Casting Stove

[necchi]

Why would you have to melt lead into ingots?

I guess unless you have a great big pot and large chunks of lead that need to be broken down into smaller "useable pieces" then it makes sense to pay $$ for an ingot mold,
Most guys get by with a muffin tin,, :idunno:
Don't over think it, I kind thought the theme of this thread is to save money,, Why buy an ingot mold?

Of course there is no reason to not buy Lee products, they work well, I have several of their molds and my first pot was/is the small Lee electric.

I found a "candle" that was in a cast iron pot at a novelty shop for $10,, burned the pretty smelling candle till it was gone and now use that pot on a dedicated Coleman stove for casting, it holds about 15#.

 

[jamesthomas]

You can find better an cheaper ingot makers at your local Flea market or thrift store. Look for old cast iron cornbread molds. I have the stick kind makes 7 ingots and only cost me about 2 or 3 bucks.

 

[rodwha]

I haven't even figured how/where I'll get my lead. I'm assuming I'll have a hard time finding it, especially in reasonable sizes, which is why I figured I may need ingot molds.

Maybe I'm over thinking it, but I'd prefer to be over prepared than caught off guard.

 

[dikman]

One of the things I like about this hobby is that I can make a lot of the bits and pieces that I need (or think I need), or re-use all sorts of things. I picked up a muffin pan at a thrift store for 50c and use it to pour my various waxes into. I will probably also use it for lead if the need arises.

No need to spend money unnecessarily on expensive stuff (which is most things to do with shooting, here in Oz!!).

 

[AZbpBurner]

I haven't even figured how/where I'll get my lead. I'm assuming I'll have a hard time finding it, especially in reasonable sizes, which is why I figured I may need ingot molds.

Maybe I'm over thinking it, but I'd prefer to be over prepared than caught off guard.

Take a look at: www.rotometals.com

They have pure lead in various forms. Look for the cheapest ingots. They also have several different alloys for casting modern bullets, too.

Also, look around on the website for info on the order weight for free shipping.

 

[mooman76]

Ingot moulds are nice but certainly not needed if you are looking to cut costs. Look through thrift stores or garage sales for muffin pans or whatever. Be creative. But make sure you get aluminum or cast iron. If you fill a tin/steel pan to make ingots, you'll be on here asking how to get stuck lead out of the pan. I picked up a pan that is aluminum similar to a muffing pan but only 1/4" deep. Not sure what it was for originally but works good for my little 4# lee pot.
Keep you ingots small like 1# or less. If you put a big ingot in your pot you're done casting until the pot comes back up to temp. I use small ingots so I can keep going. I don't wait for the pot to get 1/2 or even 1/4 down to fill. As soon as it's a little low I ad some lead. It keeps the pot at a more consistent temp. I have bigger ingots but use those at the beginning of the session.
I used soda cans for my bigger ingots. Make sure it is absolutely dry. Water in lead will cause a explosion like you wouldn't believe. I pour a little in a can at a time with many cans and then let cool most the way. Then keep layering it in the can. The can keeps the lead clean until I need it and strips off easy with pliers. The layers can be separated then for smaller ingots. 1 can is 8-9 #.

 

[rodwha]

Thanks for the advice fellows!

An ingot mold obviously doesn't seem to be an immediate need anyway. I've yet to even find out where I can get lead, but, having read many threads on how lead isn't available as it used to be, looked at Home Depot and found rolls of lead flashing if all else failed.

The idea of lighter ingots to keep the temp even is a great idea!

I'm looking forward to casting! I think it has taken over the top of my next to list. I suppose I have powder, caps, and RB's for a while...

 

[dikman]

Clever idea about using drink cans (although we have a deposit system here, so the cans are worth money :wink: ).

 

[crockett]

The only reason I use an ingot mold is I have more scrap lead around than I want to cast into bullets/balls. If you cast wheel weights for modern cartridges and pure lead for muzzle loading- use different mold forms so you know what is what.
That lead flashing at the home depot...Is it pure lead?
Thermometer, it helps not not essential, if the balls are wrinkled or frosted you know the lead is too cool or too hot, if too hot add a little cold lead to cool down. On the wrinkled/frosted- just re-melt and cast again.

 

[rodwha]

I've often read on these forums that lead from roofer's is a good source for pure lead. Is this not necessarily true?

I won't likely be casting anything harder than pure unless I were to find myself lacking pure lead. It's only for my BP arms.

