New Lee 4-20 pot

[PtMD989]

I have a new Lee 4-20 pot. Is there anything that I should do to it before I start melting lead. The instructions that came with it don't mention cleaning it prior to using. I have 99% IPA would that work for cleaning out the oils and such?


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[LAH]

I would wipe it down with something that would remove any old that might be on the pot. I would then set it "outside" & turn it on. Can't say this is proper but what I would do.

[farmbif]

put a block of alloy in it
plug it in
pour silver stream into mold

if you have thermometer, set temp to 700 degrees or so

[Phlier]

Yes, there's something very important you need to do before using it: add a PID to it. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...o-4-20-furnace

Trying to chase the alloy temperature without a PID is very hard with the Lee 4-20 pot. You'll constantly be needing to adjust the knob as the alloy level varies. Put a PID on it, and fageddaboudit.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

If I were to buy a New Lee pot today, I'd put some abrasive in the spout/valve area, then spin the valve rod with a drill, to 'mate' the two.

[Electric88]

If I were to buy a New Lee pot today, I'd put some abrasive in the spout/valve area, then spin the valve rod with a drill, to 'mate' the two.

Stupid question, but you clean the abrasive out, correct?

[retread]

If I were to buy a New Lee pot today, I'd put some abrasive in the spout/valve area, then spin the valve rod with a drill, to 'mate' the two.

I'm with Jon on that. It will save you grief later on in the form of annoying drips.

[Loudy13]

I turned mine upside down to get the dust out and filled it up and turned it on. It works great and doesn't drip....yet. I have been using this set up to regulate heat and I only have to make minor adjustments from time to time as the lead level changes.

[retread]

Yes on the cleaning. Another thing to be careful about, keep your valve shaft plum during the lapping process.

[PtMD989]

Guys. Thanks for the tips.


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[rototerrier]

Have an RCBS ProMelt beside it so that you can cast with the RCBS and use the Lee as a premelt. Ladle from the Lee to the RCBS as you go along. That's about all I can suggest. I fought with the lee for a very very long time.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

If I were to buy a New Lee pot today, I'd put some abrasive in the spout/valve area, then spin the valve rod with a drill, to 'mate' the two.

Stupid question, but you clean the abrasive out, correct?

Yeah sure.

[Taylor]

99o/o IPA,that would be some strong beer. Moonshine Ale

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Yes on the cleaning. Another thing to be careful about, keep your valve shaft plum during the lapping process.

For sure. The older style handle/bracket would allow for lapping, with it fully assembled, which keeps it plumb. I'm not sure if that's possible with the new design?

[PtMD989]

99o/o IPA,that would be some strong beer. Moonshine Ale

That sure would be a heck of a beer. Sorry it's 99% Isopropyl alcohol.


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[g17]

fwiw, I've used a Lee 4-20 for the last year without any problems. Of course it occasionally drips but when it gets to where a shake of the handle doesn't help, I clean it out and start over but so does my pro-melt. Only thing I did was wipe the excess oil out of it before I melted the lead and started casting. I ended up getting a new Pro-Melt last month because it was a good deal but if I was paying full price, I'd take the Lee and use the money for more lead or molds. A PID will be your friend but you can cast fine bullets without one.

[Andy]

I agree with what jon B said, I used water as a test to see if it had worked successfully and it dripped water before I did the abrasive and did not after.

[TexasGrunt]

Ahh.... the old Lee drip-o-matic. Put something under the spout to catch the drips. Lapping the rod and nozzle helps for a while.

I've got two Lee pots, one is about 40 years old and I haven't fired that one up in ages. The other one is fairly new, about a couple of years. I use it to melt what little pewter I find.

I also have a Sarco that was given to me by a fishing buddy. I really need to pull it out, clean it off and see if it works.

My RCBS works so well that I really don't want to fiddle with anything else. I should get a second pot running. I cast fishing lures/jigs quite often and I use pure lead for that. I have to remove lead from the RCBS so I can alloy up for boolits.

I've got to look into a PID for my RCBS. I'm not very mechanical though and worry I'll screw it up.

[TexasGrunt]

I agree with what jon B said, I used water as a test to see if it had worked successfully and it dripped water before I did the abrasive and did not after.

Cycle it to dry it out if you do this!