How to Make Molds for Crankbaits
- 1). Place a plastic box that the crankbait easily fits in on the work table. Roll out a clay slab and put it in the box.
- 2). Press the crankbait in the slab so half of its profile is covered in clay. Leave the the upper pins and alignment keys in place, but only cover half in clay, leaving the small holes in the molded crankbait so you can screw the pins and alignment keys into the molded crankbait.
- 3). Place a 1-inch piece of a drinking straw on the clay slab perpendicular to the bottom of the crankbait. Cover half of the straw in clay to form the fill hole for the mold.
- 4). Spray mold release agent on the upper half of the crankbait.
- 5). Brush latex an inch out over the clay slab to create a mold lip that joins together. Allow each layer to dry for an hour before adding another layer. Add five to six layers. Cut a piece of gauze and place it over the latex mold. Add five more layers over the gauze, allowing each to dry for an hour. Allow the finished mold half to set for a few hours. Lift it up by a corner and remove it from the original crankbait.
- 6). Remove the crankbait from the clay. Turn the crankbait over and embed the other side in the clay slab. Spray mold release on the crankbait and repeat Step 5.
- 7). Lift the mold half off carefully. Join both sides of the mold together and band together with rubber banding.
- 8). Pour the molding mix into the mold and allow it to set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the pins, alignment keys and sprue.
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