How To Modify A Do-It Mold??

[slabbandit]

I have a round head double barb Do-It mold that pours 4 1/32 and 4 1/16 oz. I would like to drill out a couple of each size to get a couple 1/24 and a couple 3/32oz. Has anybody got any ideas how to do this?

[Nightprowler]

Check out this YouTube video done by Kelly Mathews. He show's you step by step, how to do the 1/24 and tools required. He also discusses running depths.
Hope this helps,
NightProwler
crappie fishing making a 1/24 ounce jighead mold - YouTube

[shipahoy41]

Check out this YouTube video done by Kelly Mathews. He show's you step by step, how to do the 1/24 and tools required. He also discusses running depths.
Hope this helps,
NightProwler
crappie fishing making a 1/24 ounce jighead mold - YouTube

Great post Herb. Very very informative.

[Redman]

As one who has done a lot of mold work I will warn you that it is not as easy as Kelly makes it out. First you need a very High Speed fine cut round cutter. This is something that is not available at Lowe's or Home Depot. Second a Cutting fluid should be used in the process to help with carrying away the Aluminum chips. Third I would have a Tool Steel blank to match up with the cutter so that if need be it could be pressed in to the cavity to make it smoother. If you go ahead and do it the way Kelly does it free hand you might have a jig that is out of balance and sits sideways in the water. I would use a drill press with a good stop and depth gauge and Clamp the mold in a Good Quality Machine vice.

On the other hand it's you mold and you can do with what you want. Be careful and be safe.

Redman

[Fatman]

I'm with Redman - I've seen the video and while it looks easy, how many of us truthfully are that good with a hand held drill to do fine work like that??? Talked to a guy at TU who did it and he paid almost $50 bucks for the special bit so as not to screw up the mold.

Robert at Crazy Angler Tackle was doing mold work, but I guess he stopped. I've seen some molds that he pegged to make recessed eyes and they are sweet.

Your mold your choice but don't get ticked if you screw it up

[Redman]

Amen Fatman I was in the jewelry trade as a Jeweler and a Watchmaker for 49 years. In that time I set tens of thousands of small diamonds and restaffed many a watch to keep time all by hand. Still I would hate to take a big hand drill to a Do-It mold.

There are two ways to learn. First from others mistakes, the second from our own. It is always easier to learn from others mistakes than our own and much cheaper.

Redman

[Bronson]

Yep, I've had a few molds messed up by guys who thought they knew what they were doing. I'm guessing you are like me and need to get someone who has a reputation for either taking blank molds and making what you want or modifying something you already have. Cost more but I've heard we'll be much more satisfied.

I met a guy at Kentucky Lake a month or so ago and we were talking about those exact same sizes. Hmmmm????

Does anyone out there know someone they recommend who can make a good quality mold at a reasonable price?

[PBUG2009]

My 1/24oz mold costed me 150.00.. A custom mold isnt cheap, you get what you pay for. I tried drilling out my mold like kelly did and it didnt turn out so good. You need what they call a ball end mill.. I believe the size is a 7/32 if i remember right. I cant remember

[redear]

yeah you would have to really get your depth right for a balanced jig . I always ordered tools like the ball end cutter from victor machinery in new york. they have great service and are courtious on the phone. I once ordered the wrong bit and they sent me another one before they even got mine back.

[Redman]

I know that I have posted this already. This is a 1/24 oz. head in a 10 and 6 size sickle.One that I made in the 1970's or 1980's can't remember but it took a few days to get it right. Use to use a lee loader handle on it but with the sickles I use a set of pliers its just faster.I used a drill press, machine vice, hack saw, and Hydraulic press. Not hard just got to know what you are doing. Going to start in on a Shad Darter head shortly. Enjoy



Redman