9 replies to this topic

[llPa1nll]

Now I have recently picked up some molds nd would like to start pouring. I can find lots of posts and info on the tips and tricks on how to start as I have never poured jigs before hand.

My real issue is concerning the new lead ban in Ma., and the rumored expansion of the lead ban in NH. My question to the jig pourers out on the board is this. Has anyone started pouring non-lead jig heads? If so what type of metal are you using? What are the charateristics? Tips for a beginer getting into pouring non-lead jigs? Any and all inof on this would be great.

[geckert]

Tin is about all that would be feesable with the normal melters out there. Figure that leas weighs almost 24000 pounds per cubic meter and tin is 16000 for the same volume. That makes tin almost 1/3 the weight for about 50x the cost. Tin does melt at about 450 and lead a bit higher at around 625. Nice thing is that tin stays shiney doesnt blacken like lead. I personally have not used it but once or twice it was just as easy as lead but the cost is crazy. I get lead for about 30-50 cents per pound, Tin cost closer to 15 dollars for good clean tin. If you can get the stock cheap there is a market out there for it. I dont suggest sinking a ton of money into it until you know you have a niche market.

Good luck

[Timmy Tom]

Check Ebay for tin ignots and make sure the tin is lead free. Some tin on there contains lead. It will be in the description. It is easy to work with but will run easy if the mold is not closed tightly. I don't bid often on Ebay for it. Cause of the company I order from. You should not sweat any about N.H. going lead free anytime soon. Little birdies told me.

TT

[geckert]

Timmy Tom, on January 28 2012 - 12:10 AM, said:

Check Ebay for tin ignots and make sure the tin is lead free. Some tin on there contains lead. It will be in the description. It is easy to work with but will run easy if the mold is not closed tightly. I don't bid often on Ebay for it. Cause of the company I order from. You should not sweat any about N.H. going lead free anytime soon. Little birdies told me.

TT

Might want to stop listening to that bird

New Hampshire has banned the use of sinkers weighing less than an ounce and lead jigs less than an inch in length.

[Timmy Tom]

No new restrictions are going to be ruled on in the near future. I was asked to send a letter to the N.H. Senate concerning thoughts about nonlead jigs and a new lead jig ban. Which occurred on Jan. 19, 2012. Sources said no new lead restrictions are expected for at least now. Sorry. I did not clarify myself.

TT.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I use a little Tin/Bismuth mix. Its real expensive.

[Will Wetline]

Siebert Outdoors, on January 30 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

I use a little Tin/Bismuth mix. Its real expensive.

Yup. 58% bismuth/42% tin. It's billed as "environmentally friendly" and having 75% the weight density of lead.

Don't be surprised like I was to find your jigs stuck in the mold - this alloy expands as it cools. Once you see the sprue has solidified, grasp the hook shank with pliers and pull the jig out. Also take care not to overflow the sprue. Haven't tried it, but I'm told there's a mold release agent used by bullet makers that works well.

[Jig Man]

Will Wetline, on February 02 2012 - 04:39 AM, said:

Yup. 58% bismuth/42% tin. It's billed as "environmentally friendly" and having 75% the weight density of lead.

Don't be surprised like I was to find your jigs stuck in the mold - this alloy expands as it cools. Once you see the sprue has solidified, grasp the hook shank with pliers and pull the jig out. Also take care not to overflow the sprue. Haven't tried it, but I'm told there's a mold release agent used by bullet makers that works well.

The best buy on the mold release is Zeiners in Wichita, KS.

[tholmes]

Will Wetline, on February 02 2012 - 04:39 AM, said:

Yup. 58% bismuth/42% tin. It's billed as "environmentally friendly" and having 75% the weight density of lead.

Don't be surprised like I was to find your jigs stuck in the mold - this alloy expands as it cools. Once you see the sprue has solidified, grasp the hook shank with pliers and pull the jig out. Also take care not to overflow the sprue. Haven't tried it, but I'm told there's a mold release agent used by bullet makers that works well.

Yep! The one I've used for years for bullets, jigs and sinkers is called Drop-Out. I get it from either Barlow's http://www.barlowsta...y--P361C62.aspx or MidwayUSA http://www.midwayusa...be-6-oz-aerosol

Stuff is invaluable.

Tom

[cadman]

Siebert Outdoors, on January 30 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

I use a little Tin/Bismuth mix. Its real expensive.

I do the same as Seibert Outdoors.