i'm looking at pouring some of my own jig heads. do i really need one of the40 dollars melting pots or can i just put the lead into a small cast iron pot and melt it over the stove?
i don't know anything about this stuff so tell me what you guys know for low cost options
If you pour a lot, the melter is the way to go. But, for just pouring a batch occasionally, the pot will work. Be careful about melting on a stove used for cooking, you don't want lead getting into food or utensils used to prepare food. Actually, pouring inside without good ventilation is not a good idea anyway!
Lead melts at 621° so Im not sure a stove could do that kind of temperature range. Also if you were thinking of doing it in the house breathing the fumes is a no no. Here is a place where you can read up on the harmful affects.
Moderators: Sorry if posting this link is a bad thing but it's a safety issue. http://www.kansasangler.com/makeit.html
I have a low budget pot I think I picked it up for around $40 it does a dandy job. Others might have other ideas but again I would strongly urge you not to do it in your house. Stay safe.
Plumbers I worked with have lead in the shape of large hockey pucks. They just simply melt them with a propane torch into a cast iron ladle. Then pour into their cast iron joints. I have no idea if this matters at all to what you are trying do, but thought I'd share.
all good info guys.
i'm gonna do som looking around and pricing and see what i come up with.
i'll make sure that i don't melt the lead inside and i wont use the wifes posts, i'm more worried about her beating me than the fumes lo
If youre going to use the iron ladle, a coleman stove works great. The Lee hot pot is a great tool to have though. Once you start pouring, you wont want to quit.
I am looking to eventually start with some of my own lead too... I plan to go with the bottom pour model (http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/lead-melters-tools/734307900090.aspx) from Janns.
Quote from: screwballl on March 07, 2011, 03:40:21 PM
I am looking to eventually start with some of my own lead too... I plan to go with the bottom pour model (http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/lead-melters-tools/734307900090.aspx) from Janns.
Midway USA has 'em on sale for $47 (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=637732). I ended up buying a bunch of stuff from Midway, since they carry lead stuff for reloaders. I got the 20 lb. Lee melter with some dippers, fluxing compound and some cast iron RCBS ingot molds.