Making Jig Heads

[DKStroutfitter]

I am looking at a Lee's melting pot to use in pouring jig heads.
The cost is about $60.00.

Does anyone here use this?
How well does it work?
Is there something else in the same price range that is better?

Thanks for your reply's.
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[Hawky]

I think you could use a little cast iron pot with a pour spout and a electric burner, might be cheaper...
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[DKStroutfitter]

Thank you for your response, Hawky.

I have used the burner on our stove before but I burnt it out. Stoves are not made to be used on high for an extended amount of time.

I am currently using a Coleman gas camp stove but that isn't very safe, when used inside the house.

A melting pot is the right answer for me.
I just want to know if the Lee unit is a good one.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Hey ol' buddy, if you will send me your email address I will forward a couple of writeups I have put together on making lead jigs. I have made a few.

First, the Lee 10# Production Pot is what I would recommend. Forget the little things that pour into the molds. They do not get the lead as hot and you often do not get good detailed pours on smaller jig heads. The production pot has the control lever and the hot lead pours out of the bottom...up to 800 degrees. Melting point of lead is 600. The temp on some of those little melt pans is not much over the melting point of lead and it starts to harden before flowing into the end of the mold...especially if you use tire weights or other lead with "hardening" metal alloys.

I used to have "jig parties" to show and tell how to pour lead, trim it and decorate it with paint, glitter, eyes and "dressing"...fur or feathers. I no longer do the party thing but I am always happy to have one on one sessions with someone who is serious and who wants to bypass all the prerequisite mistakes we make in trying to learn it on our own.

In the past 30+ years, I have gone through 3 melting pots and my current one is showing a lot of use. I have over 40 molds and do a lot of custom modifications to allow fabbing specialized lures. Anybody who thinks I make my own stuff to save money only needs to look at the collection in my playroom. I have saved so much money I'm broke. The main reason for making your own goodies is to be able to fish exactly the size, shape and colors you want...and not have to rely on what is being sold by the tackle purveyors because that's all they have.

Lemme know if you would like to get together...and see the Production Pot in action.
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[DKStroutfitter]

Thanks, Pat.
That is exactly what I was looking for.

Do you use a ladle to pour with the Lee?

I have been pouring lead jig heads for several years, using the Coleman stove. It's bulky, hot and not very safe.

I pour small jig heads. Size 4, 6 ,8 and 10 in 1/32 and 1/64 oz size.

I would love to find a mold that has the two ribs like the Gamagitzu .
They hold the jig on much better than the standard barb type.
Do you know if I could have someone machine my mold to make the two ribs?

Thanks,
Dale.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000ff]No ladles needed with the Production Pot. There is a little arm you lift to allow the lead to pour out in a thin stream at the bottom. Precise pouring with complete control. And much better to hit the small aperture on most jig molds. There are also some additional options for getting perfect castings from some molds that are "unique". I pour everything from detailed 1/64 oz. to 2 oz. lead spoons.

I too like having more "holding power" on my jig heads...especially for tube jigs. I have modified several of my molds to add an extra barb. See the attached pic to see how I added the second barb to the wobble jig heads. Depending on the type of mold you have it should be fairly simple to cut an extra barb into it using a small sharp file. I'd be glad to look at your molds and give it a shot if it is doable.

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[Therapist]

To echo what TD has said, a good melter is needed. I have been using a Lyman production pot for 30 plus, don't poor as much as TD. A bottom pour pot helps things move faster when pouring a lot of jigs. For baits like Spinner baits that have a wire to contend with, you still need a ladle. You will find that with the size baits you are pouring, placing the drop of the pot into the sprue of the mold, you are almost forcing the lead into the mold, so you get more complete pours.

Another key is using PURE, Soft lead. Wheel weights have tin and antimony to harden them and will not work very well. Temp of the lead is also critical as if it is to cold, poor results, to hot, crazing or frosting of the finished product.

You can use a Dremel tool to modify your mold.

[fish_fear_me2]

The large selection of jig heads and the premium hooks you use could definitely make a guy go broke. At least with your jigs you get a sharp hook in a fish tested jig head.
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[DKStroutfitter]

Thank you for your replies.
I have been pouring jig heads for several years, using my black powder bullet equipment.

I want to get away from using the stove, so going to the melting pot will be my new way to pour.
Looks like the the Lee's pouring pot will be the way to go.

I would like to get back with Pat to see about modifying my mold.

Thanks for all the help.
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[Edogg03]

I use the lyman Big Dipper kit an love it it comes with an electric pot ingot molds and a ladle in the same price range I would recommend you check it out [reply][reply][/reply][/reply]
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[brookieguy1]

Pat is the man. Seek out his knowledge and he will show you the way.
Me, I just run over to his house and get the exact goodies I need. For a very fair price.
Thanks Pat!
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[dtayboyz]

I only make my own sturgeon weights. I have found it is cheaper to buy in bulk on eBay for bass fishing jig heads, but I would buy from any of you in the future. Good luck. Pm if you want to sell some.

Ps. I'd gladly trade rides in Gertrude for 8 oz pyramid sinkers.
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[DKStroutfitter]

I ordered the Lee's melting pot.
Got it delivered to my house on Wednesday.
Look like it exactly what I needed.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.
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[kentd71]

Do-it molds makes a a mold with two rings for large (size 1+) Gamakatsu hooks model #GRC-7- A. Or a ring and barb round head with an eye socket RSE-6-A. Try barlowstackle.com. Pat is a wealth of knowledge and has helped me a few of times and showed me the whole process or stop by and get something I don't have a mold for. He has jigs that he modifies with wire then attaches blades and other attractors. After seeing him I modified two molds so i can use larger and smaller hooks or make them dual purpose. That was a couple of years ago. I just finished 120 jigs. I love my bottom pour pot but if I remember right they are only good for things up to 2oz.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I think you will appreciate the refinements of having the bottom pour melter.

There are some operational and maintenance steps you will need to learn to get maximum efficiency with a minimum of frustration and foul language.

One of the first and worst is the tendency for the pour spout to develop drips. The plunger/pin needs to be rotated with a screw driver periodically to keep it properly seated in the aperture. DON'T POUND IT WITH A HAMMER.

You should also make a "reaming tool" from a stiff piece of wire. That can be run up inside the aperture hole to keep it free of buildup or deposits that reduce flow.

After a whole lotta use it may become necessary to drain your pot, disassemble it and ream out the aperture with a small drill bit. That might also be necessary if you get some bad lead with a lot of metal hardener alloys. Hard lead with high melting point can set up inside the aperture hole and will shut down your work.

Otherwise, those pots last for years of heavy use and once you get used to them they allow you to create lots of good stuff.

If you make it down for a mold-mod session I can run you through the basics of pouring and maintenance.
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