Aluminum Jig Heads?

[DeadlyDan]

While scoping a couple of days ago, I had a thought. Since aluminum is much lighter than lead, wouldn’t an aluminum jig head be more visible with Livescope since it is larger? So, a 1/16 lead vs a 1/16 aluminum.

Looking for thoughts and opinions before venturing into this idea.

Thanks,
Danny

[Kevin22]

Yes and aluminum reflects the LS beams real nice.

If you are looking for a jig to show up better, look for one with more surface area and flat sides.

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[DockShootinJack]

Interesting

[canebreaker]

Got me to thinking.
How much would an aluminum jig weigh cast in a 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 oz mold? They are calibrated to lead. Most molds are made of aluminum. Would they hold up to the extra heat and melted aluminum not stick? Most melting pots wouldn't get hot enough to melt aluminum. Would need a furnace.

Metal melt rates, degrees:
Lead 622
Tin 450
Babbitt 480
Aluminum 1220.

[Lund]

[cgc1productions]

In the past, I made tin jigs to get a larger profile. Inexpensive and easy trial to make tin jigs is to get round tin split shots in desired size and super glue/pinch them onto jig hooks. These can also be powder painted and eyes can be applied to the flat sides created by plier crimping. Not sure and have never seen an aluminum split shot but if one could source those, the process would be the same.


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[canebreaker]

I searched aluminum split shot sinker, came up empty.

[Kevin22]

In the past, I made tin jigs to get a larger profile. Inexpensive and easy trial to make tin jigs is to get round tin split shots in desired size and super glue/pinch them onto jig hooks. These can also be powder painted and eyes can be applied to the flat sides created by plier crimping. Not sure and have never seen an aluminum split shot but if one could source those, the process would be the same.


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I have poured tin jigs for friends in the past, they sure feel strange in the hand. He needed them for a non toxic only lake he was going to out east.

I would guess the process of making an aluminum jig head would be the same as making a tungsten head, you solder or braze on a round head with slot to a hook.

If you could find round aluminum balls, you could potentially hold them in a vise and cut a slit with a grinder or Dremel tool.

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[DeadlyDan]

Sorry about the late replies. For some reason I didn’t get any email notifications for the post.

I am thinking about making a simple single jig head mold, heating a small piece of aluminum round rod and pouring. I am thinking that a map gas torch would provide enough heat to melt the aluminum.

What do you think?

[canebreaker]

I've used mapp gas torch on copper water and refrigerant lines with good results. Not hot enough for the copper clad pipes on a ac compressor.