Tragedy Strikes!!

[Rich/WIS]

I think my SAECO M24 furnace is dying. Was casting today when it stopped pouring. Thought maybe it was plugged up, but was using clean alloy in a cleaned pot. Discovered the lead in the pot (about 7-8lbs) was starting to solidify. Turned up the temp to 900 and it melted okay but if I cut the temp back to my normal casting setting the spout would freeze. Not sure how the heating element is arranged aroung the pot, but the top seems to be hot and the bottom colder. Have had it for 30+ years and it is (or was) a damn good furnace. Will try using it with the temp set higher but if it is the heating element I suspect it is headed toward complete failure. Does anyone still service these or am I looking at buying a new furnace?

[John Boy]

... a cast iron pot and a thermometer. You'll never have to worry again

[thompsonm1a1]

for what they cost it is cheaper to buy a new one as i have been using a lee drip o matic for 12 years and it serves me well but i know i will have to buy a new one soon before the old one dies.

[chas8008]

sorry op

[bobthenailer]

If im correct i think the Saeco pot has a contact thats something like the contacts on a ign point set on a car engine but on a bimattlic strip . so take off the cover and clean or sand the 2 contacts they may be burnt.

[oneokie]

The contacts are mounted on bimetal leaves that can take a set over time. Do a search for Saeco in this thread. There are several threads that deal with the problem.

[Calamity Jake]

Here's the fix http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=114184

It's a sticky on this page

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Your pot is certainly worth fixing. Bob The Nailer has it properly diagnosed. Follow Calamity Jakes' referral and also PM Molly for specific guidance. LLS

[Bret4207]

I've fixed mine a couple times. Could be the thermostat too in which case this is what you need- http://orders.ppe.com/odr/rbpperetail.htm?p-part=B-200

[Rich/WIS]

UPDATE: Looked at the replies and am impressed, had no idea this kind of advice and help was out there. My shooting and hunting buddy was by today (I cast for his guns and mine) and I told him the bad news. He says "don't worry, have my dad's Lyman bottom pour and a milk crate of alloy and bullet molds, will bring them over". Looks like I am back in operation, and can also try and fix the SAECO as a backup if the Lyman quits.

Thank you everyone, joining this forum was the smartest thing I have ever did.

[Bret4207]

Get that Lyman and rig the SAECO over it and rig so both handles are connected. You now have what amounts to a 20lbs pot. Add your fresh alloy to the top pot. That's my plan for my 2 SAECOS.

[ronbo]

I did do a repair or two on a Lyman 61 and they are similiar. Link to Saeco post

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=127392

[oneokie]

Two more threads with information:
http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=28997&highlight=saeco
http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=31213&highlight=saeco

[BossHoss]

+1 on the Lyman 61 and Saeco....best 10lbers ever.