Alexei Volkov
Plastic worms are commonly used as fishing lures, and anglers can make their own lures by pouring molten plastic into worm moulds. There are various types of worm moulds available, including CNC machined aluminium moulds, silicone moulds, and plaster of Paris moulds. Anglers can also make their own moulds using materials such as cardboard or Lego bricks glued to a flat surface. The process of making plastic worms involves melting plastic, adding colours, salt, and scents to customise the lure, and then pouring the molten plastic into the moulds. Some anglers also recycle old torn-up plastic worms by melting them down and pouring them into new moulds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moulding equipment | Moulds, injectors, colourant, glitter |
| Mould materials | CNC machined aluminium, silicone, plaster of Paris, water putty, cardboard, Lego |
| Mould types | Open pour, 2-piece |
| Mould brands | Do-it, Lurecraft, Barlow's Tackle, Smooth-on, Alumilite, RTV Silicone Rubber |
| Plastic types | Recycled, new |
| Plastic brands | Lurecraft, Baitjunkys |
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What You'll Learn
Melting and reusing old plastic worms
When melting old plastic worms, it is crucial to separate them by colour to ensure that the new worms are a consistent shade. It is also important to note that not all plastics are created equal; some, like Zman lures, are made from TPE, a stronger and more flexible material than standard plastisol. Therefore, when melting and reusing worms, it is best to separate them by type and brand to avoid issues with melting points and consistency. Additionally, consider storing lures in their original packaging to prevent melting and disfiguration.
Once the worms are sorted, they can be melted down and reused. One method is to create plaster of Paris molds using new plastic worms and then melting and pouring the old plastic worms into these molds. This allows for more intricate worm designs. When melting the plastic worms, it is recommended to add a touch of fresh plastic to the batch of remelts for better melting and more consistent results.
There are two main methods for creating new plastic worms: injecting and pouring. Injecting involves using a liquid plastic injector with an injection mold to create fully rounded worms. This method ensures a consistent shape and avoids flat sides on the worms. On the other hand, pouring is a more affordable option and can still produce high-quality worms with great detail. RTV silicone molds are a popular choice for pouring, as they are durable, user-friendly, and produce worms with exceptional detail.
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Choosing a mold type
There are several types of molds that can be used to make plastic worms. The most suitable mold depends on the desired shape, level of detail, durability, and cost. Here are some options to consider:
CNC Machined Aluminum Molds
Custom CNC machined aluminum molds are considered the best option for creating plastic worms. They produce baits with incredible detail and glass-smooth finishes. These molds are durable and long-lasting but come at a high cost, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are a more affordable alternative to CNC machined molds. They can be purchased or made at a reasonable cost, offering a good balance between quality and price. Silicone molds are durable, user-friendly, and produce worms with great detail. RTV Silicone Rubber Molds, in particular, are known for their durability and exceptional ease of use.
Plaster of Paris Molds
Plaster of Paris (POP) molds are the cheapest option available, but they are also more fragile and prone to breaking easily. While they may not provide the same level of durability as other materials, POP molds can still be used to create plastic worms effectively.
Water Putty Molds
Water putty, such as Durham's Water Putty, is an inexpensive and user-friendly option for creating molds. It holds good detail and is easy to work with. Water putty molds can be used to make both one-piece open pour molds and two-piece molds for fully round baits.
When choosing a mold type, it's important to consider the desired level of detail, durability, and cost. Additionally, the type of bait you want to create will also influence your choice of mold, as some molds are better suited for specific shapes and designs.
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Preparing the mold box
To prepare a mold box for making plastic worms, you'll first need to decide on the type of mold you want to create. There are two common types of molds used in bait making: an open-pour one-piece mold and a two-piece mold for creating fully round baits with no flat sides. For the latter, a rectangular plastic dish works well, as it makes it easier to remove the mold from the container during the molding process.
Once you've selected the appropriate container for your mold box, lightly spray it with a mold release agent. This can be a dedicated product or even a cooking spray like Pam. This step ensures that the mold can be easily removed from the container once it's cured.
If you're using a one-piece mold, you're almost done with the preparation. However, if you're creating a two-piece mold, there are a few additional steps. Try to minimise the formation of bubbles in the mixture, as these can affect the final product. Using a torch to gently heat the top of the mixture will help pop any bubbles that form.
Let the mixture cure for around 2 to 3 hours. The curing time can vary depending on the product you're using, so it's always good to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the curing process is complete, you can remove the bait from the mold and then gently pop the mold out of the dish.
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$39.95
Injecting vs pouring
When it comes to creating your own plastic worms, there are two main methods: injecting and pouring. Both methods have their own advantages and are suitable for different situations.
Injecting involves using a liquid plastic injector to fill the worm mold. This method results in fully rounded worms with no flat sides. Injecting is a good option if you want to create worms with a consistent shape and size. The Do-it Essentials Cast Injection Worm Molds are a great option for those who want to try injection molding. These molds are made of sand-cast aluminum and produce high-quality, fully rounded worms.
On the other hand, pouring involves melting plastic and pouring it into a mold. This method is generally more affordable and accessible for beginners. When pouring, it is important to heat the plastic slowly to avoid overheating and scorching. You can also experiment with hardeners or softeners to adjust the stiffness of your worms. However, one potential downside of pouring is that it can be difficult to fill the mold evenly, and you may end up with flat sides on your worms.
The type of mold used also plays a crucial role in the injecting vs. pouring debate. RTV Silicone Rubber Molds, for example, are durable and user-friendly, making them a popular choice for pouring worms. They produce worms with great detail and are cost-effective. In contrast, Do-it CNC Milled Worm Molds are more expensive but offer unmatched quality and incredible detail. These molds are milled from solid blocks of aluminum and can be used for both injection and open-pouring.
Ultimately, the decision between injecting and pouring depends on your specific needs and preferences. Injecting may be preferable if you prioritize consistency and rounded shapes, while pouring offers affordability, accessibility, and the ability to experiment with different plastic consistencies.
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Customising the worms
Customising your plastic worms is a fun and rewarding process that lets you create unique and effective lures. There are many ways to customise your worms, from the type of mould you use to the colours, scents, and additives you choose.
Firstly, decide on the type of mould you want to use. There are one-piece open-pour moulds and two-piece moulds for creating fully round worms. The two-piece moulds are more versatile as they allow you to create worms without any flat sides. RTV silicone moulds are a great option as they are durable, produce detailed worms, and are user-friendly. If you're looking for unmatched quality, Do-it CNC injection moulds are a good choice, although they are more expensive.
Once you've chosen your mould type, it's time to get creative with colours and additives. You can add colours to your plastic to make your worms more visually appealing to fish. Additionally, consider using glow-in-the-dark powder to make your worms stand out in deep or murky waters. Scent additives, such as anise oil, can also be added to attract fish. You can even add salt to your mixture, but be sure to use iodine-free salt.
Another way to customise your worms is by recycling old, torn-up plastic worms. You can melt them down and reuse the plastic, but be sure to melt only same-coloured worms together. Adding a touch of fresh plastic to a batch of remelts is recommended for better results.
Finally, pay attention to the small details. If you're using a plastic dish for your mould, lightly spray it with a cooking spray or a mould release agent to help remove the worm easily. Always try to keep bubbles out of your mixture, as they can affect the smoothness of your worm. If you notice any pinholes in your worm after removing it from the mould, simply mix a small amount of putty and use a toothpick to fill them in.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four commonly used materials to make molds for plastic worms: custom CNC machined aluminum molds, silicone molds, Plaster of Paris, and Durham's water putty.
The best material for making plastic worm molds is custom CNC machined aluminum molds. These molds can be expensive, ranging from a few hundred to ten thousand dollars. However, they produce the highest quality molds with incredible detail and glass-smooth finishes.
The cheapest material for making plastic worm molds is Plaster of Paris. However, it is important to note that Plaster of Paris molds are brittle and may not be as durable as other options.
Yes, you can recycle old plastic worms by melting them down and pouring the liquid plastic into new molds. It is recommended to add a touch of fresh plastic to a batch of remelted worms for better results.
