Lead inserts

[astrobud311]

I was wondering if any of you proffessional lure makers could help me out. What kind of molds do you guys use to pour the inserts for resin head lures. Also do you guys mold the ridges for the skirts or just turn those down after you have molded them. I am having a hard time getting the skirts flush with the heads because the skirts vary in thickeness. If you guys could help me out I would much appreciate it.

[Patudo]

Not a pro but maybe can offer a little help. I use rubber moulds so what comes out is similar to the master/original. If the skirts do not fit well you can either glue the skirt direct to the head, as is done with pakula lures and some other commercial brands or if you are staying with the reverse tie, the tail piece may need some modification for a better/perfect fit. Some heads definitely fit particular brand skirts better. A lure head that fits thinner skirts like yamashita perfectly can develop that bulge when skirted with a type that has thicker material.

[clt_capt]

I'm not a pro either, but have made a few lures...

Silicone rubber makes a good low volume lead mold. If you let it cure between pours, it will last a long time. You can get Silicone RTV from Tap Plastics - they have some videos to show you how to make a mold.

You can also use a perfect replica mold - http://www.hiltsmolds.com/PerfectReplicaMold.htm
to make your inserts.

[islandshark633]

hey Astro- where you been? Long time, no see.

dealing with skirts of varying thickness will drive you nuts if you let it, you best just find a happy medium and live with it (when folding and tying) unless you could somehow offset the cuts to accommodate the uneven skirts. Not worth the effort I would think.

otherwise go with glue, dont fold them over, I find this is best for the small lures, OLC skirt sizes 20 & 27

the following lures are very small marlin lures for black marlin juveniles in Australia

size 27 lures-


size 20 lures-

[astrobud311]

Thanks everyone that was alot of help. Those are some fantastic looking lures Alan. You can defenitly tell you put alot of effort into your lures, I got a 144lb big eye on your triton this summer out of oregon inlet. Mabey someday when I make to the bahamas to partake in that awesome wahoo fishing you guys have I could check out your operation. Thanks for all your help too !!!

[islandshark633]

144# big eye, very cool, congrats - got pics?? I'd love to see one.

I am living in North Carolina now and will be at the Miami Boat show next weekend between the QuickRig and Complete Angler booths.

[astrobud311]

Do some of you guys use clear tubes instead of the brass tubes that some other lures have. I'm also having a hard time finding some good quality resin that polishes up nicely. And allan I do have some pics not sure if the lure is in any but I will look and post when i get the chance !

[scarecrow86]

Try U.S. composites for the casting resin it is called silmar 41 it is a great product and works for us. Remember to pre heat your molds and your resin under a heat lamp at approx. 80 degrees this will allow the bubbles to rise and make your heads look sweet. We have not ventured into making our own lead for inserts yet that is why I looked into this post. Your lures look sweet and I hope this helped you out a little. Also when your skirts don't match up try using the tips of your cut skirts in rings in between or on the bottom of your head to build it up to your desired height.

[El Capo]

Try U.S. composites for the casting resin it is called silmar 41 it is a great product and works for us. Remember to pre heat your molds and your resin under a heat lamp at approx. 80 degrees this will allow the bubbles to rise and make your heads look sweet. We have not ventured into making our own lead for inserts yet that is why I looked into this post. Your lures look sweet and I hope this helped you out a little. Also when your skirts don't match up try using the tips of your cut skirts in rings in between or on the bottom of your head to build it up to your desired height.

You should be making inserts not talking about them.

[scarecrow86]

Good point, it's time to get busy thanks for cracking the whip.