Babbitt question & pics

[cohutt]

Did ok for a Monday, came away from one of my sources with 180lbs that inlcuded 40lbs of a babbitt of some sort.

I realize it could be about anything, but I'd still like some opinions/guesses on this.

Any ideas what the application was and the typical alloy used in same? Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Babbitt:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/cohutt/misc041.jpg

Babbitt and how about these nice counter weights? (33 lbs each) :mrgreen:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/cohutt/misc039.jpg

[454PB]

Usually, old counter weights are made of dead soft lead. Babbitt can be any of several dozen recipes, hopefully yours is tin based. Some babbitt contains copper which is not a problem if it is used at high dilution. If you have a hardness tester, check the babbitt and weights. "Pure" lead is around 5 to 6 BHN, tin based babbitt should be under 10 BHN.

[cohutt]

Thanks

The weights are definitely soft lead, I can dent them with my knuckles (well almost).

My curse is i have been scavenging mostly pure lead, little in the way of lino, ww or other harder alloys to cut it with. Fortunately I have been a pretty effective scavneger so far and I have a couple thousand pounds (at least) of pure or nearly pure put back. There are worse situations to be in......

[454PB]

Most babbitt is relatively low in antimony, the lead based ones have up to 18%, the tin based has from 4% to 8%, but is up to 90% tin. It's value is the tin, which is far more costly than antimony. I've read that magnum shot has up to 6% antimony, but is pushing $50 per 25 pound bag. Many here have recommending The Antimony Man for buying antimony. You might want to look at heat treating to reduce cost.