Lubing the spue plate on mould blocks.

[Raynor]

I'm getting some galling on one set of my aluminum blocks, from where the spue plate slides across the top. What do you all use to lube your mould blocks ? I've read that Lee bullet lube # 90007 works, can't find any. Something else must work as well, beeswax or something. Thanks, ~~ Raynor

 

[robinghewitt]

I suggest you polish out the scratches and simply hope they doesn't come back. The perfect lube would be Rocol anti-seize compound, aka copper grease. Failing that, you might try pencil lead or even talc.

You shouldn't really need anything more than smooth, grit free surfaces.

 

[LRB]

I use pretty much whatever I have on hand. Any of the case lubes work well. Ideally you need a heat resistant lube like wheel bearing grease or something similar. If you are not also lubing the alignment V's and the little steel pin, you will ruin your mold. Lee molds are great for the price, but they require special attention, but given proper care will last very well. I have also used white lithium grease with good success. What I have found is that everything I have tried needs to be re-applied about every 10 to 15 balls to keep things running smooth.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Beeswax. A tiny bit melts all over and keeps things lubed. I flux with it, too. Marvelous stuff. Just don't use so much that it gets down in the mold, especially if you blacken the mold over a candle. Beeswax + candle carbon = black gunk.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

One of the simplest things to use is a Number 2 pencil. The graphite rubbed on the bottom of the sprue plate and top of the mould helps lube the plate to slide easily, and it doesn't burn off when hot like oils or waxes do.
Ohi Rusty

 

[RussB]

I see the lead pencil has already been recommended and it's a good one. I keep a large, flat "carpenter's" pencil on the bench just for this purpose.
I also use it to clean the vent lines, and remove those little stickys that occur under the sprue plate.
I'm sure there are other things that work as well, but when I find something that works I just hang in there with it.
Russ