Molding Jigs

• 1). Oil the hinges of the jig mold prior to use with 10-weight motor oil. Repeat the process periodically if the mold opens with difficulty.
  
  
• 2). Melt lead in a lead melting pot in a well-ventilated area.
  
  
• 3). Pre-heat the ladle by placing it next to the lead pot or in an oven. This keeps the lead from solidifying when dipped.
  
  
• 4). Dip the pre-heated ladle into the lead pot.
  
  
• 5). Pour molten lead into the hook-less jig mold to pre-heat it. Return the hook-less practice jigs into the pot for re-use. Repeat the process two more times to warm the mold.
  
  
• 6). Open the jig mold and place the hooks into it. Align the hook eye and shank in the corresponding slots in the mold for proper hook placement.
  
  
• 7). Pour molten lead into the closed jig mold quickly because lead solidifies almost instantly.
  
  
• 8). Open the mold and remove the jigs. Be careful when handling them because they will be hot.
  
  
• 9). Snip off the sprue (the excess lead at the top of the jig) with gate shears.
  
  

Painting Jigs

• 1). Grasp the jig by the hook and hold the lead head in a torch flame for three to six seconds.
  
  
• 2). Plunge the heated lead head into the powder paint and swish it around to fully coat the lead. If the jig head has a powdery appearance, rather than a smooth, painted finish, the lead head was not heated long enough.
  
  
• 3). Cure the jig paint by hanging the jig on an oven rack and baking at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, or per the manufacturer's instructions.