So when it's time to take large amounts of scrap lead and melt it into clean ~1-lb ingots, what's your preferred heat source?
The burner's got to be sturdy to hold the weight, absolutely stable for safety, stand at a convenient height -- either for table use or sitting on the ground -- and be windproof for working outdoors.
A 200,000 BTU turkey fryer propane burner? $85 on Amazon. Not flat on top, though.
This one has a very flat top for tabletop use and looks capable of holding a large cast iron skillet or pot safely. Also has an air mix valve for tuning the flame. Designed for propane from the get-go. $99 at Amazon.
I have a small 10-flame wok burner that I got a long time ago and never used, but I have to build a stand around it. And a wind guard. And it may be set up for natural gas and I need propane. Anyone used one of these successfully?
Secondly, what's your favorite melting pot? Lodge or Walmart cast iron skillet/dutch oven? Some other pot? I bought an 8-inch Ozark Trails iron skillet at Walmart for $5.
Amazon offers a 2-qt pot with lid for $17.19. The lid might hold in heat better for faster melting. And it doesn't have a long handle like the skillet that could be hit and cause tipping...and disaster.
Thirdly, ingot molds. I have a cast iron SAECO mold that makes 4, 1-lb ingots. Had it for decades. Didn't realize how much it goes for today.
$35 - $54 on eBay
I've seen guys like Fortunecookie45lc using all kinds of molds designed for muffins, cornbread and other cast iron cookery.
$11.71 at Amazon, makes 2-1/2" round x 1-1/2" deep ingots.
$18.56 at Amazon
I've been haunting the local Goodwill and other used stores, but no cast iron or turkey fryers to be found.
Have you used steel muffin pans successfully to make lead ingots? Or do they die in the process?
What's worked best for you?