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General Forum => NJ Saltwater Fisherman Customs => Topic started by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 02:53:51 PM

Title: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 02:53:51 PM
thinking of starting to make my own sinkers but curious if its really that cost effective. 5hrug  sinkers are running me anywhere from .2 - .3 cents an ounce. fish mainly 6, 8, & 10 ounce bank sinkers.  thinking of buying some molds which are going to run me around 35 bucks than i have to get the lead melt etc.  just curious how many of you out there do it yourselves and whether or not you find it worthwhile?  thanks for the feedback grtn
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: wb on January 01, 2013, 03:21:13 PM
Sam the Sinker Man

nuff said.
OK maybe not:

IMO too much trouble to DIY with Sam around.

Plus you can talk fishin with him for hours if you want.... Great guy

PM me if you need his number
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 01, 2013, 04:03:22 PM
2-3 cents an ounce?!?!?! If you can get them at that price, buy them and sell them! That is ridiculously cheap! Most are getting 20 cents an ounce.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Bucktail on January 01, 2013, 04:47:51 PM
sinkers are running me anywhere from .2 - .3 cents an ounce.

I know you know this and just read it wrong Joe.  .2-.3 = .20-.30 = 20-30 cents an ounce.

And I agree.  He would have a heck of a business opportunity if he could get them for 2 or 3 cents an ounce. ;D
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 01, 2013, 05:44:02 PM
Only worth it if you get the lead for free, and plan on making a ton of them
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Mr Limpett on January 01, 2013, 07:12:33 PM
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=30114.0

We went over this topic recently, I decided against it.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 07:42:48 PM
2-3 cents an ounce?!?!?! If you can get them at that price, buy them and sell them! That is ridiculously cheap! Most are getting 20 cents an ounce.

sorry...forgot the zeros!!!!  yes 20 - 30 an oucne
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 07:49:41 PM
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=30114.0

We went over this topic recently, I decided against it.

thx limpett. just read up on that.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 01, 2013, 07:56:01 PM
2-3 cents an ounce?!?!?! If you can get them at that price, buy them and sell them! That is ridiculously cheap! Most are getting 20 cents an ounce.

sorry...forgot the zeros!!!!  yes 20 - 30 an oucne


Yeah, I kinda thought that. I do make my own sinkers, but I supply everyone on my boat with them.  :P

If you are making them for your own use, buy them from Sam the Sinkerman.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 08:05:00 PM
ya well, everyone seems to "borrow" my sinkers on my boat as well cause they only brought a "few" with them.  ::)

so yes it would be for me...but that usually includes a bunch of people before the year is up.

My father in law has all the stuff to melt the lead so only thing I need is the mold AND the lead.  My idea for the lead was to "trade" for the other metals I scrap.  I've been making 2-3 metal trips a year to the junkyard and making a few hundred bucks, so I figured I can swap out some cash for some lead...not exactly free but not expensive either.

the way I'm looking at it is if I buy an 8oz mold for 40 bucks I'd have to make 20 sinkers to  esentially break-even. hell I probablly went through a dozen this year alone.  I'm thinking that ain't such a bad thing.  5hrug
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Kenny on January 01, 2013, 08:08:09 PM
Only worth it if you get the lead for free, and plan on making a ton of them

Al nailed it ... t^

I only make flat bank sinkers for blackfishing because I get free lead and tend to loose a lot while togging...More of a convenience than anything else...
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 01, 2013, 09:04:04 PM
ya well, everyone seems to "borrow" my sinkers on my boat as well cause they only brought a "few" with them.  ::)

so yes it would be for me...but that usually includes a bunch of people before the year is up.

My father in law has all the stuff to melt the lead so only thing I need is the mold AND the lead.  My idea for the lead was to "trade" for the other metals I scrap.  I've been making 2-3 metal trips a year to the junkyard and making a few hundred bucks, so I figured I can swap out some cash for some lead...not exactly free but not expensive either.

the way I'm looking at it is if I buy an 8oz mold for 40 bucks I'd have to make 20 sinkers to  esentially break-even. hell I probablly went through a dozen this year alone.  I'm thinking that ain't such a bad thing.  5hrug


