Casting questions

[rabbit03]

Hey 50cal.cliff, that product looks pretty good. I have only had experience with the Rapine type of black that you coat the mould with, it's kind of like liquid black. I usualy use a wood match to coat the mould inside and out as a release agent and it works fine.

BTW, I spent 12 years doing the plumbing thing!

rabbit03

 

[MSW]

Bubba has it right, and beware the fumes. Once you hit the right pace, you'll cast about a zillion balls before you realize that you did promise to take the kids to their violin lessons and you were supposed to fix the roof and the garage was going to get cleaned out and reorganized.

I haven't had to soot my moulds (Lee aluminum) for some time, so I can't speak to that issue. once my mould has thrown a few balls, it usually is hot enough to cast.

running ball is almost as much fun as launching 'em!

 

[MikeChapin]

Thanks for all the great info evryone. Does bring up a few more questions though!
What is the optimum temperature for casting lead?
Do you all use a thermometer or just eyeball it?
If you use a thermometer where do you get it?
A cooking thermometer wouldn't go high enough or stand the heat would it?

I can't really tell you what the temprature is on my setup. I crank the power up all the way to melt the lead. When it is melted, I back it off to 3/4 power to put out nice shiney balls. It took a few casting sessions to find the right settings.

It may take you a few tries to get the temp right but you will find what settings give you proper temprature.

 

[50cal.cliff]

Thanks guys a friend was suppose to get me some lead and the deal fell through. Can't complain he wasn't going to charge me for it anyway. We are always trading back and forth!
Thanks for the information, getting antzee too give it casting a wirl, so got too scare me up some soft lead now! :wink: