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I am looking for suggestions. I was given 3 pcs of hard lead that are 9" in dia. and 1.25 thick. These do not fit in my smelting pot. Would a slow cooker element with a large pan for the lead work.....would it get hot enough?
Or...is there a good method of cutting each of these into 2 pcs?
An hatchet should cut thru them pretty well you just need to go deep enough on each side to be able to bend and break them. For easy of the cut a large hammer can be used to drive the hatchet in a straight line easier than swinging it
Saws all, circular saw, or a $10 12" cast iron pan from Walmart.
Propane torch and hang the lead from both top corners above your pot.
Melt down the middle :)
I've used a stainless mixing bowl and hot plate before
Nice dilemma to have though!
I have just used a map gas or propane torch. Just melt the edge and let it drip in the pot
DO NOT STRIKE THE HATCHET WITH A HAMMER. Hammer or hatchet can and will spall sending a high velocity steel fragment flying. If it flys at you, it can penetrate leather gloves and then softer human tissue.Quote:
Originally Posted by country gent
Chop at the block with the hatchet, use a chisel or saw as recommended.
Sounds like a job for a cold chisel to me, use EyePro & EarPro o'course
It's time to get a bigger pot for smelting .:wink:
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by toallmy
Get a heavy 12" steel pot at a thrift store
i like skeettx idea, but if all you have is a lee pot, i would lay it on a 2x4 on the concrete and let the lead melt and run off on to the concrete.
Clamp a piece of lead in a vice. With a lubricated 3/8 inch bit, at low speed, drill holes across the piece as close together as possible. With line of holes horizontal, clamp lead on bottom half with vice. Grab top half with pipe wrench. Using gravity, pull down with pipe wrench to break piece of lead across line of holes.
Like the others have said, you can cut them with several different types of power or hand saws. Or you can use a cold chisel, or a wedge or you can melt them with a torch. But why not go ahead and get a turkey fryer and a propane sized smelting pot? You will eventually have a chance at other large pieces of lead.