Thread: Help Needed - making jig heads

I would suggest a mold that makes 1/32, 1/16/ and 1/8 ounce round head jigs. I believe DO IT Molds makes one.

Barlowe's tackle in Texas has probably one of the best selections of molds, lead pots and related items. Their book and site has reference charts for hooks that are a great help. If you call them they will put together the pot the mold and the hooks that fit the mold or molds for you.

Gift card for sure. Way to many things to buy when getting into it that he may have a differant preferance on. And when each mold will cost around $30 you do not want to be buying the wrong things. I tie jigs and had been going through a 1000 a month but i still don't find it to be cost effective to start pouring my own jigs. I would have to spend somewhere around $200 go get started. That is a lot of jigs when you can buy them for between 4 1/2-12 cents a piece. Then you have the labor involved and then would need a good exhaust systemto get rid of the lead fumes while melting. It maybe a fun thing to do not sure because I have never done it. But for the average fisherman you will never make enough jigs to pay for all the things needed to start pouring.

Originally Posted by Jigging15

. I would have to spend somewhere around $200 go get started. That is a lot of jigs when you can buy them for between 4 1/2-12 cents a piece. Then you have the labor involved and then would need a good exhaust systemto get rid of the lead fumes while melting. It maybe a fun thing to do not sure because I have never done it. But for the average fisherman you will never make enough jigs to pay for all the things needed to start pouring.

This is exactly why I don't pour my own.

I totally agree, these guys all have it right. Now days with the initial expense and time involved and the toxicity of the lead fumes, buy the hubby a few hundred jigs of his favorite sizes and call it Christmas. Bob

Did He say he wanted to tie jigs or pour jig heads? Pouring the molten lead into molds around a hook is the part of the process that the above responses referenced.

Making jig heads can mean one or both. Tying or pouring?

Check out Zeiners Bass Shop tough to beat for pouring your own. Good starter pkgs and the best, cheapest supply of do-it molds. Plus they some excellent tips and instructions for pouring lead and such. Plus they might be able to refer you to a good place to buy a box fan.

I recomemnd the Lee standing unit to cast lead. It's not as dangerous as the hand pours.
NEW LEE Preci.Reloading Electric Lead Melting Pot 110V - eBay (item 220708683656 end time Jan-07-11 18:43:58 PST).
If there are fumes, the lead is too hot. This unit has a variable thermostat.
You need to make sure the keep the tip clean by moving the screw head back and forth so it doesn't drip out. Some will drip. Make sure you have a metal surface bigger than the base for the lead to drop onto. You'll need to skim of the oxidized lead and contaminate. I use an old spoon.
Also, cover the table with news paper so you can carefully roll it up and discard. Be sure to wash up after casting.
Above all, make sure there is good ventilation.

I get my lead from the auto shop wheel weights. Sit with a propane torch outside and melt the lead into my ingot maker.
Doesn't make as good a head, but the crappie don't seem to care.

G.