flippinfool

Mustad 32886

Interesting test. Great job!

If your skirts are banded, you can use a bobbin threader. Crystal flash is long so if you want 6-8 strands only pull 3-4 full strands. 1- Cut 3-4 strands 2- Push the bobbin threader through the banded skirt. Do it in away to keep it from the bulk of the skirt. Front to back I find easier. 3- Thread the crystal flash and center it on the bobbin threader. 4- Pull the strands only half way through. 5- You will need to cut the flash to free it from the bobbin. 6- Just trim to your liking. If the skirts are tied you can just tie onto the bait. I like to use small electrical alligator clips to manage a skirt that is already cut. With jigs and weed guards it can be a challenge but, can be done.

30 minute is the best and gives it a real professional finish but, Loctite super glue dish washer safe has worked just as well. I fish a lot of rock with jigs and spinnerbaits and haven't had one fall off yet.

Thanks for sharing. I think we all have done things we wish we had not. My pot does the same thing. I use a plumber's torch to get the top layer of lead hot so it doesn't empty out the bottom. May I ask how you are venting the room ?

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I have that mold and it makes a great hidden eye jig. It is a real pain with that pin. I have opened up all/most hook eyes and went with a larger pin. I felt it left to much lead around the hook eye that could easily cut you line. As others have said you can cut up hooks to make replacement pins.

Only if the skirt is banded try this tool http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Tying-Tool-Wasatch-Threader/dp/B00DGGIEJY I used to do this all the time before I started tying my skirts. Insert flash into the threader and pull down as you would your line to a dropshot weight. Slowley pull the flash out of the bandThe tool is very strong, thin and flexable. Good luck.

I always buy the largest frame R-bend. I custom cut for size for every single size and style I make. Once I have It balanced out, I put the sample in a ziplock bag with all the info on it. Type of bait, weight, wire size, hook size, and color code. For that mold I will put a colored mark inside the mold to get the hook and wire in the same place to keep them consistant. I use 0.35 for 1/2 oz and under and 0.40 for 1/2 oz and up.

Are you using metal pins or teflon pins for the weed guard ? Teflon pins will not cool the lead as quick as metal pins. A quick shot with a torch also helps.

Grab it by the hook eye while painting. Clean off any paint in the hook eye before curing. Once the blade is on move it around the hook eye it is almost self cleaning. The inside edges of the blade are sharp and will clean up quick.

Harbor freight=I threw it right in the garbage.......

Two more things you can try. 1- Use a torch like this to shoot some heat into the pouring hole just before you pour. I use the map gas. Yellow one. 2- you can try tilting the mold so the lead hits the area your not filling. Every mold has its own little tricks. I have two molds that I have to spin "whirl" the lead in to get a good pour.

Yea, sounds like they were pulled from the mold to quick or by the hook/wire. Rookie mistake we have all done it.