How to make a jig mold out of bondo

Boggy Basin Boy · How to make a jig mold out of bondo

Can anyone tell me the steps to making a jig mold out of bondo?
I really want to start with a pompano jig mold.any help would be great.

Tiderider

Pat here's how I do it, but I'm sure there's more than one way to skin a cat.

The first thing is find something to cast the mold into. In this case I used about 3 inches of the bottom of a quart plastic cup, I slit the cup down one side half way down the cup. This is for the hook.

Spray the jig your going to mold with WD40. Mix up enough Bondo to fill half the cup and pour it in the cup. I usually cut 10 penny nails in half and set two of them into the Bondo for alignment dowels. Now carefully lower the jig halfway into the bondo. It will basically look like this at this point.

I just hold the hook to keep the jig from sinking into the bondo as it sets fairly quick.
Now after the bondo is completely set hard you can spray everything with
WD40 and pour more bondo on to fill up the cup.....but......I usually pop the jig out and file/sand the mold flat. Then I put the jig back into the mold and fill up the cup with bondo. It will basically look like this.

Once the bondo has set hard, pop the mold out of the cup and very carefully seperate the two halves, you can use a putty knife but be careful. I then take a dremel and hollow out a pouring spout.

Personally for a pompano jig I'd buy an aluminum mold close to what I wanted then modify it with a dremel.

Tiderider

By the way everyone of these things are risky at best. I beat them on the workbench to try and get any air bubbles out while the bondo cures. These big jig molds really get hot with 4 ounces of lead in it.

Boggy Basin Boy

Perfect I have always wondered how to make a bondo mold thanks.
Maybe by this weekend i can get started.Obie i have you 80lbs of lead when i see you.

Tiderider

No problem, what jig are you trying to copy. Thanks for the lead.

Jigslinger

Now this is some good information! I have a squid head jig I may try to copy for next year's jigs.

Jake

that is the mold i have

P.Sperry

anyone have any pompano jig heads they want to sell

Tiderider

I have a bunch of heads but they're all powder coated. Anything in particular you looking for?

P.Sperry

what colors are they and how much are you selling them for

Tiderider

Here's what I currently have, .35 each.

They look better than the picture. I'll have them with me at the pier if you're interested.

P.Sperry

ill be out there today

P.Sperry

anyone have any pompano jig heads for sale

jmitch

i have a football head mold and a ton of alredy poured heads with owners.
there 3/8 once.

capndan

[quote="jmitch"]i have a football head mold and a ton of alredy poured heads with owners.
there 3/8 once.[/quote]

sounds good, how much are you charging per head?

jmitch

ummm. 75 cents for owners and .35 cents for mustad
owners arent cheap!

lingfisher1

Obie do you still have any of those pomp jig heads

Tiderider

jmitch

can you bring some to the pier today obie??? thanks

Tiderider

jmitch

i got there around 2:45, so you must of already left. sorry

PaulieBoy

Obie, I have been using plaster of paris to make my molds but it breaks apart way to easily when getting the jig out, just wondering if you have the same problem with bondo?

Jigslinger

Bondo works like a charm. I made three of them and I haven't had any problems.

PaulieBoy

is there one certain type to get?

Jigslinger

Just regular bondo is what I used. Make sure the first half is completely cool before you do the second half and don't be stingy with the WD-40. Like Obie described, before setting the jig in place, try to get as much of the air out after pouring the first layer by banging it on the table. This also helps to level it out. You should be able to see a few bubbles work their way to the top. I popped some of them with a toothpick. Good luck.

PaulieBoy

Thank you Mr Slinger

Jigslinger

You're very welcome sir.

jaceboat

how long do you have to wait before you pour the next layer?

Tiderider

Jace for best results wait for the first pour to set and come back to room temperature.

jaceboat

thanks Obie.

jaceboat

okay guess i mess mine up.

lesson learned when you put wd-40 on put what you think is enough then put a whole lot more.

Jigslinger

Jace, try using a knife blade to pry it apart, but be careful.

jaceboat