How to Troubleshoot Pouring Jig Molds

Custom fishing jigs cost a lot of money. Once a fishing enthusiast has success with a jig, he may want to repeatedly use the same jig. Unfortunately, fishing lines tangle, and jigs become lost while fishing. One way to overcome losing a favorite jig is to mold and cast copies of the jig. However, working with molten lead requires care to prevent burns and lead poisoning. There are specific steps fishing enthusiasts can take to safely cast a quality jig.

Things You'll Need

  • Mold
  • Multipurpose oil, such as 3-in-1 oil
  • Pure lead
  • Side pouring melter
  • Goggles
  • Respirator
  • Flux
  • Candle
  • Leather gloves
  • Fish hooks
  • Bath towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the mold and place a drop of oil on each of the hinges. Open and close the mold several times to ensure that the hinges work well.

    • 2

      Place only pure lead into the melter. One cause of wrinkled or misshapen jigs is the use of lead alloys. While this metal is harder, it also requires a higher melting temperature. After pouring the molten metal into the mold, lead containing alloys cools and hardens unequally, causing wrinkles. A side melt pourer gives you the greatest control for the small amount of lead needed for a jig.

    • 3

      Put on the respirator and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from the melting lead. Dip the flux into the melting lead and remove any impurities that float to the top as the lead melts. Leave the lead until the temperature rises to between 700 and 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Light the candle and hold the flame under the open mold. The smoke from the candle rises and coats the inside of the mold with soot. Continue to "smoke" the mold until both sides of the mold are covered in soot.

    • 5

      Inspect the inside of the mold. Look for any debris that prevents the mold from closing completely. When the mold doesn't completely seal, the molded jig has a halo or flashing around the seam. Close and seal the mold.

    • 6

      Fill the mold with molten metal through the sprue, or filling hole. Do not use hooks. This is called pre-casting and it heats the mold. A warm mold cools slowly and uniformly with the jig. Pre-cast the mold twice, removing the practice jigs after each casting.

    • 7

      Place the hook in the mold and seal the mold. Fill the mold through the sprue carefully, but quickly. Leave the mold until the lead in the sprue is hard.

    • 8

      Open the mold over a soft surface, such as a folded towel. Many jigs are damaged by falling onto a hard surface. The lead remains slightly soft until fully cool.