped the heads, added eyes and dipped again in clear. Since only the tip is dipped it gives the appearance of a head and does not affect the action at all. Now I have a bunch of molds on my Christmas wish list and copies are struned all over the place

David, I only put 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sand in the bottom for insulation from direct heat. I am not familiar with martini shakers, but do they have a raised base? If they do, this with the layer of sand may be too much. I also have to turn my burner way up. I am going to try a propane camp stove next.

Super glue, moisture and heat are commonly used in police circles to develope latent fingerprints (Retired Law Enforcement). Normally done in some sort of chamber to consentrate the fumes. It reacts to the amino acids in your body oil. Don't know about the environment your jigs were in, but it may be something to keep in mind.

David, One thing that I have found out as this thing progresses is that although I have not burned any plastic it takes a very long time to re-heat. So now I just turn it on and go pour some jigs or paint something. Then I keep turning it up a little every few minutes. TJ

I'm not that close to a beach so I got my sand at a local Michael's Craft Store. It's very fine and even comes in colors.

Thank you MDC, You make a fellow feel welcome

Ghostbaits, I have been working on this problem and I have come up with something that seems to be working. I used the candle molds, 4 that are two inches in diameter and one that is 4 inches in diameter. I use the ones with the thick walls. After plugging the hole in the bottom with a metal screw I poured about a 1/2 inch of sand in the bottom of an old sauce pan. I then arranged the molds in the pan and poured sand around the molds to 1/2 inch of the top of the pan. I then place the pan with the molds on a standard hot plate, The sand holds the heat and distributes it up the sides of the molds. I have been using it for a couple of weeks and have not burned any plastic, but you do have to keep topping of the molds.