i just got back into pouring jigs and shaky heads in a big way...the only thing I hate is having to trim the excess lead off the top of the head and then filing it so that there arent any points from trimming. Anyone found an easier, more efficient way?

Have you tried using a drummel with some of the attachments to remove the sprues?  Or a belt sander?  Just an idea.

Bassman,

I pour and paint a lot of jigs and spinnerbaits, and I have not found an easier method. I do the same thing you do. I tried sanding lead, too much airborne lead powder in the air. I tried a dremel, very hard to control. I found hand filing to be the best solution. This is just my opinion. I've also seen guys not file the cut sprue marks and then paint the jigs. I tell you what it looks terrible. You would never see that on one of my baits. Personally I feel if you can't do it right don't do it at all.

I'm with cadman, their is no easy way!!!  I've tried cutting, twisting by hand and all leave a mark.  Quick pass with a file smooths it right over.

Fatman

take a pair of pliers and bend the spur one way and then bent the other and it will pop off pretty clean most of the time.  After that I typically use a knife to smooth it out.  If you cut or break them off the file is pretty much the only way.

Some molds just break off better? Now I have a Collins hidden weight spinnerbait mold and the only way to get the sprue off is with a pair of dikes.

Allen

I just bought a new set of gate cutters 410507

from Barlow's.  They do a great job of cutting and there is very little filing left to do and some heads don't need any.

http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=2227&CATID=115

I just bought a new set of gate cutters 410507

from Barlow's. They do a great job of cutting and there is very little filing left to do and some heads don't need any.

http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=2227&CATID=115

I use the palm cutters seen on that same page, smaller and easier to use in my opinion. I usually cut the spure off then turn the cutters cross way to the cut I just made and use them to cut off any excess I may have missed. Kind of works like using a knife if I do it right, but there are always still a few I have to file.

another trick I use is take a block of wood, wrap it in low grit sandpaper (a grit paper you might wet sand a painted car with). That way you can leave it lay on the table and while you are cutting sand the jig using one hand on the jig instead of having to control both hands with separate items.

Harshman