bf jig molds

[crazycooter]

parker - they look great - glad that worked out for you. thanks for taking the time to post.

[Jiggin Junkie]

I didn't get any pic's of the mold making but what i did was I got a piece of azek trim board( this is a plasic product that i use deck trim) I traced the jig out on the azek and then cut out the jig outline with a jig saw, making sure to make it a little bigger than the jig.I didn't cut out where the wire comes out the jig. I then layed the jig over cut out and dremeled out where the wire was till i could get the jig to sit half way below the surface of the azek. I then turned the whole thing over and poured hot wax around the edges of the jig, this holds the jig and fills the gaps between the jig and the azek. I turned it right side up again and used a razor blade to trim the wax flat with the surface of the azek. i cleaned the jig of any wax. I used a 3/8" drill bit and drilled a few holes in the azek about 1/4" deep so the mold would have some pins to line up the two molds later.I built sides up around the azek like a box. I then mixed up some rtv silicone and gave the mold a good spray of wd40 so the rvt wouldn't stick to anything, then i poured the mold.

After the first pour cured i pull it out of box and remove the jig I clean the jig and place it back in the mold i just poured. Now i build sides around the mold then mix the rtv, spray the wd40 and pour. When that cures you should be able to sperate everything and you have your mold. All you have to do is cut out a spout in the mold with a razor blade so you have a place to pour the lead.

The mold is very soft so i use a piece of wood on both sides of the mold and then put it in a vise for pouring. After i poured a jig i make surethe mold has time to cool down before the next pour. Also i used american wire 500# ss coil wire for the through wire.

I hope that you guy's can under stand what i did with out any pic's, I will be glad to answer any questions.

OK I have a question, when do we get to try them out?

[Parker21]

Here's an update.

I bought some of that extreme chrome powder paint on ebay and so far it has come out better than anything else i tried. It seems real durable and the prism tape sticks to it very well. I need to find some type of finish to put over the jigs that will keep the chrome paint glimering.

I'm still working on getting the jigs better so any ideas are welcome. I have got some good tips from everyone so far.

[jig42na]

Has anyone tried using Permalac for clear finish. Here is a link for their site http://www.permalac.com/ it looks like some good finish but it is a bit pricey. After searching their differnet products I found they make some really interesting finished, but once again very pricey for jigs. The PCChrome would make an excellent chrome finish.

[Lbifisherman429]

Here's an update.

I bought some of that extreme chrome powder paint on ebay and so far it has come out better than anything else i tried. It seems real durable and the prism tape sticks to it very well. I need to find some type of finish to put over the jigs that will keep the chrome paint glimering.

I'm still working on getting the jigs better so any ideas are welcome. I have got some good tips from everyone so far.

what type of wire or clip are you using in the mold?

[jig42na]

We are using 308 stainless welding wire. There are other grades better but not neccessary. 316 being better but more money and 304 is too soft in my opinion. We have gotten alot better since these jigs. I'll try to get more pics up some time but we been busy fishing lately.

[Lbifisherman429]

ok,
where do you get the wire from?

[clt_capt]

You can get stainless wire from a number of companies that sell lure making parts - like Barlow Tackle, or you can take a less expensive path - find a local welding supply shop and get Stainless MIG Wire - preferably 304 or 316 - It will come in spools of 1 lb and 5 lbs. a 1 lb spool will last you a very long time.

[jig42na]

Thats where we get it also. Theres a welding shop down the street from me. The 1lb tubes make alot of jigs but it is by far cheaper to get it in 10lbs. Its alot of money but best to try to splitt it up with a couple buds.

[Lbifisherman429]

cool thanks for the info on the wire i'll have to find a welding shop and get some