Thermometer

[bsczar1]

Is a deep fryer thermometer for $9 from True Value that goes up to 750 degrees good enough for casting? There's also the Tel-Tru LT225R (200/1000 degree) for $23 direct from Tel-Tru, or the Lyman for $39 from Cabelas. It is my understanding that pure lead melts at 621 degree, and adding tin and antimony lowers that melt point, so is there a need for a 1000 degree thermometer? Which would you guys suggest, and what temps are you at for casting? What about the temp for smelting WW?

[Daddyfixit]

Go with the 1000 deg
I have a few moulds that like to run at 750 deg so I wouldn't want that as a max
Most of mine I cast at 650 to 700
For smelting I use a lower temp in case a zink one sneeks in! but you'll find better fillout at a higher temp...each mould seems to have its own "sweet spot"

[bsczar1]

Thanks for the input. I'll plan to order the Tru-Tel.

[mktacop]

Good choice! I tried one of those cheap frying thermometers, it was scaled to 750, but would really stop at about 710 and go no higher. I had a pot of lead literally glowing red because it was so hot and the thermometer still read 710.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

This is generalized, but from my experience and education,
thermometers (and inexpensive meters in general)
are designed to be accurate in the range of usage.

So a casting thermometer will be accurate in the 600 to 800 range.

a deep frying thermometer will be accurate in the 350 to 500 range

when on the extreme low or high end, they will be quite inaccurate.
Jon

[bumpo628]

Thermometers are most accurate in the middle of their range, so you should get the 1000 degree model.

Here is a link to the best deal I have found:
Tel-Tru thermometer, LT225R, 5” stem, 200/1000F, part no. BBQ-TT-200-5-200/1000
$18.95 + $6.00 shipping
http://www.kck.com/tel-tru_grill_smoker_thermometer.html

[bsczar1]

Thank you Sir. I found that same site earlier today. Direct from Tel-Tru they charge $9.50 for shipping, and I had originally looked the the 3.5" stem which was $22.95. The 5" stem is the one I want and it's actually cheaper.

[shovel80]

Thanks for the website...I'll have to order one on payday!

Terry

[Mike W1]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1213/Product/HEAT-TREAT-THERMOMETER

More expensive, but a 8" stem and a guarantee from Brownells that cannot be beat.

[waynem34]

Thermometers are most accurate in the middle of their range, so you should get the 1000 degree model.

Here is a link to the best deal I have found:
Tel-Tru thermometer, LT225R, 5” stem, 200/1000F, part no. BBQ-TT-200-5-200/1000
$18.95 + $6.00 shipping
http://www.kck.com/tel-tru_grill_smoker_thermometer.html

I got one thanks for the help.

[MikeS]

I have some thermometers that are Tel-tru's, but they have only a 2.5" stem. They go up to 800 degrees, and I don't use them for my casting pot, but rather I stick one (or sometimes 2 of them) into the sprue plate holes of the mould I'm preheating on a hotplate so I can monitor how hot the mould is getting. Works great on most moulds, but the stem is .150 and some moulds have pour holes that are smaller than that, so I can't use them in those.

[SlimTim]

I've only smelted wheel weighs into ingots so far, but the Lyman thermometer I picked up at an estate sale works like a champ for me.

SlimTim

[WILDEBILL308]

I will be getingg the one from Brownells. I like the longer stem and a good garentee.
Bill

[SwedeNelson]

Shameless plug
NOE Lead Pot Thermometer
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=102777

Swede Nelson

[Recluse]

For casting, my temps vary depending upon the mold I'm using and what alloy is in the pot.

For smelting, it's simple: I only use enough temperature necessary to melt the lead off the steel clips. That way, no zinc melts and contaminates.

I HATE sorting and picking through WWs looking for zinc. Smelt at the lowest possible temperature and scoop the little SOBs right off the top. :)

:coffee:

[bsczar1]

Ordered mine today, so hopefully I'll have it by Saturday so I can cast on Sunday.