Maybe a stupid question but I am very new to this.  I was about to pull the trigger on a whole variety of things from LC to get started.  After looking at the Del site, I really started getting carried away.  After clearing my head and realizing that I am not even sure how much I am going to enjoy this, I read more on here and found out I could use a microwave, pyrex measuring cups, popcorn salt, etc. to cut back on cost.  So now I am reading all about people's opinions on plaster molds and I have some questions.  I realize this is the cheapest method and produces a rather dull finish, but if sealed, is it still worth it to at least get some baits.  Then my main questions are...

1) Do I just dip a soft plastic that I want to replicate in the plaster and thats it?  How do I get it out? Do you need to cut it in half somehow?

2) Do I need to leave a hole at the top or bottom to pour future plastics in?

3) Do you do the same with the resins that you would with the plaster?

I really appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these very amature questions for me!  I just couldn't find any posts explaining the casting process.

I am new to this site, but may be able to help some. I have been pouring for some time and this is how I turn an idea into a bait. This method works well making jig trailers and other small profile plastic baits.

I first start with an idea, and then transform my idea out of modeling clay. The bait needs to have somewhat of a flat bottom since it's going to be a hand pour. After my modeling clay replica is complete, I gently coat the entire bait with Vaseline. I then place the bait right side up, on the bottom side of a two piece cake pan which is about 6" in diameter. The two piece pan has also been coated with Vaseline. Now you want adjust the bait into whatever position you want, and should adjust easy because of the Vaseline.  Then I clamp the side ring. Make sure the bait is centered and has no less than 1/2 inch distance from the sides of the pan, if your bait is too big, get a larger pan.. I then mix plaster of paris in a bowl to where it is a little on the thin side. I like to mix slowly using a spoon to avoid as much bubbles as possible. I then very slowly pour the mix into the pan making sure the mix covers the bait to at least 1/2 inch. The next day, I unclamp the side ring and the mold should easily release from the pan. Gently pry off the bottom and you can now see the bottom side of your bait in the plaster mold. I then take a small ice pick type tool and very gently pick out the modeling clay. The modeling clay is then washed and returned for the next idea. Then, I very carefully shape the bait cavity cutting off ruff edges, smoothing where need be, and if you want eyes or warts, take a small drill bit and place shallow holes in the mold cavity. After the mold is ready, I coat the mold with modge podge to seal it. After the coating is dry and just before I pour, I coat the mold cavity with mineral oil. The oil is what I use to make sure I don't get a dull finish on the bait.  After I am done, I store the mold in a freezer bag leaving the bag open so any remaining moister can escape. Now you can transform your idea into something the fish haven't seen before.

Good luck and I hope this helps,

Crackerjack

Bassbum, go to micromark.com and buy their 1 to 1 silicone material. It will produce LC type molds. I have made a ton of them lately. You will get about 5 or 6 molds out of it compared to 1 or 2 from the LC silicone and the price is 32.00 for 2 pounds which is great.

What you need to do is make a square or rectangle frame in the size of the mold. Next, take some old plastic and melt it down, when it is liquid, pour it into the frame, just enough to cover the area within the frame, while it is still hot carefully place the bait you want to dupe in position. The p[lastic you poured will keep the bait in place and prevent it from floating up into the silicone, thus eliminating any cutting you would have to do to free it.

I used to use Durhams water putty when making molds, it is a quick fix....silicone works much better. If you've seen any of the swimbaits I've posted here, I made them with silicone and don't believe I could have gotten the same or similar finished product using plaster.

Thanks guys...I think I have a good idea of where to start at least.  I am guessing that it will take a little experimenting to get my first couple done right.  It is a little tricky reading about this without seeing them.  Earthworm...I have seen some of your stuff on here and I think it looks good.  I will probably try these methods and see what I come up with.

Thanks everyone!

Here you go...

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/pouring_plastic_worms.html

Is plastisol something that can only be purchased through a luremaking site, or can you buy it at certain stores as well.

bassbum,

tackleunderground.com has a wonderful tutorial on making molds.  I will say this though, I tried and my results were only o.k. and I ended up buying the molds anyway.  Also, I will tell you Del's alum molds are so nice to work with for a fully rounded lure.  Lurecrafts molds are great for baits that are alright having a flat side.  I thought a flat side, yuck, but jig trailers, beavers, flukes, and i'm sure many others look great as a one sided lure (and some of them are one sided to begin with).  

Basically I'm rather new to this, but I am money and  quality conscience and I would do this:

buy the senko kit from del, you can't beat the mold and everything that goes with it for the cost

figure out what you can use as a one sided lure and try a couple from lurecraft

plaster of paris is cheap, so maybe try a mold with that (don't use engine paint to seal it, the paint comes off)

if your good w/plaster than maybe you will want to use it more, but I think that you will find that approx 10 bucks from lc is not bad at all, and if your like me once you have senko's, jig trailers, beavers, flukes, and a lizard of some sort you'll have just about everything that you'll want to pour, and you could obtain probably all of those materials for under 200 bucks including picking up some more colors and glitters.  That 200 bucks should get you enough baits to fish this whole summer and next summer you will only have plastic and whatever else the baitmakingmonkey demands to buy.

Last words on this extremely long post:  The baitmakingmonkey is as dangerous if not more dengerous the original monkey.  Be careful.  I kid you not, the monkey has demanded that I build what I am now terming my "Lab" or "workshop" to create my lures in.  Mind you I have only been into this for a few month's and that's how deep I am now.  Good luck be careful, and have fun.  It really is fun making them.