ok how do you put the weed guards in?

[Luke]

i just got all the stuff that i need to start making my own jigs and was wondering what is the best way to put in the weedguard?
i have heard some say just to put it in when iyou put the lead in the mold
but i have also heard that some use the pin that comes with the mold and just epoxy them in later on............which is the better way?????

[20_lb_sack]

I usually put mine into the mold, much faster that seperately epoxying them in. It just takes a litttle more care to keep them from melting when curing the powder paint in the oven.

[Luke]

David do you put a piece of copper tubing around the weed guard when you put them in the oven to bake?

[20_lb_sack]

Actually, I just lower the temp of the oven about 35-50 degrees below the recommended temp then extend the time that I let them cure, no protection needed. I cure them about an hour to hour and a half. I can put up to about 50 jigs on a wire rack I've modified to fit a small toaster oven I got for 5 buck at a yard sale. I usually only pour jigs maybe once a year but I like to save time.

[bassRN]

I put the weed guard in when pouring lead, much easier. I also use vinyl paint instead of powder so I don't have to worry about baking the jigs and melting weed guards.

[Tackdriver]

Luke,
I make for resale about 1000 jigs a year. Over time I have found it is better for me and the overall quality of the jig to buy the jig heads already molded and trimmed with the fiberguard on the side. You get a hotter and more durable baked head without the fiberguard. Going this route you can also custom color the head to the jig color. You can also use different diameter fibers depending on the end use of the jig. You can also custom blend the skirt colors easier without the fiberguard in the way. Not to mention it is a lot safer operation than molten lead.
I also only use powder paint as they hold up much better and chip less. You can also blend the colors for a much more natural look.
Before I heat them I insert a 1/8" metal rod in the hole. This acts as a handle when you shake the jig in the powder, it swages the hole to the correct size and keeps paint out of the hole.
wrap your jig in a fly vise with "A" size rod guide winding thread. Then lightly cover with clear Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails (from Target). They Will never rot or come loose as rubber rings do.
I sell jig heads with the fiberguard for $49.00 per 100 FOB my dock.

lewismorgan@charter.net
Put a drop of 5-min epoxy in the hole and insert the fiberguard.