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OTShooter
07-07-2018, 08:10 PM
I'm trying to get things set up for my next big melt of wheel weights. So far I have my eye on a medium sized cast iron skillet or dutch oven to melt in, but I don't have any idea what burners out there are sturdy enough to support a heavy pot full of even heavier lead.

What burners have folks used? Any to avoid? Any "great deals" out there?

Thanks!

USSR
07-07-2018, 08:49 PM
Here's the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-MB10-Outdoor-10-quart-Seafood/dp/B0000BWGRV/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1531010582&sr=8-19&keywords=propane+fish+fry

Get one listed as a fish fryer, NOT a turkey fryer. Reason? The turkey fryers come with a timer that turns off the gas after 18 minutes. Real PITA, and when they break (like my old one), all you can do is get a new part from the manufacturer and you will pay thru the nose.

Don

GhostHawk
07-07-2018, 09:25 PM
This is what I bought for my lead dripping. Have not smelted on it yet.
https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-SP1-Jet-Cooker/dp/B0002913MI
If you are concerned about the weight I would support the melt pot with heavy angle irons and blocks and slide the burner under it.

If you want faster they make a double jet for 60$ which is still pretty reasonable IMO.

I cut a chunk out of the outer ring on mine so I could get the dripper ramp over my coolant tank.

Between dripper ladle, and a full load of lead I'd estimate around 100 lbs mine took with no issues.

But, better to be safe than sorry. Also better to do 2 smaller batch's and not risk disaster if in doubt.

Common sense rules.

DocSavage
07-07-2018, 09:38 PM
I use a double burner from Camp Chef 30,000 BTUS each burner and it should support 40+ lbs without a problem. Can be had at Dick's for around $100.

RedDogForge
07-07-2018, 11:21 PM
if you decide on a top down setup a good aspirated burner would work well, check out zoeller burners, primarily used for forging but work great for kilns and smelting as well. just make sure you get a good pressure regulator valve, they dont like bbq regulators.

jmort
07-07-2018, 11:35 PM
I always recommend this for $65 and free shipping.
210k BTU. Very sturdy and low center of gravity.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-outdoor-range-patio-stove-with-hose-guard-210-000-btu/554BPHP17.html

sledgehammer001
07-07-2018, 11:49 PM
223374This is what I use. Mine has held up to 75# with no issues.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/outdoor-gourmet-deluxe-fryer-stand#repChildCatid=27742

Rcmaveric
07-07-2018, 11:56 PM
I got two out of dumpster. I just set my fat butt on it. Gave a few bounces. It was study enough to hold my 250 pound **** so it is good enough for 100lbs of lead. Bot of them are good to go. Take a walk around thrift stores, goodwills, and hardware stores. If it can hold you bouncing on it then its good to go. You can get buyou burner for Lowes for like 60 bucks.

Tom W.
07-08-2018, 12:21 AM
Mine is a turkey fryer from Walmart. It doesn't have a timer that turns it off. I got an old circular saw blade to put on top of the ring to keep the dutch oven from having an unstable perch.

PBSmith
07-08-2018, 10:14 AM
Ask your yard sale scrounging friends to stay alert for an old turkey cooker. Got mine that way for $20. I haven't given it the bouncing test, but it will hold a dutch oven 3/4 full of lead.

Two simple modification I did that helped:
1. lowered the container support to get lead pot closer to the flame, and
2. cut up a large metal coffee can to make a 10-inch diameter wind shield that goes around the burner. Could just as easily bend one up out of sheet aluminum.


Heard a member here talk about using one of those hand-held propane flame thrower-like devices that some use to burn off unwanted vegetation. He set it up on a support under the smelting pot.

In the beginning I tried a gas camp stove. Took forever to melt a small pot of lead, and I've never seen one I'd trust with more than a few pounds of Pb.

gwpercle
07-08-2018, 10:48 AM
Here's the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-MB10-Outdoor-10-quart-Seafood/dp/B0000BWGRV/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1531010582&sr=8-19&keywords=propane+fish+fry

Get one listed as a fish fryer, NOT a turkey fryer. Reason? The turkey fryers come with a timer that turns off the gas after 18 minutes. Real PITA, and when they break (like my old one), all you can do is get a new part from the manufacturer and you will pay thru the nose.

