Casting Furnaces

[RKJ]

I've got a Lyman 25 and like it, it's a lot better than the lee (but then again it's quite a bit more $$$). I'd buy another one, but would like to try the RCBS.

[Swindler1]

Thanks all. I will be waiting for Brownells to get the RCBS back in stock.

[Taterhead]

It is an interesting time. Probably no better time for the availability of great quality molds. But with the retirement of the Pro Melt, we are basically left with Chinese made units from Lyman or RCBS and the Lee. That is unless stepping way up to a Magma. I do love my Pro Melt.

[rcslotcar]

I have an old black Ohio Thermal (rcbs) pot that has been great for many years. When it stopped heating I was going to buy a new one. I opened it up and saw that the off/on switch looked over heated. I replaced the switch and expect it will last another 40 years. I would suggest you get the RCBS.

[LongRangeAir]

I switched My three year old Promelt to pull down rather than lift for pouring, and it really helped with old age and the visits from Arthur. ;<)

I really enjoy the Pro-Melt!

KnifeMaker

[dannyd]

Well trying the new RCBS pot this time ordered Pro Melt 2 off Amazon for 188.00 with tax and shipping. See how this one works.

[trapper9260]

My Lee 10lb pot heating element went on it .I had replace it about 2 to 3 years ago and did not think it would go that fast. Now Lee dose not make the element anymore. I am use a Lyman Big dipper now. In time will look into another bottom pour but not now . Like to hear bout RCBS what you all are saying about them

[Valley-Shooter]

My Lee 10lb pot heating element went on it .I had replace it about 2 to 3 years ago and did not think it would go that fast. Now Lee dose not make the element anymore. I am use a Lyman Big dipper now. In time will look into another bottom pour but not now . Like to hear bout RCBS what you all are saying about them

Do you mean this part? https://leeprecision.com/new-heater-500w120v.html

[David2011]

It’s hard to beat the original Pro Melt. Mine is almost 40 years old and still going strong.

[dannyd]

It’s hard to beat the original Pro Melt. Mine is almost 40 years old and still going strong.

Your pro melt stopped being made years ago even the last Pro Melts that looked like yours were made in China. We will see how this on does.

[trapper9260]

Do you mean this part? https://leeprecision.com/new-heater-500w120v.html

Yes that is the part ,they have them for 20lb , but not the 10lb. that I found. Or I miss it some where for them.

[Mike W1]

Yes that is the part ,they have them for 20lb , but not the 10lb. that I found. Or I miss it some where for them.

I believe the 20 lb. pot takes the 700 watt element. Lee's site shows the 500w above for the Prod Pot IV as above. Seems to have been a part number change is all.

[trapper9260]

I believe the 20 lb. pot takes the 700 watt element. Lee's site shows the 500w above for the Prod Pot IV as above. Seems to have been a part number change is all.

Ok thank you for your help .

[Conditor22]

trapper, call lee, their # is at the bottom of their web page Lee Precision | 4275 County Road U | Hartford, WI 53027 | phone (262) 673-3075

[trapper9260]

I had check Lee and see what they wanted for it, then I check Titian that there banner on here also and they had ask for less then Lee have and have one on the way now. Thank you all for the help. It will give me more time to play with when I want to up grade if I find the money for one. I have this Lee 10lb for I forgot how many years now. But a long time.

[David2011]

Your pro melt stopped being made years ago even the last Pro Melts that looked like yours were made in China. We will see how this on does.

True, but when they show up at gun shows or yard sales they’re still hard to beat. I didn’t intend to suggest that they’re available new.

[Captain*Kirk]

Not sure if the new Pro Melt II is like the Easy Melt, but that one has reviews saying you need to leave the internal fan going for 2-2.5 HOURS to avoid cooking the circuit board. That's kind of a turn-off to me. Love the quality and built in temp control, but...2.5 HOURS?

[Burnt Fingers]

Not sure if the new Pro Melt II is like the Easy Melt, but that one has reviews saying you need to leave the internal fan going for 2-2.5 HOURS to avoid cooking the circuit board. That's kind of a turn-off to me. Love the quality and built in temp control, but...2.5 HOURS?

The PM II has an internal PID. You need to let it cool off before you unplug it.

[Captain*Kirk]

OK, same as the Easy Melt then.
I like them 'on paper' a lot more than the Lee funaces (Lee Magnum Melter is ladle-pour only, (no spigot to drip) holds 20# lead (supposedly) and has a manual temp rheostat but no built in temp control or thermometer), but the potential for cooking a PID if your fan fails or if you pop a fuse or CB has me leery. One of the reviewers on the Midway site said his fan quit after a few hours of operation while casting and it in turn fried the PID.
That worries me. You could buy 3 Magnum Melts for the price of one PM II, and 2 for the price of an Easy Melt.

[Dragonheart]

Knowing what I know, if my old Pro Melt died I would search to find a used one or look into making my own pot. For the dollars a good pot costs it would easily pay for the needed materials and it doesn't look like it would be that difficult to make a pot capable of holding twice the amount.