Heating Jig Heads for Powder Coat

[DeadlyDan]

Got a handle on the fluid bed. Now I’m struggling with heating the jigs properly.

I’ve tried the following -

1. Holding over a candle
2. Pre-heating in an oven set to 350F
3. Holding over a heat gun

I want to know hot hot the jig should be before dipping. Will a infrared heat gun be accurate to determine temperature? It may be that the small jigs are the most problematic. I use 1/32 and 1/16.

In some cases the paint won’t stick. Assume too cool.
Other cases the paint blister. Assume too hot.

Ideally, I would like the jigs to have a well covered light coating. I am playing with white base, then glow coat. Things were not going well so I quite and came straight to the forum for advice.

Danny

[DrNip]

I get the jig hot enough that after I dip the jig the paint is fully melted and shiny. Then dip jig in water to cool. After this off to bake for 20 minutes at 320 degrees.

[Capt Cormorant]

I started with a candle as a heat source. But found out a heat gun is better for me. The candle let soot on the jig head. Just heat your jig using your heat source. Then count to 5. Then dip your jig you already know what under temp and over temp jig head does in powder paint. Adjust your time on the next jig. It's possible to correct a jig if under temp . But once a jig head is over temp and dipped there is no correcting it.

Differnt color of paint differnt melting points and coverage. After a few jigs you should get the hang of it.

[Grainraiser]

I use a heat gun. 8 seconds for a 1/32 and 12 seconds for a 1/6 is just about right for me.

[Jamesdean]

[rezz93]

Propane torch works for me.
Depending on jig size, 2-4 seconds in a low flame gets it done.

It takes practice to get the timing right. Too hot and you get smoke from the jig. Too cool and the paint doesn't melt right.

So, just count when heating and remember the count that works for that size jighead.

[DrNip]

I failed to mention I use a heat gun as well as a fluid bed. Also use an oven Wotan a digital temp on it.

[DockShootinJack]

Heat gun and fluid bed here also

[SuperDave336]

I usually use a alcohol lamp but recently tried a torch. Worked great and way faster. Just adjust your times accordingly. I will admit.... I melted the lead right off a jig learning....lol.

[rezz93]

I usually use a alcohol lamp but recently tried a torch. Worked great and way faster. Just adjust your times accordingly. I will admit.... I melted the lead right off a jig learning....lol.

I said propane but meant butane torch.
Yeah, it takes some getting used to but not bad.