How to get copper out of my lead?

[TonyN]

I smelt indoor range lead and I believe I have copper in my lead mix. It's a orange powder color the sticks to my pot and I notice the jackets turn black. I'm thinking i have some copper in the lead mix. Also my Hi-Tek coating will not bond to the lead.

[jsizemore]

Trade it.

[Dusty Bannister]

It probably is not copper due to the orange color you mention. But might depend upon the recovery media. Simple enough to send a sample to "BNE" and have it scanned to know for sure that it is probably not copper oxide (green).

[popper]

Not copper, probably zincite (oxide). Jackets can turn black from heat, just oxide.

[TonyN]

So this is normal? What do I do to keep it out? Is fluxing the only thing I can do?

[243winxb]

Slowly raise pot temperature till alloy just starts melting. No flux. Do not stir. Skim chunky looking slag off top. It should be copper and antimony. Set it aside. If this makes no difference, add back into pot.

[StratRider]

Simple enough to send a sample to "BNE" and have it scanned.

Can you direct me to a thread where I can find out more about whatever BNE is ?
Searching on this forum is quite difficult - I tried.
Thanks

[Dusty Bannister]

Sent PM to give instructions how to use the PM system to contact BNE for current contact and charges.
Dusty

[uscra112]

Gee, there's been lengthy threads here about how to get copper INTO the alloy, so as to strengthen it.

[GregLaROCHE]

I agree. There are a lot of folks who have talked about adding copper to improve their alloy.

I collect range scrap from an indoor range and have never experienced what you have mentioned. Is this the first batch you have melted down or has it happened before?

Gee, there's been lengthy threads here about how to get copper INTO the alloy, so as to strengthen it.

[gpidaho]

I consider a small amount of copper to be a good thing in an alloy. The only down side I've experienced is that in higher concentration it can cause spout freeze when using a bottom pour pot. Gp

[Yodogsandman]

I've had too much copper in an alloy. It did bung up the pour spout very quickly, what a pain!! I made 4 oz fishing weights with it and never got any from that supplier again.

[243winxb]

Some babbitt alloy with a high percentage of copper, pluged my bottom pour spout.

[triggerhappy243]

i would think if you left your pot sit for a while, the copper would also float out.

[Traffer]

Some babbitt alloy with a high percentage of copper, pluged my bottom pour spout.

I would think it would be good for adding small amounts to your regular alloy. From what I have read small amounts of copper are really really good to make the alloy tougher ...handle high spin up pressures. Good for high velocity and fast twist rates. I wish I had some.

[gpidaho]

Traffer: I was lucky enough to come by several 5 lb. ingots of copper hard babbit. A very small amount added to your alloy is a big plus in my opinion. I checked this morning and one of our site sponsors Rotometals has copper hard grade 6 in stock for just a little over $31 + shipping. This being for a 5lb. ingot. (that will go a long way) Add some other alloy to your order to make it + $100 and shipping is free. Gp

[Ateam]

So I think the OP is under the impression that he got copper in his range alloy when he was smelting it. This is highly unlikely/impossible with normal smelting temps/precedures. An orange oxide is strange though probably not copper. If really curious, send it to BNE.

[Wayne Smith]

BNE is a member here who offers metal testing for the cost of, I think, a pound of the alloy.

[odfairfaxsub]

I always wondered if you got leeched copper because of the jackets?

[Traffer]

BNE is a member here who offers metal testing for the cost of, I think, a pound of the alloy.

Close! he will do it for a pound of regular lead.