sinker molds

zipper · 02-17-2001, 08:25 AM

Anyone know of a good source for sinker molds, in the large cannon ball class? Specifically I'm looking for 18oz,20oz and somewhere around 40oz. Have the 12,16,24,and 32 but can't seem to find the inbetweens. Any suggestions? Have tried the locals, and mailorder tackle places etc.... thanks!

C&R · 02-17-2001, 02:29 PM

Where are you buying the lead and how much does it cost?

Rippenlips · 02-17-2001, 04:14 PM

I work at a car dealer and get all I want. I know that tire weights are considered hazardous waste so I bet you could get all you want if you ask a couple of car dealers. Maybe even tire stores. I've read that tire weights aren't that good but they worked great for me.
Jon

zipper · 02-17-2001, 07:33 PM

Lead is out there if you're willing to look. I find mine at garage sales, lead pipe, and tire weights work fine. My dad used to recycle 12Volt batteries...Will check BC next time i'm in the Oregon City area - Any other suggestions?

scooby · 02-17-2001, 09:40 PM

The last time I made wieghts I went to a tire store and got a 5 gallon bucket full of the tire weights for 30 bucks.

I have heard people say that is not the best lead but I never noticed a difference in my wieghts vs store purchased other than the looks. But,recently I heard someone say that the tire weight lead is hazardous? not sure if that is true or not. also, I bet if you went to some equipment/farm auctions you could find some.

scooby

M.G · 02-17-2001, 10:41 PM

I thought fisherman's Marine had the 20oz.I have the 20 and I'am sure I got it at fisherman's.I have the 2'3'4'5'6'8'10'12'16'.I have'nt seen a 18oz.24oz or 32oz.Where did you get the 32oz.

ZaQ · 02-17-2001, 11:37 PM

If BC Angling doesn't have it, they will know where to get it. They are a few doors to the left of Fisherman's in Oregon City! Good luck.

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Fish this!
ZaQ

scooby · 02-17-2001, 11:49 PM

When making pyramids for sturgeon fishing we did not use molds. A 5 gallon bucket filled with sand and some coathangers pre-cut and bent into a "U" with "wings" on each end (the small wings anchor it in the lead once it hardens).

Make some indentations in the sand with the size you want, pour the lead and quickly put the coathanger U in. Takes two people becuase you have to put that in really fast.

We started doing this becuause we got some bubbles in the lead with the molds and we did not like the lead "U" with the molds.

scooby

02-18-2001, 05:19 AM

i was with zipper when he got the 32 oz.
and i believe it was either fisherman's or
gi goes
i don't think we got molds anywhere else

Biteme · 02-18-2001, 01:22 PM

I have most of the same sizes, 2,4,6,8,10,12,16,24,32 and I was looking to find the in between sizes but found that if 16 ounces wasnt enough that18 probably wasnt either and usually went up to a 20 or 24 anyway, this is of course after putting on an 18 and throwing it out and finding that it still wont hold bottom. I use tire weights that i get at a tire shop. I do recommend wearing a respirator if doing this in an enclosed area, the fumes are toxic. if you are outside stay out of the fumes if possible. the 32oz and above weights are a pain to pour. you have to really preheat the mold and it seems that for the amount of lead you need to melt as well as the work involved it might be easier to buy these each year.

FishinBob · 02-18-2001, 05:04 PM

If you don't mind strange looking weights, I'll give you my favorite mold. I use an aluminum orange juicer. It makes weights from a few ounces upto almost 40 if filled completely. The last two I bought at the goodwill store cost $1. Note, I offset the hoop about 1/3 so it doesn't spin around. The shape also doesn't roll around on the floor of the boat.

Rippenlips · 02-18-2001, 06:28 PM

Sorry, I think all lead is considered hazardous material if not handled properly. In fact I think it is illegal to use lead weights in certen rivers back east due to pollution. Thats why I always feel guilty when I loose a lot of lead. Especially a big 32 or 40 oz. one. I put a large fan to my back so I won't breath the fumes. The first time I did it I had a head ache for along time from breathing the fumes.
Jon

zipper · 02-18-2001, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the replies. I've tried the website (doitmolds.com) largest they list is 16oz. I've done website searches, I've watched ebay, I guess I'll just have to get lucky. I'm not sure even the people at Fisherman's know what they have or when they have it... I bought the 32 there back in about November if I remember right. I know they're out there! I have one to make 8# downrigger balls that used to be my dads... I see the big balls on the shelf for $4 bucks a piece and more... I like the juicer idea... also the sand one... interesting suggestions. I do all my pouring out in my shop with doors open and fan in the window pulling out (about 3' from where I work) no kids allowed. Watched my dad die from Lung Cancer at age 63... don't want the same fate for me or anyone I'm around. ...

Fishplay · 02-18-2001, 10:15 PM

Try Harry's bait and tackle or Englund Marine. Both located on the waterfront at Newport. I think there might be an England Marine in Portland also.
Last time I was at Fishermans O.C. store they had a large cannonball mold on the shelf. I think 32oz or bigger.
I'm looking for a bottomfish mold that is shaped somewhat like a bowling pin and has eyelit inserts at the top and the middle. A friend has an old one in the 16oz. size all alluminum including the handles. Boy does it get hot fast! I'm hoping to find a new model that has a better handel design.

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FISH!........GET IN THE BOAT!!!!!

Lipripper · 02-18-2001, 11:36 PM

You might try doitmolds.com