Lee 20 lb pot - can't see the spout

[AndyC]

I feel kinda silly asking this, but here goes.

I've been using a Lee 10 lb pot for many years and I guess I have gotten used to seeing the spout so I can orient the sprue-cutter holes underneath that. I bought a 20 lb pot for better production but the spout is way back from the front and I'm having trouble seeing where the heck the spout is relative to the mold (I do have the NOE cradle gadget, by the way).

How does everyone else use the Lee? Set the pot higher so you can see underneath it or what?

[GregLaROCHE]

I use mine sitting on a chair, but I still need to bend my neck to see the fill. I’ve thought about raising te pot up to make it easier to see.

[2A-Jay]

I built a stand on my Casting bench that raised my Lee 20# pot 8 inches so that I can see the bottom of the spout. Now I can line up the sprue easily. Haven't had a problem since

[Mk42gunner]

See, I am kind of the opposite of you. I started my electric pot casting with a Lee 4-20 and just kind of learned to live with guessing where the spout is. Moved to an RCBS Promelt, and it is very similar to the 4-20.

Basically it is muscle memory after watching the stream from the spout and judging where to position the mold for best fillout.

This last winter I finally heated up the Lee ten pounder for casting some pure lead round balls. I was very pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to see the spout, and how easy it is to fill a mold with it.

Robert

[Winger Ed.]

I set my pot on a bench that is a little on the high side of normal height for one.
I can see the spout, and I'm a little farther away from the pot, instead of looking down into it.

If the tinsel fairy stops by; everything is going up, out, and past me, instead of straight up and onto me.

[gwpercle]

I went back to the ladle ... I have to see them holes to hit them .
Casting blind with a bottom pour didn't work for me .
Gary

[too many things]

wow think you are way too old to melt lead

[AndyC]

wow think you are way too old to melt lead

That's very helpful of you.

Everyone else, thank you.

[OS OK]

Raise it up to a comfy level, simple...but remember that is very hot boolit metal that will land in your lap if your method of raising the pot should collapse!

[Walks]

I sit down at my picnic table on my covered patio. With either the RCBS Pro-Melt or Lyman Mag-20 at just below eye level. No Problem seeing the spout. Have a Lee 10lb that I used to use for pure lead, had no problem seeing that that either. Guess the OLD kitchen chair I've been using is at the right height for me and the old picnic table.

I sold the Lee 20lb pot within 3 months. Never had a pot drip 2lbs for 10lbs of casting.
Frustration gave a guy at the club "such a deal". 20yrs ago

[mf79]

how about prop a small mirror on bottom or side or something at an angle you can see from above

[Tripplebeards]

I sit on a low chair or elevate the pot so I can see the pour.

[Dusty Bannister]

I have both of the Lee pots. The 10 pound pot I do watch the nozzle to sprue relationship. With the 20 pound pot, I use the mold guide and after the first pour, you should know where the sprue hole in the mold should be visible when it is located under the nozzle. The height of the plate below the nozzle is set by the guide. The front to back is just a matter of "sight picture". If the stream wanders around like an excited puppy, you probably need to clean adjust the valve to remove debris.

[Mike W1]

I went at it a bit differently. I use 10# pot and have them set up for my particular needs. But couldn't readily see the melt area when fluxing. Mounted a small mirror on the back of my hood angled to get that view. Crude but works well.
Also a light in that homemade hood as well as 3 puck lights that illuminate the sprue holes better.

[Mk42gunner]

One thing I found helpful for casting with a bottom pour pot is having something to prop my hand on to operate the valve. This doesn't help with visibility, but does help with ergonomics.

With my Lee 4-20 set to the left and behind my Rockchucker on my bench, I found myself resting my right wrist on the loading press. It seems to help.

Obviously I don't have any powder or primers anywhere near the bench while casting, heat and explosives don't make a good combination.

Robert

[Went2kck]

Raise it up to a comfy level, simple...but remember that is very hot boolit metal that will land in your lap if your method of raising the pot should collapse!

That is a nice set up for casting. I may have to do something like that.

[GregLaROCHE]

I don’t see how anyone can cast in the blind.

[JCM45]

I built a riser out of two by four's that sits on top of my bench. I also sit. That combination gives me an excellent view of the spout.

[cstrickland]

I feel kinda silly asking this, but here goes.

I've been using a Lee 10 lb pot for many years and I guess I have gotten used to seeing the spout so I can orient the sprue-cutter holes underneath that. I bought a 20 lb pot for better production but the spout is way back from the front and I'm having trouble seeing where the heck the spout is relative to the mold (I do have the NOE cradle gadget, by the way).

How does everyone else use the Lee? Set the pot higher so you can see underneath it or what?

Not a silly question at all. !!
this right here. I sit it on a work bench and have a chair that puts it at eye level.

I use mine sitting on a chair, but I still need to bend my neck to see the fill. I’ve thought about raising te pot up to make it easier to see.

[MT Chambers]

Maybe it has no spout, maybe it`s a dip type.