how much

[dan2173]

i have been looking into making my own shakey head and football jigs. how much money am i looking into investing to get started. are there places you can purchase unpainted jigs too?? i want to see if i could get into it before i spend some money on melters and stuff like that. thanks for any help in advance

[predator bass Baits]

melter $70
one mold $50
Hooks $50, depends on how many you get
keepers $10
I offer unpainted on my website.

[fr8dog]

This is a reply to someone else's post I gave a few months ago on starting. Should give you at least an idea. Most Do-It molds run @ $38. Prices may have changed, but these are roughly what I paid. The initial cost seems steep, but these things pretty much last forever. If you think about it, for about the price of a reel, you can turn out lots of your own personal custom jigs.

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Here's what I have set up.

Lee 10# bottom pour pot ($50)
heat gun ($25)
cheap toaster oven ($20)
Netcraft skirt tool (the one that looks like a fly tying vise) $14
gate cutter ($8)
curved forceps
pliers
an old teaspoon
scissors

Use the recomended hooks and weedguard. Also get a 50 pack of the base pins! Several of the molds will take Gammy's or other brands in addition to what's listed. Ask the guys you order from.

Skirts and collars are your choice.

I prefer powder paint. A 2 oz jar will last a long time.

Where to get lead is something you'll need to ask around for. I mostly use old sinkers, net weights, etc. Tire weights? Yeah they work, but you have to be good about skimming off the crud, or it makes a mess out of the pot.

I will stress SAFETY!! Only melt/pour in a well ventilated area. DO NOT let any water come in contact with molten lead!! Wear safety glasses!! I have my pot set on an old baking pan in case of spills, and keep a fire ext nearby!! No little kids around.

I've had good luck with Jann's. I work out of Toledo and get over there every once in a while. Feel free to call them and ask questions. They're great guys that know how to use what they sell.

I've made 1000's of crappie jigs and 100's of bass jigs. It's easy to learn, fun to catch fish on stuff you made, and I don't feel bad about losing them.

[predator bass Baits]

Yes most molds go for $38 but shakey head molds are $46 plus shipping
Do-it sells the melter for $70, If you shop around you can find it cheaper.

[dan2173]

thanks guys. gives me something to think about

[fr8dog]

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/lead-melters-tools/
http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/d...molds/

http://www.barlowstackle.com/a...ID=59
http://www.barlowstackle.com/a...D=195

YIKES!! http://www.do-itmolds.com/prodmolds.aspx?c=264
http://www.do-itmolds.com/product.aspx?i=263

What a difference!!!