Pouring your own jigs, etc. ?'s

[BFerris]

Well, finally got tired of buying jig heads at retail prices so I ordered all the stuff to start pouring my own jig heads. My question is, what kind of lead are you guys using and where do you get it? I'm totally new to this so any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian

[MT]

There's alot of sources. Wheel weights from tire shops work but they're dirty and not pure lead and a little hard. Old sinkers especially big ones are good. I was given some kind of flashing that is used in concrete forms(i think) that has worked really nicely. Just start asking around and you'll end up with plenty to use. In fact, if you're around Stockton I've got a bucket of wheel weights that you're more than welcome to. Just PM me if you want them. Mike

[g-man]

You can buy those down rigger weights for a few bucks, and use them. Tire weights work just fine, I have heard about them not being pure, IMO they work just fine. It will save you a ton of money no matter how you get your lead.

[Marty]

G-man, you know at night you go to the cars on the street and take the lead of the tires!

[g-man]

G-man, you know at night you go to the cars on the street and take the lead of the tires!

Have you checked your tires lately?

[Pearl Swimbaits]

I pour my own lead heads, jigs, and spinnerbaits and went through the growing pains as well.....WEAR GOGGLES

Wheel weights have to many impurities and a lot of them are Zinc.
This will make the pours inconsistent and the melting pot will be filthy and full of schmeg

Salt water sinkers are a bad idea they will F%@#& explode and you will be blind, trust me i was lucky, and i still have lead on the lights and ceiling to prove it.

I have a buddy who made his own bullets and he had 1000lbs + or - i got ALOT but they are in 1lb bricks.

So i would start with a local gun shop or order it online and pay the crazy shipping.....it is easier

[Ray]

one another idea is to seek a company selling metals in your immediate area, either use google or look in the yellow pages under metals. i found, what i thought would be, hard to find aluminum tubing a mile from my home in santa clara, perhaps a source for (Pb) lead can be found not too far away.

[orangeman]

My brother and I run Who-be-do Jigs in the fresno area. We use alot of tire weights and some sheet lead from metal recycling yards. If you need some help with some lead or with with hooks or paint let us know we don't mind helping out.

[MARK D. INMAN]

*NM*

[MARK D. INMAN]

*NM*

[MARK D. INMAN]

*NM*

[MikeD]

Awhile back I too decided that I liked the idea of pouring my own stuff - so I bought the lead pot and the molds and a bunch of hooks i various sizes, etc. Long story short - what a pain in the butt, messy, dangerous from both the fumes and the hot molten lead.

I ended up selling my stuff to a guy down in Clovis and he pours me custom head/hook combo's and I paint them up. At .25 to .45 per bare head this is a great and inexpensive way to take the troublesome part of trying to customize your stuff. Check out http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/index.php and cruise thru the "Wire Baits" area to learn more about pouring, painting, skirts, etc. I'd be happy to turn you on to the guy who is selling me the bare lead heads, PM me with your email for the info if you want/need it.

[Nlvbassin]

Always wear gloves, eye protection. If you have a production pot like a lees or a RCBS pro melter, place it over a cookie sheet,one that has sides, that way if the lever malfunctions or something gets in the pot, the ead will not run all over the place. And yes it has happened to me twice in 20 years, both times I was saved by the cookiesheet.
Randall

[tunaman]

Don't forget a mask when melting either... lead is nothing to mess with.

Roger

[mark poulson]

I used to make my own sinkers for surf fishing.
I got the lead from plumbers on the jobsite, since, back then, we used lead and okum joints on cast iron fitting.
The fumes are really dangerous.
Be sure you have good ventiation, preferably outdoors with a fan blowing away from you, and never pour in the house.
I learned that the hard way. My wife said the kitchen smelled like lead forever. And lead fumes are bad for people in general, and kids and pregnant women especially.

[BFerris]

Thank you guys for all the information! I look forward to receiving all the equipment and learning how to pour. I am sure I will have many more questions for you guys! Thanks again.

[Oldschool]

Barlows Tackle is a good source for jig making components; molds, lead pouring pots, hooks, skirts, paint, etc.
Deciding on what jig head style and size to use is your choice and not an easy decision to make. Try different styles and sizes before you purchase a mold or molding equipment. I use Lee equipment and 1 pound lead bars from reloading suppliers. Also purchase the high quality hooks; Gamakatsu, Daiichi, Owner, Mustad Ultra etc.
Good hooks will cost more and they are worth it.
You can also buy bulk unpainted jigs from a local tackle dealer. Lead Masters; 800/635,6239 makes several jigs, contact them for a local dealer.
Tom

[mark poulson]

Barlows Tackle is a good source for jig making components; molds, lead pouring pots, hooks, skirts, paint, etc.
Deciding on what jig head style and size to use is your choice and not an easy decision to make. Try different styles and sizes before you purchase a mold or molding equipment. I use Lee equipment and 1 pound lead bars from reloading suppliers. Also purchase the high quality hooks; Gamakatsu, Daiichi, Owner, Mustad Ultra etc.
Good hooks will cost more and they are worth it.
You can also buy bulk unpainted jigs from a local tackle dealer. Lead Masters; 800/635,6239 makes several jigs, contact them for a local dealer.
Tom

And Lead Masters makes the best split ring pliers around.

[Alex M.]

I recently got into making my own jigs also. It's not THAT much of a pain. Plus...There are very few jigs on the market that meet my needs, so I'm better off making my own...and it's cheaper.

As far as the lead goes...
EBAY EBAY EBAY!!!!!!!

Do a search for Lead Ingots on ebay. You will find a crap-ton of people that sell clean and fluxed lead. I'd avoid the tire shop stuff unless it's brand new/clean. Dirty lead will jack up your melting pot...steer clear. The stuff on ebay is pretty damn cheap too, cuz you're buying in bulk.

Just my .02

[big_limits]

click below:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZle ... R40QQ_mdoZ