Lead Lure Molding Class

It finally cooled down enough that I could tolerate being out in the workshop for awhile and I began to expreiment with making some lure this week. The one below is one of the first, which isn't too bad. However, I have a few in mid process at this time that I'm sure are going to be quite attractive.







Regardless, We will be going through the process of putting these together at our lure making class on September 1st. Not only will we practice leading molding but we will go through techniques for powdercoating your lures as well.

looking forward to the class on thursday night!

FAAN Lead Lure Class





The class began by discussing the uses of the Flutter jig and how to fish with it and then talked about the safety considerations when working with lead. Lead melts at 621 degrees, so proper clothing and safety equipment it extremely important to avoid burns. Lead crafters should wear closed toe shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts, eye wear, and always use welders gloves when handling molds. In addition, you ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to avoid lead fumes.

With the safety warnings completed, we then discussed the types of lead, the best type to use, and how to prepare lead for the molding process. Also, we discussed possible sources for lead. Then, the pouring of a Flutter jig was demonstrated and after the lure cooled significantly the sprue was removed and the lure was ready for painting.

We discussed painting our lures by powder painting and by spray painting. Spray painting requires less equipment and is generally faster. However, powder coating a lure produces a tough finish that will hold up longer for lures that are bumped against the bottom. With powder coating the paint itself is in the form of a powder and the first thing that must be done is the paint must be fluffed by stirring which introduced air that allows for even coating of the lure. During this class, we explained how to construct a simple fluid bed that helps keep the powder coating fluffed for application to the lead. Once the paint is readied, the lead lure is heated with a heat gun, then dipped quickly in and out of the powder paint, then the lure is placed in an oven to bake the paint on for 20 minutes. This makes a very durable finish that will withstand the rigors of bottom fishing.

After painting, the final step is to add some flash to the lure sides using lure tape or contact paper, and the hooks are attached. Each participant was invited to conduct each step building their own lures in the process. Each person, also had the opportunity to take home 4 lures and we hope that will see some pictures from their catches in the near future.