Don

It takes a lot longer than 18 mins. to get the oil up to frying temp. and at 3 mins a pound for the bird it takes 45 mins. to fry a 12-15 lb. turkey.....what's the reason for a timer that shuts off every 18 mins.
That's idiotic .
Back in the day we made jet burners from an old steel tire rim with the flat side up . The center hole was where the burner shot it's flame and the pot sat on the flat rim w/ steel bars welded across for the pot to sit on , steel legs welded on to support a 30 gallon crawfish pot or turkey frying pot. Not hard for a Cajun with a welder to make , everybody made them before Bayou Classic started making lighter weight cookers....the tire rim home made ones had one drawback...they weighed a ton .
!8 mins. on then off isn't going to fly around here. I'll just dig out the old home made one I got from my Daddy that's somewhere in the garage .
Gary

DougGuy
07-08-2018, 10:49 AM
Some great advice here.. If you can't stand on it, don't try to smelt on it..

GregLaROCHE
07-08-2018, 09:36 PM
In my experience a metal shroud to direct all heat to the bottom of whatever you’re melting in makes things much more efficient. Especially if there’s some wind.

Go with a Dutch oven with a bail that goes from one side th the other. I have been using a big cast iron skillet and it is a pain, there is only one handle on one side and with all the weight it is really unbalanced. I have to clip on vise grips on the opposite side and pouring ain’t easy. With a bail from each side you can hold the pot with one hand and tip it with the other. Much more precise. I’m planning to update soon. I assume you will be using it for melting and pouring ingots.

PS watch out for the fumes. It’s no joke. Next time I melt I will be wearing a respirator.

blackthorn
07-08-2018, 11:42 PM
When we built my scrap-lead melter, we welded two large washers (one on each opposing side) with a bit over a one-inch hole. I have two jack stands and set them high enough that I can suspend my pot just shy of touching the burner unit by passing a 1" steel bar through the holes in the washers. we also fitted a lid and fabricated a spout on the lip of the pot. I can use a pair of vise-grips to tip the pot if I choose. Works like a dang!

Forrest r
07-09-2018, 08:09 AM
I bought a propane brinkmann's smoke & grill combo that had the vertical (r2-d2 style) smoker, a propane burner stand, a big al kettel for deep frying turkeys or big pots of corn on the cob/greens/beans/chille/etc & a large cast iron pot (8 qt) with a strainer basket for deep frying fish.

Took an old propane tank and cut the brass valve off leaving the bottom in 1/2 of the valve still there, it has 2 small (1/4") vent holes in it. Used a 4 1/2" 1/16" thick cutting wheel/angle grinder combo and cut around the body of the propane tank. Cut just below the weld and the reinforcement ring will stay on the top 1/2 of the tank. The top 1/2 becomes the lid.
https://i.imgur.com/jxDLEjz.jpg

Fill the propane tank converted to a smelting pot up, I typically put #130 of range scrap/lead in it. Keep the lid on and turn the propane base all the way up. Keeping the lid on will keep the smoke down and if there's any popping going on, it will contain any lead splatter. +/- 20 minutes later turn the heat down, pull the lid and stir/flux/remove the junk. Add any tin, etc at this time. The cleaned/fluxed alloy.
https://i.imgur.com/7HFQzS4.jpg

I use nothing more then a long handled ladle to fill the ingot molds to make ingots from the pot of alloy.
https://i.imgur.com/Yj0Qjnh.jpg

130# of range scrap typically makes 100# batches of alloy. The batch of alloy pictured above made 101.4# minus the bucket.
https://i.imgur.com/MXwkUZz.jpg

If I'm melting clean lead, lead without a lot of trash I do 150# batches with the same setup.

I chose the brinkmann smoker combo for it's versatility along with a strong base with more than enough btu's.

FWIW:
I like to smoke the turkeys rather than deep fry them. Fill the water pan with spices, give the turkey a rub with spices, use sugar maple for smoke. Put the turkey on the bottom rack just above the water/drip pan and put italian sausage on the rack above the turkey. Run the smoker @ 220*/225* and the sausage drips down on the turkey as it cooks sealing/flavoring the turkey. Takes +/- 4 hours and the turkey pulls apart. Personally I like a light honey colored smoke on turkeys.
https://i.imgur.com/2CooKsb.jpg

More smoker porn:
Built this rig last year, it's portable/trailer with a 275 gallon turned sideways with racks and a rotisserie for hogs/ 50# chunks of beef/pork/etc. Smoking 2 turkeys, 2 briskets, sausage, rack of ribs, country style ribs & chicken thighs & legs along with a pot of smoked dipping sauce.
https://i.imgur.com/Npreax2.jpg

Anyway I've use that brinkmann's propane base for 10+ years with pots of alloy up to 150# with no issues & just did that 100# pot 2 weeks ago.

bangerjim
07-09-2018, 08:17 AM
One word of caution. Frying pans are not stable. They are large around and shallow and you will have a tendency to try and pick it up by the handle. Bad move. That much weight can easily get out of balance and spill on the ground.....AND YOU! For an experiment, try filling a skillet with water almost to the brim and then pick it up and transfer it to somewhere else without spilling a drop. Now imagine that weighs 10-15 X more, AND it is 700+F.

