What kind of crucible do you have? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

77bawls · 01-28-2010, 10:47 PM

Porcelain, Nickle, Graphite, or something else.

77bawls · 01-29-2010, 12:18 AM

Cast iron melting pot. Or do you use a dedicated melter? What brand of molds do you use?

Chris · 01-29-2010, 06:22 AM

I use a cast iron dutch over to melt all my stuff into ingots. Then I pour it into a muffin pan. I use a Lee 20 lb bottom pour pot for casting.

I use Lee six cavity molds for all my pistol stuff and a Lyman for the rifle stuff(30-30)

I plan on melting a bunch of stuff down tomorrow, I'll get some pics

afroman006 · 01-29-2010, 07:37 AM

Any reason in particular that you use the fancy bottom feed pot? I've seen some people just ladle the molten led into the mold. Just curious. Still trying to convince myself I dont need any more damn hobbies...

Aggro · 01-29-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afroman006

Any reason in particular that you use the fancy bottom feed pot? I've seen some people just ladle the molten led into the mold. Just curious. Still trying to convince myself I dont need any more damn hobbies...

easier to avoid the slag?
dunno, I don't cast.

Chris · 01-29-2010, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afroman006

Any reason in particular that you use the fancy bottom feed pot? I've seen some people just ladle the molten led into the mold. Just curious. Still trying to convince myself I dont need any more damn hobbies...

Easier, faster, much less chance of getting a liquid cooking at 600-1000 degrees from spilling on you. Plus it's only $60. or you can get a 10lb pot for $40, I think.

Sturgell · 01-29-2010, 08:05 AM

^That right there, ladling takes far more time but can be necessary on some larger rifle molds or HP molds.

I use a SS 4-5 quart pot that I found in a dump to melt lead and pour into ingots. I like Lee 6 banger molds for their price but they usually need a little work for them to cast right, I have an RCBS mold for 225 grain gas check bullets that is possibly the easiest mold to use, ever.

sometoyotaguy · 01-29-2010, 09:12 AM

I use a cast iron dutch oven from harbor freight, and a propane fish fryer.
Wheel weights have really dropped off in this area, so I get range scrap. Just fill the pot with range lead, put the cover on, and let it bake for 30-40 min. Digging out all the jackets is a little bit of a pain, but it's free.

I use a Lee 10lb bottom pour pot for casting. If I had to buy again, I'd get the 20lb pot.

mrboyle · 01-29-2010, 09:46 AM

While we're on the subject, if anyone wants a bunch of wheel weights I have a 3gallon bucket of them you can have. Located in Grand Junction, CO, come and get them.

Chris · 01-29-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrboyle

While we're on the subject, if anyone wants a bunch of wheel weights I have a 3gallon bucket of them you can have. Located in Grand Junction, CO, come and get them.

Put them in a few flat rates boxes for me?

Sully · 01-29-2010, 10:54 AM

I'm curious what safety precautions you guys take when melting down and casting lead?

Are fumes a concern? I would think they would be. How about cleanup afterwards?

Chris · 01-29-2010, 10:55 AM

I do it in my driveway and put a fan behind it if needed. I also wear gloves that I use just for that. I wash up well when I'm done, too.

01-29-2010, 07:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
afroman006 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19615 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,555	Any reason in particular that you use the fancy bottom feed pot? I've seen some people just ladle the molten led into the mold. Just curious. Still trying to convince myself I dont need any more damn hobbies... __________________ Texas A&M Offroad 84 Chevy -Pigpen- Best trail truck there ever was...

01-29-2010, 09:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
mrboyle Stay the Trail Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3937 Location: Fruita, CO Posts: 1,651	While we're on the subject, if anyone wants a bunch of wheel weights I have a 3gallon bucket of them you can have. Located in Grand Junction, CO, come and get them. __________________ Mike Boyle 1980 Toyota PU "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not..." - Thomas Jefferson. Battlement Fab

01-29-2010, 10:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
Sully Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12121 Location: Live Free or Die Posts: 4,770	I'm curious what safety precautions you guys take when melting down and casting lead? Are fumes a concern? I would think they would be. How about cleanup afterwards? __________________ Live Free or Die Why is mankind the only species that attempts to preserve the shallow end of its gene pool?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-29-2010, 06:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
Chris III Join Date: Oct 2000 Member # 2032 Posts: 11,056	I use a cast iron dutch over to melt all my stuff into ingots. Then I pour it into a muffin pan. I use a Lee 20 lb bottom pour pot for casting. I use Lee six cavity molds for all my pistol stuff and a Lyman for the rifle stuff(30-30) I plan on melting a bunch of stuff down tomorrow, I'll get some pics

01-29-2010, 09:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
sometoyotaguy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Member # 140312 Location: Southern Maine - AKA The Rust Belt Posts: 798	I use a cast iron dutch oven from harbor freight, and a propane fish fryer. Wheel weights have really dropped off in this area, so I get range scrap. Just fill the pot with range lead, put the cover on, and let it bake for 30-40 min. Digging out all the jackets is a little bit of a pain, but it's free. I use a Lee 10lb bottom pour pot for casting. If I had to buy again, I'd get the 20lb pot.

01-29-2010, 10:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
Chris III Join Date: Oct 2000 Member # 2032 Posts: 11,056	I do it in my driveway and put a fan behind it if needed. I also wear gloves that I use just for that. I wash up well when I'm done, too.