Filing poured pewter

[Tumblernotch]

Where do you guys get your pewter? I see that TOTW has the pellets. Is there a better source? I've been wanting to pour some knife bolsters since I haven't tried that yet.

Keep your eyes open at flea markets and consignment shops. Sometimes you can pick up old pewter mugs, serving trays and other table ware made from real good pewter, often from Norway for a good price, usually for way less than buying ingots.

 

[LRB]

Where do you guys get your pewter? I see that TOTW has the pellets. Is there a better source? I've been wanting to pour some knife bolsters since I haven't tried that yet.

I would go with LaBonte's suggestion, or for a one time thing, find a plumbers supply. I got some lead free solder a few years back that had nickle in it. It was quite hard and took a great polish. There is no set formula for pewter. It can have a 50% content of lead, and still be called pewter. There are just some better than others, but I would recommend staying away from that which contains lead.

 

[Tumblernotch]

Lead free pewter does polish better and keeps its shine better. But if the maker wants his gun or knife to attain the look of a period piece, he'll want lead in his pewter.

 

[LRB]

Lead free pewter does polish better and keeps its shine better. But if the maker wants his gun or knife to attain the look of a period piece, he'll want lead in his pewter.

That is a good and valid point, if that is the case, but all of it will darken given time.

 

[LaBonte]

Lead free pewter does polish better and keeps its shine better. But if the maker wants his gun or knife to attain the look of a period piece, he'll want lead in his pewter.

Sorry but this is one o fthose common knowledge myths - most period pewter in fact did not contain lead, only the cheapest versions.
One period version of pewter (first produced circa 1760's) was and is known as Britannia metal - an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper and was widley used for eating utensils in particular. Rototmetals A/C alloy is in fact virtually that same alloy.
As for the look - as Wick said they all darken and in side by side comparisons I've done the difference is nil between all kinds of mixes...