I got a senko do-it mold and an injector for xmas.  Plan to cut up and melt a bunch of torn plastics I've been saving to test it out and get the hang of it.  Going to melt the plastic in a pyrex in the microwave.  Are there any health concerns with the fumes the melted plastic may give off?  Should I be wearing a respirator or something?

Yes you should get yourself a pretty good mask. You can get some good and inexpensive ones on amazon. The smell is very strong and I suspect the fumes can't be good for you. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation. I have 2 big fans behind me that push everything out a big window. It REALLY helps.

 

The first couple times I did it I had little fans and it wasn't enough. Also I would not use your microwave that you put food in. Get yourself a cheap 50 or 60 dollar walmart microwave specifically for this. The smell of the plastic will linger.

 

The more ventilation you have the better.

On top of a respirator if you don't already know, you should have, gloves, glasses, long pants, long sleeves, and boots/shoes! 

Alright, wow.  Definitely going to get a mask then.  Making me consider taking the microwave outside to melt the plastic.  

 

Got another question.  As long as I don't have any elaztech baits mixed in, will the baits come out ok if I'm melting together baits from multiple different companies?  I'm assuming that companies probably use different types of plastic.  Maybe one type of plastic melts at a lower temp and I could burn it trying to get the higher temp plastics to melt?  Or the plastics won't bond together correctly?

24 minutes ago, GreenGhostMan said:

Alright, wow.  Definitely going to get a mask then.  Making me consider taking the microwave outside to melt the plastic.  

 

Got another question.  As long as I don't have any elaztech baits mixed in, will the baits come out ok if I'm melting together baits from multiple different companies?  I'm assuming that companies probably use different types of plastic.  Maybe one type of plastic melts at a lower temp and I could burn it trying to get the higher temp plastics to melt?  Or the plastics won't bond together correctly?

I wouldn't do it inside your house not even the basement. I would keep your baits separated if you want them to turn out close to what they were before you melted them. If you don't really care mix them and see what happens. First things first be careful and never get too comfortable pouring you plastics. There are guys who have been pouring and injecting for years and get too comfortable and wind up burning themselves. If you haven't already check out Tackle Underground they have a soft plastics forum and there's all the info you'll ever need there.

I was going to do it in my garage, but I think I'll opt for outside now.  Going to go check out tackle underground now.

 

Thanks for the input guys!

I think your garage will be fine. Keep the door open and put some fans to push out the fumes. To it close to the garage door.

 

As far as the other clothing, what was mentioned earlier. Long sleeves, pants, gloves, shoes or boots. Make sure you are covered up, that stuff gets scolding hot. You also don't want to hold the pyrex with bare hands. The glove will protect you.

 

Mixing baits... I have mixed Zoom products with Gambler swimbaits.

Zoom baits are cheap and they melt really well. Just try and stick to consistency. So baits that feel like they are similar softness or hardness.

 

Keep colors separate. Or you will end up with some ugly colors.

In addition to the tackleunderground forum there is a ton of information on Do-its forum as well.

 

I took an old microwave from work and did my melting outside 

Some baits melt OK and others wont. You may get foaming from moisture. Especially salted baits. Just stir a lot. Short nuks when it starts melting. 30 secs. Did I mention stir a lot? Do not melt Powerbait.