Heres the kicker, the scrap yard buys lead from you for 10 cents a lb then sells it to you for 1 buck a lb. Thats around 7 cents an 0z the metal your scrapping is even if steel 10 bucks per 100lbs so you would need 1,000 lbs of steel for 100 pounds of lead so like I said unless you get the lead for free and or already have the molds 5hrug Plus $40 bucks buys one mold in flat banks you get one sinker per mold in either 8, 10, or 12,oz so for
$120 you can make 3 different sinkers. Not trying to discourage you just letting you know all the things I had to find out when I was thinking like you  t^
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 01, 2013, 11:32:51 PM
ya well, everyone seems to "borrow" my sinkers on my boat as well cause they only brought a "few" with them.  ::)

so yes it would be for me...but that usually includes a bunch of people before the year is up.

My father in law has all the stuff to melt the lead so only thing I need is the mold AND the lead.  My idea for the lead was to "trade" for the other metals I scrap.  I've been making 2-3 metal trips a year to the junkyard and making a few hundred bucks, so I figured I can swap out some cash for some lead...not exactly free but not expensive either.

the way I'm looking at it is if I buy an 8oz mold for 40 bucks I'd have to make 20 sinkers to  esentially break-even. hell I probablly went through a dozen this year alone.  I'm thinking that ain't such a bad thing.  5hrug


Heres the kicker, the scrap yard buys lead from you for 10 cents a lb then sells it to you for 1 buck a lb. Thats around 7 cents an 0z the metal your scrapping is even if steel 10 bucks per 100lbs so you would need 1,000 lbs of steel for 100 pounds of lead so like I said unless you get the lead for free and or already have the molds 5hrug Plus $40 bucks buys one mold in flat banks you get one sinker per mold in either 8, 10, or 12,oz so for
$120 you can make 3 different sinkers. Not trying to discourage you just letting you know all the things I had to find out when I was thinking like you  t^

thx bigal.  this is type of info looking for.  guess i'll have to see if I can get me some lead from somewhere...
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 03, 2013, 04:50:04 AM
 t^ Glad I could help.  It use to be easy to get lead, the best people to ask are either your local tire shops (wheel weights), plumbers (old cast iron joints, or Helicopter medics just be careful with the last ones they seem to not be able to tell the difference between lead and steel :P
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: fellinger on January 03, 2013, 06:19:01 AM
t^ Glad I could help.  It use to be easy to get lead, the best people to ask are either your local tire shops (wheel weights), plumbers (old cast iron joints, or Helicopter medics just be careful with the last ones they seem to not be able to tell the difference between lead and steel :P

Insert F&^@ Off emoticon here..... LOL  ovrbt
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 03, 2013, 12:20:28 PM
t^ Glad I could help.  It use to be easy to get lead, the best people to ask are either your local tire shops (wheel weights), plumbers (old cast iron joints, or Helicopter medics just be careful with the last ones they seem to not be able to tell the difference between lead and steel :P

hmmmnnn...the tire idea I might be able to work with.  didn't realize those balance weights were lead...makes complete sense.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: fellinger on January 03, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Tire and other places used to give away lead. Now they get paid for it in most cases. It may be difficult to find free lead from tire stores now.

IF you are a member of an indoor gun range that only allows lead that might be an option for you.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 03, 2013, 05:44:20 PM
Or you can get your scuba license and dive wherever i fish  thud
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 03, 2013, 06:28:00 PM
IF you are a member of an indoor gun range that only allows lead that might be an option for you.

I live in jersey...there ain't no such thing as a gun range anymore.  I belong to one in pennsy but its outdoor, not sure how it would look with me raking out the dirt pile to get some lead.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Bucktail on January 03, 2013, 06:49:05 PM
I live in jersey...there ain't no such thing as a gun range anymore.

 :headscra:

http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Different_Outdoor_adventures_NJ/SHOOTING_RANGES_NJ.HTM (http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Different_Outdoor_adventures_NJ/SHOOTING_RANGES_NJ.HTM)
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: paul-e on January 03, 2013, 08:25:24 PM
t^ Glad I could help.  It use to be easy to get lead, the best people to ask are either your local tire shops (wheel weights), plumbers (old cast iron joints, or Helicopter medics just be careful with the last ones they seem to not be able to tell the difference between lead and steel :P

I'd like to hear the steel story. ;D

Probably something I would do. :P
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 03, 2013, 10:00:56 PM
 :-X
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Still Running on January 04, 2013, 06:38:12 AM
t^ Glad I could help.  It use to be easy to get lead, the best people to ask are either your local tire shops (wheel weights), plumbers (old cast iron joints, or Helicopter medics just be careful with the last ones they seem to not be able to tell the difference between lead and steel :P

I'd like to hear the steel story. ;D

Probably something I would do. :P

Paul-e
Don't worry about the sinkers, we will take care of that.

You just drive the boat.  rofla
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: paul-e on January 04, 2013, 11:31:23 AM

[/quote]

Paul-e
Don't worry about the sinkers, we will take care of that.

You just drive the boat.  rofla
[/quote]

I could be the "Poster Boy" for boating safety courses. rofla chrz
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Still Running on January 04, 2013, 12:10:01 PM


Paul-e
Don't worry about the sinkers, we will take care of that.

You just drive the boat.  rofla
[/quote]

 t^  rofla

I could be the "Poster Boy" for boating safety courses. rofla chrz
[/quote]
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Mr Limpett on January 04, 2013, 02:18:55 PM


                     

                        :headscra:
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: paul-e on January 04, 2013, 02:57:39 PM
Someday over a few cold ones I'll tell you a few stories about my boat owner days John. ;D
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Kenny on January 04, 2013, 02:59:52 PM
Paule's got some good boat owning stories too t^

I think we all do that have had or have boats...
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Mr Limpett on January 04, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Someday over a few cold ones I'll tell you a few stories about my boat owner days John. ;D

Did someone sell you a lead boat?  hhppy
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 04, 2013, 03:17:15 PM
I live in jersey...there ain't no such thing as a gun range anymore.

 :headscra:

http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Different_Outdoor_adventures_NJ/SHOOTING_RANGES_NJ.HTM (http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Different_Outdoor_adventures_NJ/SHOOTING_RANGES_NJ.HTM)

don't feel like driving to belleville from clinton...not sure what costs more the ammo or the fuel bill to get there.  also, most of these ranges are 25yds or less with no rifle ranges.  the cost is utterly ridiculous as well.  just an opinion. so my "broad" comment about gun ranges in NJ stands corrected though.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: MJ619 on January 06, 2013, 03:16:47 PM
We in NJ do have some nice ranges.  Some are very well organized clubs with an annual dues and dedicated time to volunteer.  I have had the opportunity to use some, I just don't have enough dough for membership.  My fishing habit uses most of my allowance if you know what I mean.

Cheers,

Mike
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 06, 2013, 05:39:23 PM
We in NJ do have some nice ranges.  Some are very well organized clubs with an annual dues and dedicated time to volunteer.  I have had the opportunity to use some, I just don't have enough dough for membership.  My fishing habit uses most of my allowance if you know what I mean.

Cheers,

Mike

seventy bucks a year at easton fish and game.  handgun range, 22 range, shotgun range and a 200yd rifle range.  75 bucks a year come and go as you please. guest pass is like 100 bucks. so i can take family and friends for 100 bucks multiple times during the year.  most ranges in jersey want that for an hour.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Still Running on January 07, 2013, 06:01:49 AM
This one is $20.00 an hour for handgun 25 for rifle.

http://www.rtsponline.com
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 11, 2013, 01:05:32 PM
went to the scrap yard this week. FYI selling lead for $0.75/#.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 11, 2013, 02:47:44 PM
 t^ Not too bad is it clean. If not make sure you wear a respirator 
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 22, 2013, 12:47:18 PM
well wound up buying some lead off my tire place.  paid him twenty bucks for half a bucket.  just put it on the scale and read little over 45 pounds.  looks clean and no scrapy stuff in it.  Tire guys going to start saving specifically for me. Figured definately a solid 40 pounds in there.

