Soft lead

[Marbleye'd]

Does anyone have any soft lead for pouring jigs? I'm new at it any any advice would be apreciated.... thanks

[upnorth]

I would think that most any lead would work for jigs, it is split shot that you need the lead soft for.

[Jmeyers]

I know this is off topic a bit but is there anyone out there that makes tungsten jigs anymore? I know it's pretty spendy but might be worth it in the long run because they never damage...just don't lose them.

[CAMAN]

A lot of people go to tire shops and buy their used wheel weights. Also there are a few people on "the bay" that sell lead ingots, you can also get it through places like Netcraft and Barlows.

I know this is off topic a bit but is there anyone out there that makes tungsten jigs anymore? I know it's pretty spendy but might be worth it in the long run because they never damage...just don't lose them.

Do you mean homemade tungsten jigs? I can't see that being very easy or economical as tungsten has a melting point of over 6000 degrees Fahrenheit. Tungsten jigs and weights are formed by compressing powdered tungsten into shape and placing them into a sintering oven to mold together. I have no idea how they put tungsten onto jig heads, since hooks are made of steel, and steel has a melting point from 1500 - 3000 depending on alloys in it and that hook would disintegrate at 6000 deg.

[Jmeyers]

Ha good point, I'm not sure how they've done it but I know they're out there. Have a buddie that swears by them but the compnay that made them isn't around anymore.

[Brad B]

on tungsten jigs the hook is silver soldered in place. the tungsten will come in the jig head shape with a grove on it. the hook is then soldered in place and then it gets the paint job.

as for lead. when I pour jigs I just use old wheel weights. I get them from a local junk yard by the 5 gallon pail full. I like to keep 100 to 300 pounds of lead on hand each year. I do alot of sinker molding also. the sinkers I mold run 2 to 5 oz each and are what I use when I catfish during the summer.

[Brad B]

one thing I forgot, when you use wheels weights for making jigs you have to run your molds a little warmer then if you are using soft lead(ie : pure lead). also when melting them make sure you do it outside where there is a breeze. the added alloys (antimony & tin) will add to the lead vapors and you need to try to avoid breathing the fumes if at all possible. some people will even wear masks when working with lead.

[Marbleye'd]

thanks for the info guys! Another ? Where is a chear place to get vinyl jig paint? Is there a catalog i can order?

[Brad B]

thanks for the info guys! Another ? Where is a chear place to get vinyl jig paint? Is there a catalog i can order?

jann's net craft

mud hole

cabela's(limited items)

fleet farm(limited items)

[Marbleye'd]

Thanks again!!