Hi all,
I have been a fishing tackle maker for a while and do a lot of lead pouring. I bought 100 lbs of what was sold as pure lead that the seller got from where they cut lead sheets to fit X-ray room walls.
It seems to be great stuff but I have a bit of trouble with what I think is lead oxide. It looks rusty color along the sides of the pot, also when I first get to the pot after letting it preheat it’s usually crusty brown on top, and can be kind of wrinkly for lack of a better word on top. Kind of flakey looking. I don’t have any pictures but can take some tomorrow if needed.
Is this just normal with pure soft lead or is it the pot too hot? It gets better and looks nice and shiny after I drop a pound or two in and skim it but the gets cruddy again.
I’m using one of the Lee bottom pour 10 lb melters. I usually keep it within 1” of the rim and on #7. I don’t have a thermometer or want to spend the cash.
If tin would help, how much per pound of lead should I add? I don’t want to make it too hard where it doesn’t fill in details of small fishing lure molds.
Also, how should I clean it after draining it? I’d like to clean the spout. I’m considering a respirator and a brass brush in a drill.
Thanks and hopefully I can start pouring for my 1911 when I get somewhere better to shoot.