Avoid frying pans all together. They are dangerous for what we do. Use high walled Dutch ovens or propane cylinders cut up like above.

And leave the frying pans & skillets in the kitchen - - - where they belong.

bangerjim

rumplestilskin
07-09-2018, 01:52 PM
idn what all the talk is about. just get a turkey fryer from bass pro or cabelas free shipping when they are on sale b4 thanksgiving i got 1 last year 22$ with tax. works great. i only process about 100# a year

Dragonheart
07-10-2018, 10:47 AM
I would suggest finding a Cajun fryer; a cast iron burner in a heavy steel frame to hold the weight. If you can or know one that can weld a burner out of an old water heater works great. An old propane tank with the top cut off with a skirt around it to hold in the heat makes the very best pot as it can hold 200+ pounds. I set mine up with a bottom pour.
223480

CJR
07-11-2018, 11:43 AM
A word of caution about using cast iron pots for melting lead with propane heaters. I've been castings since 1957 and now cast with a propane-fired turkey burner setup. About a year or so ago, I was casting using a cast iron pot and noticed lead oozing out of what I thought was a pin-hole leak near the top of the cast iron pot. After casting I looked at the "pin-hole" and discovered it was instead a crack in the top of the cast iron pot that was moving downwards. Obviously, the propane fast heat-ups caused a fast thermal expansion of the cast iron pot and caused the crack. Lessons learned? Always use a formed metal pot to melt lead in when using propane heaters. What you don't want is a catastrophic failure of a cast iron pot, filled with molten lead, and a lap full of molten lead.

Best regards,

CJR

yeahbub
07-11-2018, 12:11 PM
I started with a turkey fryer burner and it was slow, so now I use a Harbor Freight high intensity propane weed burner, the model with the piezo-electric starter button under my half-a-30gal-air-compressor-tank smelter. I open the idle valve up a quarter or so of it's capacity and apply it to the bottom of the pot and it's melting WW's in a few minutes. Plenty of extra capacity for big heat jobs. The heavy weeds along the fence don't stand a chance.

RogerDat
07-11-2018, 12:17 PM
223374This is what I use. Mine has held up to 75# with no issues.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/outdoor-gourmet-deluxe-fryer-stand#repChildCatid=27742
This is the one I have, I have done a lot of pots that were ~100 lbs. with no signs of strain. I paid a bit more when I bought it at Walmart.

With a dutch oven from Harbor Freight coming in at less than $25 with the 20% off coupon.
https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?dir=asc&order=EAScore%2Cf%2CEAFeatured+Weight%2Cf%2CSale+R ank%2Cf&q=dutch+oven

I think there are other places online with similar prices. Full as it can be and still stir is over 100 lbs. Side "ears" allow picking it up with heavy gloves to pour out the bottom of the pot if desired. The bail can be used to move also but be advised the bail wire pulls really hard as do the ears and are almost same temp as the molten lead. Use really thick insulated gloves because the weight presses the hot metal against you and compresses the glove. You don't want to find out the fastest way to set down 50# of lead (drop it)

Cut some small angle iron to drop in and you can support a smaller thrift store steel or cast iron pot, not aluminum. Aluminum can fail under weight and heat of melting lead. So if your burner comes with an aluminum pot don't use it for lead. It can literally stretch and pop out the bottom from melting a pot of lead.
223525

In my opinion the biggest advantage a propane tank pot has over a cast iron dutch oven is steel will dent if dropped and not crack. Steel tank also won't crack due to sudden temperature change. Cast iron heats evenly, and has a lid, and is ready to purchase off the shelf for a good price. With side handle ears useful to tip the pot or shift on the burner.

