Can you over cook lead?

[Utah Shooter]

I have been skimming for over an hour now with the lead that I have. It turns almost an algae green color 2 seconds after I skim it. Everytime.

I thought that it was pure or close to it. Not sure what is going on? Please help!

[alfloyd]

Check out this thread in the "lead and lead alloy" section:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=63550

It will answer all your questions about color on melted pure lead.

Lafaun

[Utah Shooter]

While that looks like a great link (that I will read) the lead is hot right now. There are a lot of other things to read through to get to what I think should be a simple answer. Sorry if I am looking for a short answer but I am. Too hot is what I assume.

[alfloyd]

Pure lead will turn colors as it gets hot.
It will turn blue, purple, green and a yellow color.
The hotter it gets the more bright the colors will be.
My last batch has a blue color even on the ingots after they cooled.
Nothing to worry about with pure lead, as there is no tin or anitominy to cook out.

Sorry about not giving you a answer to start with.

Lafaun

[alfloyd]

Joe:
I looked to see if I had your phone number so I could just call you. But I must have deleated it.

Lafaun

[Hounddog]

Your lead is probably contaminated. I'll be more than happy to come up and get rid of it all for ya!!!

:smile:
Hounddog

[runfiverun]

you can skim a pot of lead down to nothing just from the oxides.
flux it and get the ingots made.

[Utah Shooter]

Joe:
I looked to see if I had your phone number so I could just call you. But I must have deleated it.

Lafaun

Oh that is fine. Does your lead wire have any tin in it? I am just curious if I can throw some of my rejects from the wire to harden up this pure stuff I have.


Your lead is probably contaminated. I'll be more than happy to come up and get rid of it all for ya!!!

:smile:
Hounddog
Sounds good to me. What is your address?

[shotman]

Its like my mom used to cook a roast too hot and it would be stringy. But wish I had her for chicken
cut you temp down and use saw dust

[alfloyd]

"Does your lead wire have any tin in it?"

No tin, the lead wire has a BHN of 6.5, just a little harder than pure lead at 5.0.

Lafaun

[lwknight]

No you cannot overcook lead.
Quit skimming the protective oxide layer off.
It will just make another layer of oxides untill you
just flat run out of lead all together.