Gettin' Started Lead Pouring :D

[jl3140]

The one thing not mentioned here is ventilation. You need great ventilation. Lead poisoning is nasty stuff.

I plan on pouring in a big steel shed outside, but I'm still going to wear a respirator of some sort. What kind do you all recommend?

[smalljaw]

I plan on pouring in a big steel shed outside, but I'm still going to wear a respirator of some sort. What kind do you all recommend?

All you need is a 3M mask, the reason being is lead doesn't vaporize until it hits 967 degrees, and it melts at 621 degrees, the numbers are close, not exact. Anyway, get either a good immersion probe to check temp of an infra red thermo detector, this will let you monitor temp of the lead so it doesn't vaporize. One of the simplest things to remember is to start with a hot mold, I put the mold I'm going to use on top of the pot while the lead melts, that way by the time the lead melts the mold is good and hot. I have a Lee 4lb precision pot for ladle pouring and a Lee IV bottom pour, the reason is I have some molds that just don't pour well with the bottom pour but a ladle seems to work, the same deal for spinnerbaits, the wire gets in the way so much easier to do the ladle. As mentioned the RCBS is the best furnace made but LEE stands behind their product, if your pot burns up they will refurbish it for 1/2 the price of a new one and when you get it back it will be all but new. The LEE IV will drip but all it takes is a turn with a screwdriver and it is fine.

[jl3140]

Awesome! Thanks for the information guys

[jl3140]

Well I have ordered all the things I will need. Pictures will hopefully be posted soon

Again, thank you for all the answers to the questions

Josh

[Fatman]

I use LEE Pro Pots IV and used the 1/2 price program to replace them with brand new ones the old ones were 24 and 27 yrs old!! but as the guys have already said think about how far/deep into it you want to get and base your melter needs on that. 

Plenty of video's on powder painting and where to get good deals on it - Rosy's used to have a jig tyers assortment for a decent price but I haven't seen it lately.

One thing above all else just be safe!!!! Eye protection, long pants and long sleeves and good heavy shoes and gloves.  This is a great hobby and you can make things the way you want but it's not worth it if you get hurt. 

Welcome to the madness!!!!!!!!!!

[ctom]

Eye protection, long pants and long sleeves and good heavy shoes and gloves.  This is a great hobby and you can make things the way you want but it's not worth it if you get hurt. 

I have a tennis shoe that's lead plated somewhere in the closet as a reminder to this. When I spilled that pot I looked like I was doing a cross between an Irish Jig and Hot Footin. It amazing how fast a guy can get a shoe off without untying the laces when the shoe is 600 degrees.

[Bugpac]

I have a tennis shoe that's lead plated somewhere in the closet as a reminder to this. When I spilled that pot I looked like I was doing a cross between an Irish Jig and Hot Footin. It amazing how fast a guy can get a shoe off without untying the laces when the shoe is 600 degrees.

For a guy that loves taking pictures. You have got a lot of stories with none... either that or you so full of doo doo this is your only way to get rid of it.....

[Denny Welch]

I've met Tom in person, Bug,and I have known him for several years. Granted, he's not much to look at, but I believe most of what he says. With that said, I too would like to see that lead covered sneaker, but I'd like to have seen it when it was still smokin'.

[TommySkarlis]

One other item that comes in handy with a bottom pour unit is a low profile ingot mold like the Lee one that Do-It carries.  Placing that below the spout - it will pick up drips and occasional overpour, making it easier to put back into the pot.  you can also put the "sprues" in it and trickle them back into the pot, reducing splashback and keeping your hands a few more inches away from the hot lead.  (Learned this trick from Jerry V !!!)

As always - an ounce of prevention.............. ..

As for Ctom's credibility, I've always known him to be a straight shooter!  I wouldn't be so concerned about the sight of Ctom's shoes - I would be more worried about the smell!     

[ctom]

"I wouldn't be so concerned about the sight of Ctom's shoes - I would be more worried about the smell!" Tommy S

Hey, that helps me locate them in the dark.

[jl3140]

Thanks for the safety information and tips. I will definitely take all the precautions.

That's a great tip with the ingot mold Tommy S! I hadn't even thought of that. Now I have to find something to put under it to catch the drips and toss sprues in. Thanks for that awesome tip

Josh

[ctom]

"You have got a lot of stories with none... either that or you so full of doo doo this is your only way to get rid of it"...Bugpac

The most read book of all times has a lot of stories and parables in it without having pictures. After reading it once I found out that there are a lot of things to be believed without seeing. I've since read it a couple more times. But to clarify Bug, I'm old and a lot of what I relate happened long before the advent of the digital camera or phones that take pictures. Regardless, I don't need pictures to believe. 

[Bugpac]

Big difference between a good book. And a old newspaper...

[ctom]

I'll stick with the book. You need to re-subscribe to the paper. Old goes both ways. How about instead of carping you post some pictures of the plastics you're making?

[Bugpac]

Im not one to Boast...