Casting With Bottom Pour or Ladle?

[hawkeye2]

I had a Lyman and now have a Saeco, basicly both the same furnace except for the label and both many years old and neither have any leakage from the spout. I had a Lee many years ago and while it wasn't a major problem it did leak and I was never able to cure it though it did work reasonable well. I use a bottom pour when I can and a ladle when needed. If I had to choose only one of the two methods I would go with a ladel.

 

[Robby]

I tried a Lee bottom pour years ago and still use it, only because I figured a way to stop the drip. Ladle works just fine.
Robby

 

[Carbon 6]

Quit bottom pour pots because I could never stop that kind of thing. Waage is my friend now.

Trick to it.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Been using the same Lee Bottom Pour for the past 42 years. Take the time to keep it clean & it won't drip.
Ladles were made for those who don't have the finesse to use a bottom pour.

 

[bisleyjohn]

I have a small screwdriver alongside my lee pot and use it to turn the plunger which stops any drips. Regular fluxing and bringing impurities to the surface (which I ladle off) also helps I find.

 

[sawyer04]

I started in the 70's using a homemade ladle, graduated to a store bought ladle and now a bottom drip. I have no complaints about any method.

 

[Robby]

People should use what works for them. I could have been the Ambassador to Viet Nam, but had no finesse, so I went over as a grunt.
Robby

 

[bisleyjohn]

People should use what works for them. I could have been the Ambassador to Viet Nam, but had no finesse, so I went over as a grunt.
Robby

For that I salute you, Sir.

 

[45man]

I have never made a single bullet or ball that is useful with bottom pour. I bought a few bottom pour pots like Lyman, RCBS and all stunk. My Lee also did not work so I removed the junk and plugged the hole to use my Lyman ladle. I can cast the first and the next 20# without a reject.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

A ladle never leaks...

Twisted_1in66
Dan

 

[nagantino]

I use bottom pour every time, but, as I was reading over the replays, I wa reminded of an unsavoury incident some years ago. I was casting .45acp bullets and reached for the small Lee ladle to stir the alloy. I did notice the tiniest damp patch on the ladle. Not wet just a small damp patch the size of a small finger nail. Boom! Off it went over everything. It bonded tools and instruments sitting on my bench, it hit the ceiling also and some remains there now. I did not hit me though, how I do not know. I believe it's called the tinsel fairy. I prefer bottom pour.

 

[GregLaRoche]

I just poured .69 cal for the first time. 230 of them. They turned out well using my Lee bottom pour. Yes it took off dripping a couple of times, but I got it under control. I’ve been thinking about getting a ladle, because it seems they are very popular for pouring round balls. Maybe I can find a used one just to give it a try, but after today’s experience with my bottom pour, I’m not in a rush.

 

[Gregory Mitchell]

I WISH my Lee Production pot would drip! Most times I have the exact opposite problem -- it won't pour at all when I lift the lever, or only a few drops. When this happens I have to turn the screw and run a paper clip through the spout, sometimes several times, before it starts working again. And yes I flux/skim and set the temp knob to about "8". This happens with annoying regularity.

 

[bisleyjohn]

My Lee 20lb is over ten years old. Despite regular fluxing it gets a build up of 'scum' around the inside. Three times, I think, I have dismantled it and given it a thorough clean (wearing goggles and mask) I use fine grinding paste on the point of the lifting bar and lap it using a cordless drill. I have also drilled the spout hole slightly larger. When, occasionally, it drips (the ingot mould is always underneath to catch the drips) I simply rotate the bar with a small screwdriver. I cast both ball and bullet of numerous sizes without too many failures. HTH?

 

[Ames]

I prefer the ladle. I find it makes the task very peaceful and calming.

 

[Eutycus]

I could start a new thread just on this subject but this is kind of related. Plus the answer to my question should be brief and not take up too much time or room. I bought a used ladle at a second hand store and thought I got a real bargain. When I got it home and cleaned it up I discovered it had a crack in the body of the ladle. Not a big one after all the dirt hid the crack very well. Guessing it being cast iron, the crack will probably grow bigger with use. Should I have it brazed and repaired or just use it while I can? I only paid something like $1.00 for it.

 

[hawkeye2]

Unless you have a friend having it repaired will cost more than a new one. Try it and if it works fine and if not it goes in the scrap bin.

 

[45man]

I love the ladle but it still needs to be clear. I usually coat mine with Rapine mold prep but you can smoke it too. Crud can build in the hole and slow the flow so I tap the back on something to clear it. The Lee pot with bottom pour has a good way to stop a drip but the hole can get plugged. Bugger to clear.
My friend bottom pours and he has enough lead on his garage floor to keep me shooting for a year.

 

[bisleyjohn]

I love the ladle but it still needs to be clear. I usually coat mine with Rapine mold prep but you can smoke it too. Crud can build in the hole and slow the flow so I tap the back on something to clear it. The Lee pot with bottom pour has a good way to stop a drip but the hole can get plugged. Bugger to clear.
My friend bottom pours and he has enough lead on his garage floor to keep me shooting for a year.

Don't tell him to put the pot in a catchment tray then ;-)

 

[45man]

Hollow base molds like a Minie' are strange creatures. No matter how poured, some molds will have a cavity above the hollow. No amount of work on venting will help. Then I got another mold and it works. Even the full 20# pressure pour would not fill that spot on the first molds. Anyway if it works for you, stay with it.