Anybody ever use a Lee PLASTIC production pot?

[superharmonix]

Hello, peeps.  I use a 10 pound Lee pot for all my lead needs, and after I got the quirks down when I first began, it works flawlessly for what I need it to do and has for the last few years.

I began thinking about a better way to aid in hand pouring with less trimming, and I am considering a Lee plastic pot (don't need larger volume like a presto pot- my Pyrex , t. oven and griddle handle my production fantastically at this point), in order to help with the detail stuff, like a super thin vein, pouring a tiny open pour appendage, etc.  I am interested only if you have actually used a Lee plastic pot, not what you have "heard".  I am curious about how well the process flows from heating the plastic, to keeping it warm, to actually pouring through the spout.

[basskat]

I could never get the heat to regulate with the production pot and stirring was next to impossible. Finally gave up on in. That was several years ago, they may be better now.

I just use a microwave when pouring big batches.

[Denny Welch]

I tried it and didn't care too much for it.  I used it primarily for open pours.  Even with some practice, I was still getting over runs.  It also clogged up which was probably my fault for having an incorrect temp.  I also wonder if the nozzle is thin enough for what you want to do.

PM sent.

[superharmonix]

Denny, I'll reply to PM shortly...and thank you!

Thanks basskat for your wisdom as well.  I figured the heat regulation would be an issue, and the stirring makes sense as well.  I love my Pyrex and gridle,  and I intend on not complicating things!

[basskat]

I only have open pour molds so I heat in Pyrex and pour out of pans. Haven't made the injector plunge yet but that's coming.

[Denny Welch]

Have you guys tried pouring out of silicone cups?  It works really well for me.

[superharmonix]

I have not used silicone cups yet.  All my hand pours are done from one cup and two cup Pyrex cups, and for all my injection needs I use BT hand injectors and the BT Twin. (all 3oz)

[basskat]

Haven't tried the silicone cups. I have a ton of the small aluminum pans. Still heat my plastic in a Pyrex cup then keep in warm on a hot plate.

When I first started no one used Pyrex and microwaves,it was just a slow process melting it down on a hot plate. Couldn't turn your back or the plastic would scorch. Every mold was plaster or silicon. LOL When microwaves and Pyrex (throw in aluminum molds) came along we thought we were in hog heaven! Now injection seems to be it.

[bryanmc57]

I have three Lee plastic pots that I use for certain molds.  I find I can get a much thinner stream for veins and paddletails.  There are a couple mods you can do to them like adding a light to show you when the element is getting power (it's either on or off) and or adding a rheostat to lower the voltage to the element.  It's also important to build a little wire bracket that will hold a thermometer so you always know where your plastic is temp wise.