Finally said screw it going to start making my own. plus brother in law and his boss are chipping in and buying some a little over cost to help recoup on the mold cost.  thanks for all the input fellas slt
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 22, 2013, 12:49:59 PM
Good luck, have fun making the sinkers. Just be sure to do it outdoors and wear a mask.  t^
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 22, 2013, 04:02:36 PM
Good luck, have fun making the sinkers. Just be sure to do it outdoors and wear a mask.  t^


And gloves lead is 660+ degrees burns pretty good
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 22, 2013, 04:13:28 PM
what do I need a mask and gloves for ;)
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 22, 2013, 04:52:13 PM
what do I need a mask and gloves for ;)

Lead fumes and dust are toxic.


http://blog.pksafety.com/tag/lead-fumes/
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: overbite on January 25, 2013, 09:57:19 AM
what do I need a mask and gloves for ;)

Hint a dust mask will not help. A certain Mask is needed. that controls fumes. not a cheap item. Gloves ? The lead and Molds are hot. Saftey glasses are not a bad idea eaither. Keep away from any water sorse. water and molten lead will expload. Another Hint Candle smoke the mold first. Light a Candle and hold close to the inside of the mold cavity and Blacken it with the soot from the candle. this will cure the mold against sticking. sinkers. When the mold gets to hot let it cool before casting each batch. And with those wheel Weights you will get a lot of skum that has to be skimmed off. The Lead should have a Blue cast that showes its ready to pour. 
Made My own Sinkers and Black Powder Balls & bullets. Not to mention 100s of pound in kettles of molten lead at GM for roof line sealing in the body shop. No Longer used. The men working with it wore special clothes. air supplied Helmet masks and tested monthly for lead poisioning The area was sealed form the rest of the Plant.  Be Safe and good luck. Bill
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on January 25, 2013, 10:27:14 AM
I have a neighbor that makes them and sells them real cheap.  $.12 per oz.. Looking at all this equipment, this hobbie can be expensive if you want to get various molds.  From protective gear, to equipment, molds, lead, propane, your time etc.. In my opinion, I would just buy what I need from at a good cost. 
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: overbite on January 25, 2013, 12:35:44 PM
I have a neighbor that makes them and sells them real cheap.  $.12 per oz.. Looking at all this equipment, this hobbie can be expensive if you want to get various molds.  From protective gear, to equipment, molds, lead, propane, your time etc.. In my opinion, I would just buy what I need from at a good cost. 

Also at Flea Markets. A guy in Key Port and another in Matawan, have them cheap,
I stared out with Spark Plugs wnen I was a Kid, as My Grandfather did. Even used window sash weights off shore.  Bill
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 25, 2013, 03:26:14 PM
guys, i'm kidding about the mask and gloves fcp
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 25, 2013, 03:57:07 PM
 TT^
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 25, 2013, 05:07:43 PM
The masks are silvee welding masks I have some
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: overbite on January 25, 2013, 08:00:56 PM
guys, i'm kidding about the mask and gloves fcp
Im Not the gases & fumes will kill you.And the Lead and the molds are HOT. One never thinks that when you handle Lead you should wash your hands with soap and water. Lead poisoning is not A Good thing. Al will bear me out on this as he is exposed to it in the power plant. Bill
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: fellinger on January 25, 2013, 11:36:21 PM
guys, i'm kidding about the mask and gloves fcp
Lead poisoning is not A Good thing. Bill

From my experience as a paramedic, poisoning of any sort is not a good thing.   ovrbt
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 25, 2013, 11:56:28 PM
my post went from asking about sinkers to firearm ranges to safety to poisoning.  anyone care to add anything else?   rofla
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: BigAl13 on January 26, 2013, 09:35:31 AM
Yeah it did but its not a total derailment all of those are relivant in this. Now that ham samitch i had for lunch yesterday is a different story  :P
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: overbite on January 26, 2013, 09:37:40 AM
Sorry I thought you were asking for advise or help On making sinkers. Good Luck . Bill
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: IrishAyes on January 26, 2013, 10:44:20 AM
Yeah it did but its not a total derailment all of those are relivant in this. Now that ham samitch i had for lunch yesterday is a different story  :P

I like cheese and spicy mustard on a lunch meat samitch? Not overly fond of the ham though, rather have roast beef. A little bit of lettuce too. ;D
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: DJ76 on January 26, 2013, 11:09:15 AM
Sorry I thought you were asking for advise or help On making sinkers. Good Luck . Bill

Chill out Bill. I enjoy your posts! Just an observation on the thread, thought it was funny and could care less where it goes. Not upset in the least. This site is about helping each other out (which you have done) and enjoyment.
Title: Re: making you own sinkers?
Post by: overbite on January 26, 2013, 12:25:37 PM
No problem words have no feelings, I just offered a apology if you felt I steered it off topic. Last word. Bill