Have any of you guys ever had a custom mold made for lead jig heads? Do-It sells the blank mold but I've never talked to anyone who got a machine shop or anyone else to make them one. I have a few old heads I'd really like to pour and I'm interested in seeing: (1) What the cost would be? and (2) How to go about finding someone to make it?

Tony, I tried last year to search around and got turned down by most, found a guy in Florida that made a mold for me out of rubber composite, it is not the best but I guess it gets the job done. You might try Vernon college machine shop, I had talked with them years ago and the instructor said he was interested and I am going to work with the IT department at Tarleton when football is over, they are interested in the project.

Its been a few years since I messed with hooks and do not know about prices. But, a few things to know is always use new lead, and be sure the mold blocks can be heated to get a good pour. Meld pots are cheap and worth the price. In getting the mold made it has to be right size, shape, and weight, and fit the type hook you are using. Now, number one jig hooks raw unpainted sell for about 25 dollars a hundred, So, anyone with the time good money to be made. Junk jig head sell for about 1/2 of the price as number ones.
The last molds I had made was I think 17 years ago and it was for 6 molds and cost about 14 hundred dollars. Sorry to be little help.
The reason no one wants to mess with it now is there is so many size hooks and the way they are made as far as bends and etc. they do have to fit in the mold tight.

Hey Tony, I found a few local shops interested, but with the setup fee's etc, the mold was way over budget, so never completed the project. you might want to check with http://stores.jacobsbaits.com/jig-molds/
I know he has done some custom work for a buddy in the past.
Take Care.

Patrick...Larry....Heath...thanks for the information. Sounds like more trouble and money than it's worth, esp when I'm just pouring for my (and friends) own use and not in bulk to sell the heads.

I think I have 15 molds that I can pour now. Part of the disease...I guess...always want something else.

Most do decide more trouble than its worth. But sure wish someone would do the odd ball stuff that we all need, like number 4 hooks we need 1/24, 1/40, and 1/48 with and without collar for tied jigs and plastic. the collar type needs to be a small collar that does tear up the jigs. The minnow head types there needs be some that does not have a collar to tie.
For those of you that does not talk jig talk. The term junk jigs is not junk, just low cost that is thrown together, and who ever uses them will take more time to file down and get ready to paint than to make the jigs to start with.

Talk with Chuck @ www.lakesidebaitmolds.com
The set-up fee is what will kill you tho!

I talked to them about a year ago and they said "No more custom orders" They are only producing what is available on the web site. Unless that has changed.