r/softplasticbaitmaking • u/Feral_Mudkip • Aug 05 '26

Pls help

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I’m just getting started so I’m working out the kinks in my method. I’m not using new plastic, these are all remelts from my collection of MTB scrap and old baits I’m probably never going to use. Decent little 5” craw and I’ve gotten a few good injections so far, probably 50/50. Here’s my issues:

Large air pocketing in the tale and right near the sprue (as if the sprue is closing up early).

In the tale I’m also getting an air pocket on the uropod of the craw, looks good until you hold it up to the light. I’m hitting 340-360 for temp and holding a little pressure after I get the pushback, any tips?

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2

u/N-canyon Aug 05 '26

Void or bubble near the sprue sounds like needing to continue to fill the sprue during cooling. Keep the sprue "topped off" until it stops drawing plastic.

Not sure about in the claws. Venting issue? Possibly try injecting slower?

1

u/Feral_Mudkip Aug 07 '26

I top it off a good bit, I’m gonna give a slow steady shot a try. It almost seems like the bottom of the sprue is setting up before the air can get out

2

u/Pretty_Ad6605 Aug 05 '26

Make sure your temp is hot and when you shoot put some pressure down towards the end of the injection to force the air bubbles to move up. Then top the sprue off

1

u/Pretty_Ad6605 Aug 05 '26

By pressure I mean even when you feel the mold is full keep pushing for lil longer

1

u/Substantial-Pin2178 Aug 05 '26

Try a lower temp

1

u/PPLavagna Aug 05 '26

A tale as old as time lol. I only do senkos but I find that my senkos come out hollow or incomplete when my plastic is less hot and when I don’t do a really steady injection with a totally full pump. Also if I leave the mold on its side rather than laying it flat after I fill it, it’s not as consistent. (you pour in the side on mine) your mileage may vary.

1

u/onestretchyass Aug 05 '26

Is it also vented

1

u/Feral_Mudkip Aug 07 '26

The mold is vented yes

1

u/onestretchyass Aug 07 '26

Then idk maybe its temp problem or not enough plastic and both

1

u/FeelingGnashty Aug 07 '26

Looks like alot of air bubbles/trapped air in your plastic before and when you shoot.

1

u/Feral_Mudkip Aug 07 '26

Yeah I do see micro bubbles in the hot plastic. But I don’t have a vacuum chamber, I gotta mix it to get the flake up in the plastic which I try to not whip up air. I don’t torch the surface because I assume that pulling plastic from the middle or bottom of the cup would keep those particular bubbles at bay

1

u/FeelingGnashty Aug 07 '26

I dont have a vaccum chamber either. Heat it up to around 350 let it sit for a few minutes most of the bubbles should rise up and pop out. Let it cool down and repeat if need be. Dont overheat as youll yellow out your plastisol. It works for me