Newbie smelting question

[freeokw]

Since lead melts at around 621 F and zinc melts around 787 F, what is a good temp to melt down mixed wheel weights for ingots. I'm thinking around 700 F would be appropriate to eliminate any zinc weights.

Am I on the right track or even close here? :confused:
Any guidance/mentoring is most appreciated.

Semper Fi,
Keith

[bumpo628]

The best way to do it is hand sort the WW before melting, then start picking any zinc weights that you missed as soon as the lead starts to melt. I sort with a pair of wire cutters with a magnet attached to the back side. That way you don't have to change tools to test the steel or zinc weights. You won't be able to mark the zinc weights with the wire cutters.

[clodhopper]

I do it much like bumpo.
Put the dykes to every weight, zinc and steel are much harder than lead.

[plainsman456]

And when sorting drop what you think is zinc on concrete.
It will make a ringing sound.

[fredj338]

I hand sort as well, mostly to cull any plastics & rubber & such. You get a feel for non lead ww after awhile & can always check w/ wire snips. Keep your smelt below 725deg or so & the odd one will float to the top.

[gray wolf]

This is what works for me, Sort and get rid of the junk.
Side cutters work and so does the drop and listen for the ring sound.
Scratch each one with a sharp pointed awl or a sharp nail. The sound and feel is much different that ZN. I don't see Steel as a big problem, just skim them out.
As for temp The WW will go to slush about 500-525* and should be melted and liquid at 600* ZN melts about 750* So with the Thermometer That I bought from Tel-True
for about 25$$ I keep my melt at 625* everything that float gets skimmed of.
Don't forget to flux, Stick on and other lead gets done separately and melts at a higher Temp.
I learned all that from my friends here on the forum, Also from reading.

[cajun shooter]

As it has been posted, the correct first step is hand sorting to remove most zinc and and steel weights with a magnet(zinc by sight and steel with magnet) A temp of 650-700 will have your zinc and steel floating on top as both are lighter than lead. A good telescopic magnet may be purchased from Harbour Freight and save you bending all the time.

[freeokw]

Thanks to all for the excellent advice and mentoring.
Your collective knowledge is truly amazing!!!
Semper Fi!
Keith

[perimedik]

like a pair of dykes
http://www.kleinconnection.com/KleinConnection/images/1104_icon.jpg

or wire strippers?
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/558642_lg.jpg

[mebe007]

use the dykes.