Palmer Hot Pot

[Brokennock]

Anyone ever use a Palmer Hot Pot to run ball? I got a "Hot Pot 2" as a gift. Haven't used it yet, first impressions is that it's a neat idea for casting small quantities but looks as though it will be pretty heavy once it's even half full of lead. Also not sure there is room in there to flux and skim. But, as I said, haven't tried it yet. If anyone has used one, what are your thoughts, tips?

 

[necchi]

My first pot was one by Lee about the same size, works just fine, :wink:

 

[Brokennock]

Was the heating element attached like this is? It's almost like a oversized heated paddle.

 

[necchi]

The Lee pot element is internal, or should i say surrounded with a metal cover (read tin).
The only tip I can give you is to turn it on and put lead in it. There isn't any problem fluxing or stirring if you don't over fill it.
Keep smaller bits of lead handy to add as you cast, trying to melt a large cold chunk will bring the temp down fast.
I don't use the Lee pot any more because it is small, I found a cast iron pot I can use on a coleman stove and prefer that.

 

[Muskeg Stomper]

I have two of the Palmer Hot Pots that I run ball with. The work just fine for me but they are fairly heavy. I make ingots in old aluminum muffin pans that fit in the hot pots just fine. If you find that the pot is too heavy for you to control, you can always just use a dipper to pour into moulds.

 

[Brokennock]

Thanks gentlemen. I tried it tonight and it worked better than expected. The only thing I really don't like is that having the heating element attached to the whole affair means havving the cord traveling with the hot pot/oversized heated paddle, with every pour. But it pours well and heat seems well controlled.

 

[azmntman]

The Lee pot element is internal, or should i say surrounded with a metal cover (read tin).
The only tip I can give you is to turn it on and put lead in it. There isn't any problem fluxing or stirring if you don't over fill it.
Keep smaller bits of lead handy to add as you cast, trying to melt a large cold chunk will bring the temp down fast.
I don't use the Lee pot any more because it is small, I found a cast iron pot I can use on a coleman stove and prefer that.

I did that in the garage once. Now Im banned from the hobby? Seems the 0 degree weather allowed all the fumes to go right upstairs where the queen was enjoying her coffee? Maybe she was right about lead poisoning? she's gettin harder and harder to figure out these days :idunno:

 

[necchi]

Gadd's, I wouldn't wanna be lifting that whole thing and pouring into a mold with each cast!
I use a dipper spoon, the Lee is inexpensive; http://www.midwayusa.com/product/161177/lee-lead-dipper
I found a Lyman dipper at a gun show for $5, Love it.

 

[Brokennock]

I had asked for a dipper ladle, as all I had was a "trekking ladle" and bag mold. I had gotten a set of Lyman handles and Lyman mold for the .610 balls my Smooth Rifle likes and wanted a dipper ladle to do the whole, dip out of the big pot deal.
This is better than the trekking ladle, and seems to work pretty good for now.

 

[Muskeg Stomper]

I flux in mine too. I use a bit of wax and skim with an old wood handled table spoon. I also have an old first model Palmer Hot Pot where the heating cool is right inside the pot. I dislike the way old dross sticks in it around the coil. The Hot Pot 2s are much better. Use an extension cord to give yourself plenty of slack in the electrical cord so that you can move around. Like I said, they are a little heavy but with a bit of practice it's easy to pour right into the moulds and the heat is nice an consistant.