what is best casting furnace

[darkman]

I have a Lee 20 ibs pot now, but thinking of upgrading. Not sure what to get-Lyman, or RCBS. Opinions please.

[jmort]

Magma Engineering Master Pot

[Randy C]

I like my lee pots but I have used RCBS and they Are as good as everybody says if I was to up grade I would not hesitate to get one, how many lee's can you buy for the price of one high dollar one.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I've never had or used a Lyman so can't comment on it. I have had an RCBS Pro-melt and a two Saeco's (models # 24 and #34) since 1978. Never had anything go wrong with any of them-ever. They just do their job. The Saeco's are long out of production, but the Pro-melt is still around and yes it costs a lot more than it ever did, but you have to make the call on what you want to own and drive (and afford). LLS

[Springfield]

Magma pot. Holds more(40 lbs) has more wattage(150), and has dual pour spout ability. Pretty much never drips, and if it does the nozzle can be cleaned with a pot full of molten lead. Wish I could afford 2 so that I didn't have to drain mine when I switch to pure lead for balls and such.

[dikman]

darkman, I assume you're talking bottom pour (you didn't say). If so, unless you're having problems with the Lee I can't see why you'd want to change. After all, if the pot is working, whatever the make, that's all that matters.

Unless you just want to spend some money (always good therapy ).

[dromia]

I have two RCBS Pro Melts would never go back to Lee pots, they need constant fettling and the ergonomics are poor especially the height their 17lber needs to be raised to to see the spout. The Magmas are fine pots also the only reason I don't have any is I don't have the need for 40lb pots.

[JASON4X4]

I have a lee and like it. If yours is still working fine I would spend the money on other items. If it ain't broke don't fix it

[cbrick]

I have two RCBS Pro Melts would never go back to Lee pots, they need constant fettling and the ergonomics are poor especially the height their 17lber needs to be raised to to see the spout. The Magmas are fine pots also the only reason I don't have any is I don't have the need for 40lb pots.

Just as with never going back to LEE pots if you ever use 40 pounds of all the exact same alloy, twin pour spouts, better heat control and faster warm up you would never go back.

Rick

[GARD72977]

+1 on the double spouts. I made a frame for my Magma pot fur use with hand molds and I love it. I think that casting by hand is more fun than with the Master Caster but if it is a long session the handle is easier to use.

[Airman Basic]

+1 on the double spouts. I made a frame for my Magma pot fur use with hand molds and I love it. I think that casting by hand is more fun than with the Master Caster but if it is a long session the handle is easier to use.

OK, I'm a dumb***. Trying to figure what good double spouts are over my Pro-Melt. Somebody clue me in, please.

[leadman]

I really like my RCBS pot but recently had thermostat problems. The short story is RCBS changed suppliers for the thermostat and it now has a 50 degree on to off range that sucks. The boolits went from too cold to too hot. Tthe new RCBS pots are equipped with the same thermostat. I made a pid and it works great now.
As posted up the thread the ergonomics are much better than the Lee.

[btroj]

OK, I'm a dumb***. Trying to figure what good double spouts are over my Pro-Melt. Somebody clue me in, please.

Fill two cavities at the same time.

Much quicker casting tempo is possible.

[cbrick]

Yep, with a two, four, six, eight cavity mold two cavities are filled at the same time. Makes a two cavity like filling a one cavity, very handy & quicker.

Rick

[btroj]

I gotta get me one of those Magma pots. Heck, I'm still young enough for it to be a worthwhile investment.

[cbrick]

I gotta get me one of those Magma pots. Heck, I'm still young enough for it to be a worthwhile investment.

I'd sell you mine except Magma would sell you a new one for less than I would let mine go for.

Rick

[EdZ KG6UTS]

.... and a two Saeco's (models # 24 and #34) ... The Saeco's are long out of production, LLS

I like my old very used SAECO a lot. It sat a while after it stopped working but after fixing the thermostat the old pot is working just fine. The 'fix' was mostly cleaning the contacts and metal parts then putting it all back together along with a new iron cord. You have to be very careful with the mica insulator pieces but it can be done. I'm sure the pid controllers are more accurate but I just watch a thermometer then leave the dial where it works best. Great for fishing weights too.

EdZ

[lightman]

I like my Pro-Melt a lot, but a Master Caster is on my wish list for this year. Like others have said, It just depends on your budget and what you want to drive. Lightman

[Guardian]

Magma has a 6-8 week lead time on the Master Pot. My wife ordered me one for Christmas!

[Mal Paso]

Lyman does not make a bottom pour right now. As far as I can tell the Mag 20 is out of production and the Mag 25 won't appear until fall 2014, if then.