Hi gang - I am in currently possession of some 1000+ lbs of ww in 5 gal buckets. I have now gotten to the place where I have a reliable source (actually 2 sources) of ww, and will get an average of one or two 5 gal full buckets per month. It is time to think about a smelting system. Doing it in the 20lb bottom pour furnace doesn't cut it any more.
I have seen some pretty elaborate setups and for someone that can build things, that is great. That isn't me. I can't build a sandwich. Computers I can help you with, but mechanical stuff....nope.
I have seen references to Turkey Fryers being used as the furnace and something else as the lead pot. Anyone use this? How much weight will it hold?
I have a Lee ingot mould (makes 2 1 lb and 2 1/2 lb ingots. I will look for a muffin pan or just buy a new one. That will do to start.
How much can one of those turkey fryers hold in terms of weight on top? I'd hate to overload one, and have it fall over, then be looking at my work for the next twenty years in the driveway.
Buffalo Arms sells a 60,000 BTU single burner furnace for $80. They also sell an 8" diameter 50 lb capacity cast iron pot for $25.00. Over $100 to get a good smelting system....seems kinda steep to me.
Certainly there MUST be a better/cheaper way to buy off the shelf stuff to do smelting of ww into ingots. I need some production capacity because I cast bullets for shooting my submachine guns and handguns.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Donald in NH