Melting lead

[hthomso]

You can certainly melt it indoors on the stove, but I think using a electric melting pot outside or in a garage/outbuilding is the best way to go. I have used a Lee Precision melting post in the garage for years.

 

[dwr]

There is nothing like casting RB over a campfire into a good bag mold. One of the most relaxing things I do.

Not always practical of course, so I do most of my casting in the barn with a bottom pour pot and PLENTY OF VENTILATION.

I can't imagine doing it in the kitchen, for a variety of reasons...The boss lady being #1.

However you set up..again plenty of ventilation!

A steady stream of lead vapors, especially over several sessions, could put you across the Great Divide sooner than you wanted to go.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Will work fine. But doing indoors not reccomended. I have a Lee pot but sometimes use a Coleman stove. For melting down and cleaning scrap lead I will use a Brinkman fish fryer outdoors.

 

[TNGhost]

I've had good luck with Lee pots ... I own two of the bottom pour types. one did suffer the drip which they are supposed to have, but a bit of steel wool removed the burr, and it works fine. you should keep them half full or better for best consistency.

run ball out doors, or in a garage with the bay doors open.
wear long sleeves, and long pants.

also wear closed toed shoes (no sandals).

wear work gloves and if it's warm out, wear something (bandana or hat) to keep the errant drop of sweat from falling from your forehead onto the molten lead (where it will immediately turn to steam and, since steam is explosive, will spread an impressive splash of molten metal all over the area. this makes running ball much more exciting than it needs to be.

of course, do not eat or drink anything while running ball.

keep children and pets away - you don't need any distractions.

... just one guy's opinion ... free advice, and no doubt well worth the cost!

And very good advice it is. :thumbsup:

 

[Billnpatti]

Just buy a Lee electric pot. Buy a 10# pot unless you plan to cast a LOT of balls at one time. I have a 10# pot and it is all I need. Don't melt lead on the stove. The fumes are hazardous. Do your casting out of doors if possible or at least in the garage with the door open and a fan going to blow the fumes away from you. Don't place the fan directly behind you because the air flow will cause a low pressure area directly in your face and draw the fumes up into your breathing area. Place the fan behind and to one side so that the air flow is across and away from you. Remember, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

[swathdiver]

Like Stumpkiller, my plumber's pot with coleman stove or turkey fryer is for smelting lead into clean ingots for future use.

These are then used in a 20lb bottom pour Lee electric furnace.

This activity demands good ventilation such as outdoors, open garage or covered porch.

 

[okawbow]

Something I always wondered about...
Lead melts about 365 degrees. It boils/ vaporizes at over 1700 degrees.

What are the hazardous vapors produced when lead is just melted and held at temperatures below the vaporization level?

 

[mooman76]

None

 

[Docgp]

None

Yep, no vapors, not unless you get the heat turned way up!!

Doc

 

[mooman76]

None

Yep, no vapors, not unless you get the heat turned way up!!

Doc

nd most of our pots are not capable of the heat needed to get near boiling.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Lead may not give off vapors but impurities and fluxing agents will.....Some of which may be more harmful....

 

[pwbsmokey]

If you are looking at the Lyman Big Dipper beginner kit, Cabela's has it on sale for $66.39. That is basically the same setup that I have, except my furnace is a different model without a temperature control. I think I paid around $80 for mine a long time ago.

 

[uno676]

I like my lee bottom pour i got. I've poured a few hundred rounds of different calibers no problems. My biggest problem is a lead source. :hmm:

 

[jfaldo]

My biggest problem is a lead source

Rotometals has all the lead you could ever want. They also have a sale every major holiday. Most likely that would be Valentines/Presidents Day in just a few days.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Nothing says "I Love You" like a 22 lb lead ingot.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Nothing says "I Love You" like a 22 lb lead ingot.

Kinda sends a mixed message :haha:

 

[Coot]

Valentine's Day - roses for her, lead for him :grin:

 

[uno676]

It's all about how it's delivered and what speed :haha:

 

[Bon Sauvage]

I wish I could find me some of that lead that melts at 365 degrees. :hmm:

 

[jfaldo]

Yep that's when you know your wife really does love you :thumbsup: