Hey guys, I am very interested in the idea of pouring some of my own plastics sometime. Seeing as my lake is froze over, it seems like a good time to research it a little more. first off, I want to make my own molds, Now i know you can buy a ton offline but i do not want to spend all the money for them and i know there has to be a way you can make your own, and i am pretty good with clay to shape the design and what not for the mold. Secondly, Can you reuse plastics. I have some old ripped plastics ive saved up and will continue to save up and i want to know if you can remelt them and repour them. And lastly, any tips you guys have for pouring will be helpfull, i will be starting off slow. 

Thanks guys!

You can remelt plastics, although remember this, cut them small, do not use net bait since the pork fat, you will have to add additional colorant, flake, and salt, let me go find the video on making your own molds.

Thanks guys!

Just got in my order from Janns netcraft today. If i were you I would order the starter set off of that site, comes with 5 molds, plastic and a few colors (you may want to get more colors with it) and its lke 50 bucks. Thats what I am going to start off with, and eventually end up making my own molds. You can resuse SOME soft plastics. Some of them just have too much salt in them and dont work. but I suggest if you do reuse, make sure that you use the same companys bait at once, or else the mixture will be off. Im going to pour for the first time tomorrow, so ill let you know how it goes. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAujl1ksY-Q&feature=player_embedded#! Scottie, give me a price/ info i need to restock lol if he doesnt want it.

I wouldnt use janns net craft molds. they are dangerous. Making your own molds with Plaster of Paris is easy and will be the cheapest. You can get it at walmart, hobby lobby, and home depot. 

Ive heard Netcrafts are dangerous. but as long as your wearing gloves, long sleeves, and long pants, you should be okay.

Yeah, i agree with FK, dont use any clear molds you have to hold unless your wearing gloves you would feel comfortable picking up a red log from a fire place, i only use aluminum molds and top pour molds from lurecraft.com, very affordable and large selection.

I was thinking about making them with plaster paris, Any tips on getting the shape from the clay and all?

Look at the video i put up in this thread. the link up 2 posts.

I know im watching it know, thanks, And what he poured it with isnt plaster of paris but what is it?

Its plastisol, its much more durable and cheap, you can do the same with plaster i believe.

Hmm.. i may try that..

Huh i always wanted to pour my own plastic maybe i'll just buy stuff to do over the winter.

Dubi, unless youve got a garage, dont do it unless your in a VERY well ventilated area, you can use some of my stuff if you want this spring so you can learn if you like it.

I looked it up, and it says its alumilite.. im not sure if thats true, but i know plastisol is the actual plastic you warm up and pour, not sure if its the same stuff. 

Ya, sorry alumalite, plastisol is the actual plastic, thanks for catching that jack.

Its hopefully a little cheaper and its better than throwing away your old plastics, or what alot of people do and throwing them in the lake. and it would probably be just a little more rewarding when you catch a fish on your own creation 

In the end, it will pay off, especially if you start to sell them.