Hit the jackpot with the last load of isotope Lead.

[geargnasher]

Thanks for the reply, I'm looking for something with enough antimony to make about 14 air-cooled. I have a good lead on a bunch of Linotype alloy from the local college, seems they're getting rid of their printing equipment this summer and the alloy is mine for scrap prices. I'll just harden up some of what I have.

Gear

[leadman]

I get some real shiny small isotope containers that when melted have alot of slushy dross form on the top. This is unlike any of the others containers (I get about 7 different containers) and it really does not want to go back in the alloy. I have fluxed, increased temp, etc. So I scoop it off and sell it to the scrapper. The ingots are harder than the rest of the containers, about 12 to 14BHN.
So now I use these to harden up the other containers.

I have found with some bullet styles, like the SWCs some tin added to the pot really helps fill out. Boolits like the Lee RFN or TC don't really need tin added.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

I get some real shiny small isotope containers that when melted have alot of slushy dross form on the top. This is unlike any of the others containers (I get about 7 different containers) and it really does not want to go back in the alloy. I have fluxed, increased temp, etc. So I scoop it off and sell it to the scrapper. The ingots are harder than the rest of the containers, about 12 to 14BHN.
So now I use these to harden up the other containers.

I have found with some bullet styles, like the SWCs some tin added to the pot really helps fill out. Boolits like the Lee RFN or TC don't really need tin added.

leadman,

Any pictures of these?

Sam

[merlin101]

Have you had any of the 12" long x 1" diameter Blue pipe like containers? Seem to be real hard. This is the second batch in the past 2 months. I have about 40 of them so far.

Sam

I saw a bunch of blue "pipes'' at the recycler the other day and didn't think much about em, they sell all lead @ .60lb should I run back down there for them? I uselly just pick up some of the round 30lb things and some of the smaller isitope "cans''.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Depends if it is enough to make it worth while.

Sam

[riverwalker76]

This has probably been asked before, but I can't find it.

Are the isotopes contaminated with anything when you get them? ie... radiation, etc ...

[Muddy Creek Sam]

No, They have to keep them for 60 days past the half life.

Sam

[riverwalker76]

No, They have to keep them for 60 days past the half life.

Sam

Please help me understand this. In my understanding of radioactive nuclides .. a radioactive isotope decays perfectly, but there would still be some level of radioactive contamination even after 60 days past the half life. It may be in such minute forms that it would be the equivalent of an x-ray, but wouldn't melting the lead release it into the atmosphere?

Help me understand this.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Please help me understand this. In my understanding of radioactive nuclides .. a radioactive isotope decays perfectly, but there would still be some level of radioactive contamination even after 60 days past the half life. It may be in such minute forms that it would be the equivalent of an x-ray, but wouldn't melting the lead release it into the atmosphere?

Help me understand this.

See sqlbullet's site http://www.fellingfamily.net/isolead/index.html

Sam

[sqlbullet]

Actually, they have to decay them for a minimum number of half lives (lifes?), and they have to be tested with a certain type of meter prior to release to scrappers. You will get more radiation from the rocks on pass on a hike in the park.

The most common isotope is Tech99-m, which has a 6 hour half-life as I recall. There are a variety of others used, with the iodine's having the longest half-life.

[riverwalker76]

Actually, they have to decay them for a minimum number of half lives (lifes?), and they have to be tested with a certain type of meter prior to release to scrappers. You will get more radiation from the rocks on pass on a hike in the park.

The most common isotope is Tech99-m, which has a 6 hour half-life as I recall. There are a variety of others used, with the iodine's having the longest half-life.

Got ya!

So ... 60 days past their half life would be more than sufficient to decontaminate them.