Another which pot should I buy thread

[desiko]

I'd like to reinforce the idea fo buying an original pro-melt. It'sa great furnace and you'll never look back. It doesn't have a PID but the thermostat does a great job. Even while I have built a couple of PIDs in the past (one for a Lee pot and the other for my Star sizer) I don't think I need one witht he pro-melt.
When I bought mine used I paid $200 for it. It was in a great shape and should last for a very long time.

Hey BlackRat, I finally found a used original Pro Melt. The exterior is rough, needs a little paint and some rust cleanup but has new parts where it counts. It was recently refurbished by RCBS with new pot, coil, thermostat, and shutoff rod. Got it for $200 + shipping. While I was searching I also picked up an ancient Saeco 24 missing the shutoff pin from fleabay for fun cause why not? Trying to find a pic or drawing of the pin to make one for the Saeco pot. Anyway, gonna be casting soon!!!

[desiko]

I'm a firm believer in not lumping electric or electronic tools together. I would look for a PID that I could use anyplace I wanted a PID with any pot of that voltage. Then look for a pot I liked. I'm another Magnum Melter and Ladle user. Works well. If I wanted a bottom pour I would probably look at a Lee 20# first. Which is why I would want a separate PID. Use it with my old pot, use it with the new pot. Use it with a Lyman or an RCBS. Use it with lube heater or a hot plate or.... As opposed to having a $100 device built in that can only service the item it is built into.

Hey RogerDat, I also like the idea of a separate PID control. As you say, many used for such a device.

[desiko]

RCBS will rebuild a Pro-Melt for only $100 freaking bucks plus return shipping. They don't bother to tell you that when you call in and ask about sending the pot back for repair. I sent mine in, waited a week after they received it, and called in. The young lady I talked to told me my pot was fixed and had just gone down to shipping to be returned to me at NO CHARGE. Imagine my shock when another lady called a week later and asked for a credit card # to pay for repair and return shipping. I was flabbergasted and thought it was a scam. So I hung up and called back on the RCBS 800 number. Well she we right. I had to authorize the repair work. I'll get an email sometime next week letting me know the exact charges.

First time RCBS has ever pissed me off. Must have hired someone from lyman.

Hey Walks, that's not cool. They should definitely have told you the cost up front. I've never had anything like that happen with RCBS. However, $100 is not so bad for a rebuild. The parts don't seem that expensive, maybe they're trying to cover labor?

[desiko]

I discovered I could cast better boolits with a Lyman ladle and open top pot, gave the bottom pour to a fellow member and bought a new 20 lb. Lee Magnum Melter and Lyman ladle. Pressure casting with 2 , 3 and 4 cavity moulds is the way that works best for me.
If you ever want to get away from bottom pour and give the ladle / pressure casting technique a try the Magnum Melter is a winner and no leaks.....and worth the price.
Gary

Hey gwpercle, I recently picked up a new to me '95 Marlin .45-70. Might give this a try when I find the right mold.