PDA

View Full Version : First timer


trixter
07-10-2011, 10:31 AM
On Thursday I received my package. I decided that Saturday morning would be a good time to break them in. So Friday night I got out the brake cleaner and washed them down to get all of the mold release off of them, then to the sink for the soap and water scrub, then into the sun to dry. Later I got the matches and smoked them good. I got the table out and set it up right under my apple tree, for the shade of course, and then the Lee lead pot, some lead ingots, a gallon can for dross (a little overkill but that is all I had). Saturday morning I got out a couple of towels, a couple of table spoons (dollar tree), a sponge, a little water to keep the sponge moist. I plugged in the pot and we were off and running. After about 30 minutes the lead that had been in the pot for (many years) was liquid and I put some wax in, and it lit up nicely. I had an older mold that is a two cavity, and decided to start with that. I lifted the handle and filled the mold and there it was molten lead. I cast about a dozen of them to get the idea and then put my round nose 288gr 45 on the pot to warm. When it looked like it was warm I lubed the blot heads and other spots as per the instructions, and put it under the spout. I lifted the handle and here it came. I made a little mess as I filled the cavities, but got it done.1,2,3,4,5--10. Popped the sprue off and opened the mold and out fell 6 boolits. I was elated, During all of the casting I only had to hit the bolt a few times and the #3 cavity released. Repeat, repeat well you know the story. I cooled the mold after about 6 pours and ran some more. Then i put the other mold on the pot to warm. Same thing, I dropped them in another pile 200gr SWC.
I think I got about 100 of each and then let everything cool and started the inspection. I think I wound up with about 1/2 of them passing. I would have to say all in all It was a great experience.
I need a thermometer for the pot to keep things a little better in control, but I am now going to go lubrasize them and well you know the rest of the story.

All in all a very enjoyable first time, and there will be many more. I might even get good at it. LOL

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_182724e19b7324d8b8.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1433)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_182724e19b752b25c5.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1434)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_182724e19b77134828.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1435)
sundog
07-10-2011, 11:06 AM
Yet another one..., HOOKED! :mrgreen:
littlejack
07-10-2011, 04:49 PM
Welcome to the CastBoolits.
Very nice job.
You will enjoy it more, and more, and more ----------- and so on.
Jack
btroj
07-10-2011, 08:46 PM
I don't use a thermometer at all. As long as the melt flows well enough it is fine. Just don't get it hotter than required.
Keep in mind that mould temp is what really matters.

It looks like a successful first casting session. Let us know how they shoot.

Congrats.
Boolseye
07-12-2011, 06:42 PM
Lookin' good. Welcome to the club.
-jp
Echo
07-13-2011, 10:27 AM
WAY TO GO, TRIXTER!

Welcome to the Forum.
smoked turkey
07-13-2011, 10:44 AM
+1 on your good start. In fact quite a bit better than many of us here can boast about. Looks like you have just found a great hobby to add to your "things I like to do" list. This is a great place to hang your hat too! Welcome.
trixter
07-14-2011, 05:47 AM
Round Two went as planned and I got about 80%. I am really getting to like this. All of the fear is gone and now I am settling into a routine. Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

I just got a line on a 20# RCBS melter and I will see how that goes. I'll get some photos of it too.
Wayne Smith
07-14-2011, 07:53 AM
Round Two went as planned and I got about 80%. I am really getting to like this. All of the fear is gone and now I am settling into a routine. Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

I just got a line on a 20# RCBS melter and I will see how that goes. I'll get some photos of it too.

Oh, Boy, you are now totally lost and hopeless! You are entering on what clearly is, but the age of this board, a lifelong addiction. There is no solution except for more molds, more wheelweights, more knowledge, and another gun just to try something I read about here!