Making jigs from scratch

[lentz]

Dds I'm starting to get interested in making my own ice jigs like you do but I want some info before I decide any thing

Here are some questions

1 is it expensive to get into
2 how hard is it
3 what king of metal do you use
4 got any videos of you making some jigs

[DDSBYDAY]

   Making ice jigs is easy and fun.  To make simple ice blades is easy.  The cost will depend on how far you want to go with it.  It is easy to catch the fever and get addicted to it.  I am to the point now where I rarely if ever use anything other than something I made summer and winter.  The only exception is crank baits.  (not going to get into those)

   Supplies you will have to have
 1. Hooks    -ebay
 2. Blades  ebay
 3. Soldering iron - Fleet Farm
 4. Solder    -Fleet Farm   The solder contains lead. A respirator should be worn
 5. Lacquer thinner-Fleet Farm
 6. Paint -     Fleet Farm

***optional but makes the job easier
    Silicone putty --  Micheal's craft store
   You need to solder the blade to the hook.  The silicone putty is the easiest way I have found to do this.  The putty comes as a base and catalyst.  Mix the two together and embed your blade it the putty.  Next place the hook in deep enough so you get an indention.  You have to work fast because the putty sets up fast.  Use it sparingly because this will be the most expensive material you will use.  Some like to use a needle nose vice grips to hold the hook.  The silicone is much easier and faster. 
     I can walk you through it with pics.  Here is the first set.   

[DDSBYDAY]

   A couple of things I would like to add.  Stay away from bronze hooks.  Gold hooks are by far the easiest to solder.  If you are going to do this get a small jar of flux along with the solder. 

   As you can see some jigs are cast.  Some are soldered.  The casting of jigs is a whole different animal all together.  It involves pouring molten lead into a mold.  Let's start with the soldering first.

   I have a couple of commercial molds.  These are extremely hard to come by.  They are nice but the home made ones do the trick just fine.  After the jig is soldered clean it with lacquer thinner.  You are then ready to paint.  I would start with the vinyl liquid paint in the sporting goods section of Fleet Farm.  Each jig requires a white base coat.  Many colors are available.  If you are going to use any soft plastics on your jigs with vinyl paint you must use the seal coat (Not the clear coat).  The vinyl paints react with the plastics and turn into goo.

    This should get you started.  Feel free to ask any questions here.  There may be others that have an interest as well.   Good luck.   

[lentz]

last year in jewlery class our teacher poured the mold into 2 milk cartens we sanded them down so they matched then cut out our design and poured medal into it

is this the same steps as casting them?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Do-It-Bullet-Jig-Mold-/280793348380?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416096791c

i like this one the most
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C-Palmer-Shad-Dart-Jig-Mold-555-1-4-3-8-1-2-oz-New-/330615055615?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfa3164ff

what you think about these?
mainly posting so i can find them later if i decide to make cast

[DDSBYDAY]

  If you are going to cast jigs, I would stay with the do-it molds.  You get a much nicer casting.  The mold gets hot so the wooden handles really help.  I can more hundreds of jigs in one sitting without a problem.

  Casting -  You will need something to melt the lead with.  60-75$
                A respirator-lead fumes are dangerous
                A safe place to do it-
                A ladle,  a cast iron pot to put the dross of scum you clean off of the lead while it is      molten.
                 You should be able to get most used molds for around 25$ on ebay. The only thing you need to watch for is if the mold has been altered.  I have seen a couple that were being sold that were altered so much the looked to be ruined.

                 I would not recommend making your own casting molds.  It can be done but it is very dangerous.  When you get a little experience you can move onto that.

[lentz]

I have a pot for it and my dad has a propane torch and a mask so all I need is a ladell and a mold