So I got to messing round with the new mold and started turning out some nice jig heads. I had to make a small modification to suit my preferred hook, and got a complete pour almost every time.
I did some figuring and determined that 5mm is the exact right size for the eye cavity of this mold. Of course if one got the same jig head design, but with a lead collar, they could expect to have issues. I mean if the weight is to be the same, the head has to shrink to allow for the collar.
I had some 3D eyes in 5mm size in my stock and threw some on to see how they looked.
I wanted the eye to pop so I painted with one quick dip of Glacier White, then a daub of color to the beak and belly. I think it gives a nice effect. I was concerned about putting several layers over the eye cavity for fear it would goop up and prevent me from finishing the way I want. These eyes were just glued on.
I placed an order for some 5mm silver holographic 2D eyes. I plan to place those in the cavities and then place a bit of UV resin and then freeze it while it is still domed up. This will create the 3D appearance and secure the eye in place at the same time. Easy. I also ordered some 5mm flat sequins in silver holographic to see how those do. They are like one thousand for $4. The 2D eyes are much cheaper than 3D as well.
I had a few 2D eyes laying around but they were size 4mm, not quite large enough. However good for showing the effect.
In the 5mm size I suspect they will look great.
Adding a small drop of UV resin is easier for me than applying super glue and then fiddling the eye in place. This way i can take my time positioning the eye just so and then make it 3D and set and seal in place at the same time.
It will also allow for more paint to be applied to the head as the cavity doesn’t really need to be there. I mean it’s nice to have it, but not really required.
I made a few without the Screw Lock system as smaller diameter baits don’t really do well with it. The screw juts out the side a bit if it is not aligned perfectly. Not easy to align baits as it is. I have toyed around with various techniques and my abilities have improved quite a bit from what they were.
The weight is very close to 1/16th ounce. Of course the hook plays a role in this calculation. I troll so it isn’t ever gonna matter. LOL
The hinge definitely is an issue. There is slop in the hinge. This allows it to close out of alignment. Every single time it closes misaligned, and I have to adjust it to get it to close. Very disappointed in the hinge. The tolerances need to be much tighter, and I can wiggle it about. The screws to the mold are solid, the slop is within the hinge itself. I guess they bought some cheap hinges and figured no one would care. Having used CNC molds over the years, this is the first one that doesn’t align properly. Even my Do-It molds align properly. I might send an email asking what’s up.
I think this hatchet head jig design would be awesome in a larger size. Then the design could be seen better. They make a human skull jig but in the smaller sizes there is no way there would be any detail. I mean lead will only do so much inside a mold.
I need to see this jig swim.