Brand new RCBS Pro-Melt first gen

[Nick Quick]

Don't ask how I got it but I got a brand new RCBS Pro-Melt first generation. New in the box. I kept looking at it and could not believe what I'm looking at. She's pristine. I feel like just keeping it like that and look at it from time to time ha ha ha.
Now that I assemble it and is ready to roll I was thinking that before I start using it if I should do something that I cannot think of right now. Any idea from you gents?
My old first gen Pro-Melt who I still have it I use it in conjunction with Hatch PID. But is not a permanent install as I use the same PID for my Master Caster. Should I get another PID and install it permanently on the new melter or I should not bother opening it and such. It is very easy to just dip the probe in the pot and plug the pot to the PID and then plug the PID to the wall.
Also, anyone uses the after market lid and tray sold on ebay? Is is worth buying it?
Any input much appreciated.
Nick

[Mk42gunner]

I'd try it stock, i.e. without the PID first. You may be surprised.

Uncountable tons of lead alloy have been melted in original Promelts without PIDs over the decades since its introduction. I still use mine without a PID.

I tend to think of PIDs as they might be nice to have, but they aren't totally necessary to make good boolits.

Robert

[rcslotcar]

My old Ohio Pro Melt is still working perfectly. RCBS bought the rights to make it under their name long ago.

[Nick Quick]

How about the add on tray and lid sold on ebay. I kinda like the idea of instead of holding the mold in my hand just lay it on the tray and push it to the next hole. Was wondering if anyone has it and can chime in with a feedback.

[Land Owner]

Got a link to the tray and lid on eBay? Not familiar with those.

My Pro-Melt has a mold guide bar below the spout that is attached and adjustable by set screws. I rest the bottom of the mold on the bar as I pour from the spout.

[Walks]

N.O.E. makes a GREAT mold guide for the RCBS old Pro Melt. I use an inverted ingot mold on top of My old Pro Melt.

[Nick Quick]

I went on NOE site and the guide for RCBS is for the new generation. I will send them an e-mail ask. Thank you for the tip.

[Rapier]

The old Pro Melt is fully adjustable for mould height, pour speed, etc. I never needed a lid or tray. If you clean and then heat your moulds by placing them on the alloy before the pro melt ii turned on or plugged in, they are within two bullet drops for casting quality bullets when the alloy is ready to pour.
If you use the same make and type moulds, the height stays fairly constant for casting. Since I cast with multiple moulds at one time, usually four 2x cavity moulds, the mould height is a factor.

My pro melt has been painted with Bar BQ grill paint twice, it is now black.Probably have emptied it, then taken it apart and cleaned the sides, valve, etc two dozen times. Lke any mechanical tool, it needs a bit of maintenance from time to time.

[rcslotcar]

I mounted a "lab jack" 4"x 4" to the base of my pro melt. I can adjust height of the mold in seconds. The heavy Hensley & Gibbs 8-10 cavity molds are a piece of cake with this mod. I also use the ebay mentioned aluminum lid on my pot.

[Nick Quick]

Thanks for the tip. Had no idea what a lab jack is. Now I know and that's exactly what I'm going to buy. That's perfect because I have jig head molds that need to be poured a tad inclined. Awesome idea.

[Hahndorf1874]

Have 2 50 yr old ProMelts, still as good as new one for 20/1 the other for Lino, have cast thousands of pills over that time!! Cheers Mal in au.

[Land Owner]

Thank you for the link. I have never needed or used a lid. I have never emptied the pot and leave it nearly full after the day's castings as it (was said) "heats faster" from cold with a nearly full pot. I have never taken apart or "cleaned" the pot. I wipe away dirt and grime during use. I always flux the previously well-fluxed alloy (again and again) in the pot of my Pro Melt. The mold guide bar has been completely satisfactory for me over the 10's of thousands of times I have passed boolits molds across it. My original Pro Melt is working well in the way that I have used it and will continue to use it.