Anyone make rubber bait molds?

[fish4striper]

Tiny detail is tough to get with a gravity pour. You usually need a pressure system with venting to get the air out to fill small thin detail. Also the need to clamp the mold so it won't flash at the small areas.

[oldroe]

I've messed with plaster paris molds mostly for fresh water.

The hand pour are open on the top so your baits are flat on top.

A 2 piece gravity fed mold works for stuff without much detail.

With the help a tool & die friend we came up with an injector made from a air cylinder purchased from Princes Auto. I have 3 cavity dropshot molds that work well.

So the basics are micro wave purchased at yard sale, welders gloves. You will start by closely monitoring temp of plastisol , soon I just eye balled it. You need micro wave safe measuring cups for the handle.

The problem with purchased plastic containers to make your mold is they are way to big or have ridges on the side so getting the mold out is difficult. We made ours out of inter locking hardwood flooring and kept the shinny side in.

You can re melt plastic baits. Don't use power bait or any of the smelly ones. The problem with re melt is no control of colour and how hard or soft your product will be.

If you have a bait no longer available or want something not available it's time well spent. I'm trying to develop a bait that crosses from largemouth to smallmouth better. To save $1 a bag not for me.

Thiers ton more details to get good product just ask I might have answer.

[zimmy]

An observation: commercial producers need to make baits that hold up best as possible. They have to find a balance between durability and action.

The best thing I have found by pouring my own is that I can can make very soft and flexible lures. If one tears, I grab another and remelt the torn one. In my experience, the softer the plastic, the better the wiggle. Not sure if it directly leads to more fish, but it certainly affects my confidence.