I think a DCrockett over in vendor sponsors is a member makes and sells the propane tank pots. Not off the shelf but might be an option if you wanted to buy a cut off tank pot.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?111-Vendor-Sponsors

Grmps
07-11-2018, 02:40 PM
I always recommend this for $65 and free shipping.
210k BTU. Very sturdy and low center of gravity.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-outdoor-range-patio-stove-with-hose-guard-210-000-btu/554BPHP17.html

That is a NICE looking burner. IF I didn't already have 2 I would think seriously about getting that one. You'll never crank it wide open but you'll never have to worry about it collapsing.

jmort
07-11-2018, 03:25 PM
It is built like a tank and low to the ground with a crazy amount of btu output. The price is more than fair. I use a cut propane tank for the lead alloy. Great set up.

country gent
07-11-2018, 03:35 PM
I use the harbor freight 500,000 btu weed burner also. I have mine modified in a couple ways. I put a 90* elbow and nipple under the burner with a set of flat legs to hold it up right under the pot. On the other end I removed the handle and installed 2 valves a needle valve and a lever valve. The lever valve is on off and the needle valve regulates temp. The pot is a cut down propane tank. On a turkey frier stand. I ladle cast from this pot and it holds 125lbs of lead. I can have it molten and up to casting temp in 15 mins when full.

As important as the stand burner and pot is the heat shield around the pot is also a big factor. to tight or long and the burner starves for oxygen or dosnt get good heat flow around pot. to big and heat is lost to fast.

crandall crank
07-12-2018, 10:09 AM
I have a low cost set up. I have a turkey fryer (yes, it has the timer, but you never leave it) rated at 55 KBtu and use a cut down 20 lb propane cylinder. My local propane company gave it away since it was in the scrap pile. I have since gotten another tank from them. Plus they even removed the valve for me!

My problem is I do not have enough ingot molds

lightman
07-13-2018, 08:08 AM
My problem is I do not have enough ingot molds

Yeah, when you start doing larger batches you need several molds. I typically run about 8 of the Lyman style molds when smelting. Even then, I have to wait on them to cool after about 4 or 5 cycles.

GregLaROCHE
08-02-2018, 09:13 AM
Yeah, when you start doing larger batches you need several molds. I typically run about 8 of the Lyman style molds when smelting. Even then, I have to wait on them to cool after about 4 or 5 cycles.


If you or a friend welds, you can cut up some angle iron, weld them side by side with a piece of flat bar across the ends. It works great. I made one for three ingots two pounds a piece. I plan to make one for more ingots. This time I will cut a little opening between, so the lead can flow from one to the other. That way I can just pour in the middle and the rest will fill up.

Dragonheart
08-02-2018, 09:59 AM
If you or a friend welds, you can cut up some angle iron, weld them side by side with a piece of flat bar across the ends. It works great. I made one for three ingots two pounds a piece. I plan to make one for more ingots. This time I will cut a little opening between, so the lead can flow from one to the other. That way I can just pour in the middle and the rest will fill up.

Tip: Cut the ends of the angle stock at an angle so all sides are angled. Also weld on a couple of tabs for handles to grab with vice grips.

I noticed on one of the previous photos of a kitchen sauce pan being used. Couldn't tell from the photo but some of these pans have a handle that is spot welded on and could fail if picked up full of lead. Picking any pot up that has pounds of molten lead is a recipe for disaster as these pans are not made to handle that kind of weight. The best solution is a bottom pour, if not that dip it our, slower but a lot safer.

ikarus1
08-02-2018, 10:13 AM
The propane burner I got was a stainless 65K BTU burner (not jet type) from Academy sports and outdoors on clearance for $20. It turned blue but hasn't rusted yet in my garage so I guess it really is some type of stainless steel. Anyhow, worth the investment ;)

it's basically the stainless version of this one they still sell:

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/outdoor-gourmet-deluxe-fryer-stand#repChildCatid=27742

looks almost identical to this one:
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-stainless-steel-single-burner-outdoor-patio-stove-range/554BPSS16.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInPuV8sbO3AIVgoCfCh05uA6ZEAQYASAB EgLv6vD_BwE

Soundguy
08-02-2018, 10:23 AM
I'm trying to get things set up for my next big melt of wheel weights. So far I have my eye on a medium sized cast iron skillet or dutch oven to melt in, but I don't have any idea what burners out there are sturdy enough to support a heavy pot full of even heavier lead.

What burners have folks used? Any to avoid? Any "great deals" out there?

Thanks!

I like the cheap low profile outdoors fryer that walmart sells. cheap and works. also.. I prefer a ci pot instead of a skillet. skilled kets heavy. pot has a wire bail.. and some have a pour spout indention.

GregLaROCHE
08-02-2018, 01:23 PM
“Tip: Cut the ends of the angle stock at an angle so all sides are angled. Also weld on a couple of tabs for handles to grab with vice grips.”

That’s good advice. Who says you can’t reinvent the wheel.

lightman
08-02-2018, 04:08 PM
It does not take very much, just a few degrees will do. It does help.

TaylorS
08-02-2018, 05:19 PM
223480

OMG that is the best idea ever!!! Love the adjustment for opening the valve just the right amount great touch! I’ll have to get the welder back out!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Soundguy
08-02-2018, 05:21 PM
Yeah, when you start doing larger batches you need several molds. I typically run about 8 of the Lyman style molds when smelting. Even then, I have to wait on them to cool after about 4 or 5 cycles.


Agreed, starts taking longer to cycle them if you have a full pot of lead.

GaryN
08-03-2018, 12:26 AM
This is what I bought for my lead dripping. Have not smelted on it yet.
https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-SP1-Jet-Cooker/dp/B0002913MI
If you are concerned about the weight I would support the melt pot with heavy angle irons and blocks and slide the burner under it.

If you want faster they make a double jet for 60$ which is still pretty reasonable IMO.

I cut a chunk out of the outer ring on mine so I could get the dripper ramp over my coolant tank.

Between dripper ladle, and a full load of lead I'd estimate around 100 lbs mine took with no issues.

But, better to be safe than sorry. Also better to do 2 smaller batch's and not risk disaster if in doubt.

Common sense rules.
I bought one of these. I can't see needing more than this. It really puts out the heat. It is also strong enough to hold the weight. I do about 150 lbs. at a time.

rockydoc
08-03-2018, 05:02 PM
I always recommend this for $65 and free shipping.
210k BTU. Very sturdy and low center of gravity.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-outdoor-range-patio-stove-with-hose-guard-210-000-btu/554BPHP17.html

++1. On the burner from we restaurant store.com. Mine was stainless steel. It stays outside all the time and no rust. It costs less than any common steel ones I found. I have made a number of purchases from this website.

RU shooter
08-03-2018, 05:28 PM
If you haven't already gotten one done rule out a 220V electric burner set up if you have close access to a outlet . My melting /casting set up is an old electric range top . Will melt a Dutch oven full pretty quick . I do the smelting outside Have about a 20 ft cord on it . Take it into the basement to do casting as I'm a laddle dipper . Just throwing out options .

SwampShooter
08-03-2018, 07:31 PM
Bass Pro Shops had their small propane fryer on sale for $29.97 this last weekend. I picked one up just for the burner and regulator. I have the next size up stand and just needed to replace the burner (some days I hate cows). At 6'3" I wanted the extra couple of inches in height. Melted my first COWW ever last weekend, went great.

I can tell you that weed burners as mentioned above are a great heat source. I'm a potter and can get a 24"W x 32"H electric kiln that has been converted to an updraft gas kiln up to over 2300* in 4-5 hours (not that I'd want to go that fast). They put out plenty of BTUs.

Eventually I may build a small wood fired furnace just because I can and I am comfortable controlling temperatures with wood as the fuel. I'm not sure I would recommend it for people without a bunch of experience, but it ain't rocket science either after all we haven't had all of these temperature controls all that long and grandma's baking didn't suffer for it.

Swamp

Bigslug
08-04-2018, 10:59 AM
I did the cast iron pot on a turkey burner thing for a few years, then ended up with the 65 pound version of Satan's Little Smelter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mukuPU1gXZE

I don't know if they're still around, but contact info from an old thread is satanslittlesmelter@gmail.com

It's more than sturdy enough for the task, heats VERY efficiently, and is MUCH safer and MUCH less fatiguing than trying to ladle your way through dozens, if not hundreds of pounds of molten bad news.

RangerDan
09-24-2018, 08:35 PM
I bought a turkey fryer from Cabela's and it doesn't have and automatic turn off. Picked up a cast iron dutch oven from thrift store and it works great.

pls1911
10-06-2018, 10:33 PM
Rare find these days, but an old plumber's pot works great, holding maybe 60 pounds.
I've also used dutch ovens of similar capacity with fine results.
For cast iron, just don't try to heat cold iron to smelting temp too quickly... let the heat uniformly spread through out the pot as it's heated.
It's the same reason you don't throw a biscuit oven from the fire into cold water to clean it. A nasty "doink!!!" sound and a proud crack will make you sick-sad.
Oh by the way, the easiest save I've found for a cracked biscuit oven is JB weld. It works like a champ... fill the crack, sand it smooth, season it carefully like a new pot, and just go cook with it.

Dragonheart
10-07-2018, 10:33 AM
Oh by the way, the easiest save I've found for a cracked biscuit oven is JB weld. It works like a champ... fill the crack, sand it smooth, season it carefully like a new pot, and just go cook with it.

The Original JB Weld is still a good product, but don't waste your money on the New fast setting JB. New doesn't mean better!