bf jig molds

[crazycooter]

Crazycooter what type of silicone are you getting?

http://www.dowcorning.com/content/et...ics_enc_ov.asp

the 3120 red i hear works well. from what i gather the molds will last basically forever if u let them cool after each pour.

[crazycooter]

The Hilts Replica molds are nice because they are easy to work with and provide a solid frame for the silicone mold.

clt capt - what size jigs (length) will those molds accomodate? i was planning on just gluing the silicone molds i make to some wood blocks for handling.

it would seem to me that you could just go with some cheap chrome spraypaint and hit it with a few clear layers to mimic a diamond jig pretty well as opposed to the metal plating. have you experienced differently?

[clt_capt]

clt capt - what size jigs (length) will those molds accomodate? i was planning on just gluing the silicone molds i make to some wood blocks for handling.

it would seem to me that you could just go with some cheap chrome spraypaint and hit it with a few clear layers to mimic a diamond jig pretty well as opposed to the metal plating. have you experienced differently?

I think the mold cavity is 3 x 5 inches - it might not be large enough for really long jigs.

Metallic Spray paint and clear coat works great - and looks great. You have a lot of flexibility to spray patterns with different colors. It won't hold up as well as plating, but you can simply make another...

[crazycooter]

I think the mold cavity is 3 x 5 inches - it might not be large enough for really long jigs.

Metallic Spray paint and clear coat works great - and looks great. You have a lot of flexibility to spray patterns with different colors. It won't hold up as well as plating, but you can simply make another...

thanks for the info. i think im gonna try to do it all myself - more satisfying that way. kinda like tying flies.

[Parker21]

I just ordered some 3120 today. It's not cheap so i'm going to make my molds pretty tight tolerences so not to waist to much. Do any of you guys have any idea of how thin i can go around my jig before it's to thin? Maybe i should glue a piece of wood to the mold on the top and bottom to strenthen it.

One other question, Does anybody know where to find some tin?

Thanks, and i will be sure to post my results when i figure every thing out.

[clt_capt]

I just ordered some 3120 today. It's not cheap so i'm going to make my molds pretty tight tolerences so not to waist to much. Do any of you guys have any idea of how thin i can go around my jig before it's to thin? Maybe i should glue a piece of wood to the mold on the top and bottom to strenthen it.

One other question, Does anybody know where to find some tin?

Thanks, and i will be sure to post my results when i figure every thing out.

You can certainly use wood to strengthen/support your mold. Acrylic sheet (plexiglass) may work better for you.

You can get low melt tin alloys here - http://www.silpak.com/low-melt-metal...e-metal-bt-ore

[crazycooter]

I just ordered some 3120 today. It's not cheap so i'm going to make my molds pretty tight tolerences so not to waist to much. Do any of you guys have any idea of how thin i can go around my jig before it's to thin? Maybe i should glue a piece of wood to the mold on the top and bottom to strenthen it.

One other question, Does anybody know where to find some tin?

Thanks, and i will be sure to post my results when i figure every thing out.

cool deal let us know how it goes, ill be getting mine soon too. something to keep me busy during those noreaster blows. whatd the silicone go for?

[Security Leak]

They make a very nice chrome powder coat paint that is a beautiful finish for jigs. I bought it off Ebay for about $10.00 per pound. You apply it just like any other powder coat paint.

[Parker21]

I bought the dow corning 3120 rtv from ellsworth.com

I got 2 lbs. of the stuff and i'm hoping to get 4 jig molds out of it. I'm making a couple drift tune molds and some long jigs for tuna and aj's.

I will have to get some of that chrome powder paint, i have heard it's pretty good and for $10 or so it's worth a try. I don't need the best finishes because i have more faith in jig action than color/finish but i have always liked a flashy jig.

[clt_capt]

Guys - one thing to keep in mind about silicone - there are 2 types used for making casting molds. The difference is the catalyst used to cure them.

Tin based Silicone is usually cheaper, but doesn't stand up to heat as well, and room temp vulcanized.

it comes in 3 hardnesses - Light blue is soft and pliable, Red is a good bit stiffer and more heat tolerant, Black - not pliable, but heat resistant.

Platinum catalyzed - more expensive, usually requires heat to cure but will stand up to many more casts...

There are only a few manufacturers of Silicone - they simply get repackaged and branded by the distributor.

The best prices I've found are at US Composites and Tap Plastics - Same silicone compound, different package...