Moderators-I wasn't sure where to post this one so I apologize if it's in the wrong spot.
Here goes. There have been many discussions on this forum concerning the tinsel fairy, how much water is needed to cause a visit, pre-heating ingots before adding them to the hot pot, and safety gear. Well here is what happened to a friend of mine today.
My friend got into casting his own boolits about a month ago. I gave him all the pointers on safety including the right clothing, ensuring all moisture is kept away from a hot pot, and preheating ingots. I even provided the link to this wonderful site and told him to read, read, and read some more. Well he did read, but I don't believe it was this site. He read on the internet some where that you don't have to pre-heat ingots before adding them to a hot pot.
Well he called me today and the first thing he says is "My pot blew up!! What made it happen?" After asking some questions we figured it out. He added a cold 2 pound ww ingot to his hot pot. According to him about 1 second after he dropped the ingot in lead just erupted from the 20 pound pot. He now has severe burns on his face, arms, and scalp. Burnt off his hair to.
I am now heading to buy myself a clear face shield and to check up on him. Maybe he'll let me take pictures after the customary at least you were already ugly jokes.
I know it has been said before, but after this all I can say please heed all the safety precautions and wear good protective gear while casting.
Dick