information regarding lead types

[noremaximus]

Hello guys, I just finished a session of making lead muffins out of range lead scrap. I also had a large bar of lead from West Lead. I was hoping if you guys can tell me a rough estimate if the west lead would have any antimony? I have included two pics on the lead muffins I casted. On the right we have the range scrap lead, and on the left we have the West Lead. I also included a close up pic of the west lead. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[454PB]

It's nearly impossible to tell by looking, you need to do some hardness testing. You can scratch pure lead with your thumbnail. Another easy test is to drop the ingot onto concrete. Pure lead will produce a dull thud, any ringing sound indicates a harder alloy.

[OS OK]

If you want a pretty accurate BHN estimation you can use various pencils to test it.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video...&fr=aaplw&tt=b

In the drop test...drop it on it's edge.

[noremaximus]

ok thanks, Its the first time I use West Lead. I will test it out. Thanks again.

[lightman]

Whatever we say would be only a guess. But, if your "West" lead was in a factory ingot its probably soft. Its been my experience that factory ingots are usually soft and if not, will be marked in some fashion. Usually is the qualifying word here. BNE is a good guy to deal with and then you will know for sure.