 

[BrownBear]

The only reason I use an ingot mold is I have more scrap lead around than I want to cast into bullets/balls. If you cast wheel weights for modern cartridges and pure lead for muzzle loading- use different mold forms so you know what is what.

I have three different makes of ingot molds, bought for a buck apiece at various garage sales. Really handy when you have assorted alloys around, as well as pure lead. One glance and I know what's in the ingot. Ingots are lots handier too for filling small pots. I use my big Dutch oven and Coleman stove to melt down scrap in 50# lots, casting it all into ingots. Lots handier to stow, and when it comes time to cast bullet or ball, not near the hassle of skimming large quantities of dross from a small pot.

In the world of scrap lead or lead in big chunks, I'd be hopeless without that Dutch oven and at least one ingot mold.

 

[Many Klatch]

For an ingot mold you can use a cast iron corn stick pan, Those make about 1-1/2 pound ingots shaped like an ear of corn. You may be able to find one at a garage sale for a couple of bucks.

The thick leather gloves are a must unless you really like to get 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Pick up a pair of the heavy gloves sold in Yuppie stores that handle wood fireplaces.

Many Klatch

 

[cynthialee]

I have a bunch of them corn stick ingots from a generous gentleman. They are perfect size imho.

 

[rodwha]

I like the idea of small "ingots" of lead so as to be able to tailor the amount I'd need to cast with, and when I get low adding some won't change the temp too much.

I've also been considering 2 cavity vs 6 (Lee). I can get .457" RB's, .490" RB's, and 220 grn ROA conicals for nearly the price of one 6 cavity RB mold. Making 6 at a time has to make it quicker and easier, and can't take too much more time to heat.

 

[Idaho Ron]

Angle iron will make good ingot moulds. Cut a couple of pieces the same length and weld them together. Weld ends on and a handle. You can adjust the size of the ingot by buying larger or smaller angle iron. The length is not too much of a problem since you can nose them into a furnace and let them melt. Ron

 

[longcruise]

If you already ordered the ingot mold just go ahead and use it. Can go the economy route next time you need another.

I go to the local metal recyclers for my lead. Some sell and some don't. The one I used to buy from stopped selling just because it was not a conveniant layout to have buyers coming and going. They sent me to another recycler that had some beautiful stuff. Bought 30# of roofing lead at .75 cents per pound. Soft like butter! Will make over 1600 .445 balls or over 900 .535 balls.

Looking at rotometals, it seems pricey and the shipping must be killer. :shocked2: OTOH, if it is the only option, it will still be cheaper than Hornady swaged.

I wear welders gloves and I think I got them at Harbor Freight. They are also handy for dutch oven cooking. Don't wear shorts or canvas shoes!!!! :shocked2: :haha:

Zonie's suggestion of a thermometer is excellent. I don't have one but plan to spring for one when a really cheap one gets in my way.

I have many many lee single and double cavity molds. Never have felt a need for the six cavities. Have never measured the difference in the balls from the double cavity molds but wonder if they are the same size?

 

[Heelerau]

Gents,
a fine old mate 35 yrs ago gave me two pots made of 6 inch bore casing, with a flat bottom big enough to have a 1 inch rim around the base. These no sit on a cheap cast iron gas ring with 45lb gas bottle and regulator. I have surrounded the pot on 3 and half sides with bricks, and put an cement board top with a hole slightly larger that the top of the pot. I put the moulds I am using on the pot bottom rim in the little furnace to pre warm, works great with Minnie and Pritchet ball moulds. As a kid I used a blacksmiths forge on occasion, the open fire in the sitting room,

and primus kero stove. The current set up is the best I have had.
I have an old ingot mould, lyman, ver handy for tidying up scap lead and making up alloys, reckon one of those old cast iron muffin trays would work fine to.


Cheers

Heelerau

 

[rodwha]

I've yet to spring into action. I want to know exactly what I want/need, as well as the funding for all of it. No half stepping here!

It seems ToTW has some of the best prices I've found. Wish they sold those bristle pipe cleaners too.

 

[mooman76]

They may still sell it but I haven't seen any new. Everyone is getting away from using lead for the most part any more. What I have seen is more of a thin soft steel. You can still get lead from a plumbing shop but it won't be cheap. You might want to check the scrap yards. They usually sell it.

 

[Adui]

If you can find lead locally for a reasonable price get it there, if not this seems to be the best deal I can find for small quantities online. http://www.rotometals.com/product-p/55_lbs._of_lead.htm

Free shipping on that one