TIN! Where is some at a reasonablecost?

[DrBill33]

In alloying, TIN is an important factor. Only a year ago it was "reasonable" at 11/lb. Now it is around 18/lb!

Rotometal has very good material;s... but I am needing Tin for alloying, HOPEFULLY at a lower cost than he now has on his site. A retired Pastor's income does not go as far as it once did.

Any and all suggestions will be most appreciated.

[fryboy]

the term "reasonable" is subject to interpretation lolz , i scrounge every bit of beat up pewter that isnt priced at a arm and a leg , while pure alloy is running high compared to the market price (rotometal's $18 vs. current market price of $10.88) a judicious scrounger can often find pewter at bargain prices ( my best this year , yeah all two month of it ) was a 3# pitcher for 75 cents , but even i have to admit that that was pure luck , so ummm good luck amigo !!!

[Max Brand]

I bought a couple of bars off this guy a while back and they came out to a little over $10 a pound which is the cheapest I've seen for a while. He occasionally runs it on sale for $16.99 shipped for a 1.5+ pound bar just keep checking back. LINK (http://www.ebay.com/itm/330679326770?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648)

[cf_coder]

I second the pewter angle. I try to find most of mine at yard sales. Most folks having a yard sale don't really know the value of their trinkets. when you search on E-bay or Craigslist, you find the "collectors" who already paid an arm and a leg for their goodie and are trying to get top dollar.

Oh... and a word to the wise. Don't ever tell them you're going to melt it down. Just say... Ooooooo that's Purty. :-)

[Defcon-One]

I use 50/50 solder for the Tin content. It is pretty easy to find and since it is already alloyed with lead it is easy to mix.

I found some good deals on Ebay, but you have to watch and keep an eye out. Prices vary greatly, but you can find good deals.

I only buy factory bars, marked 50/50, not ingots.

[littlejack]

You can get the solder drippings at the radiator shop. Usually, they will give it to you.
Jack

[geargnasher]

Watch the Swappin'/Sellin' forum, there's almost always someone selling solder or similar, usually of known content, and often it comes out to around $10/lb.

Gear

[Anthony333]

Pewter is a good idea...

I got around 5
pounds today at one shop ! I was excited :-)
Paid $20.00 and it was a few goblets, mugs, and a nice heavy small vase .... my lucky day for Pewter !

[dmize]

How does one go about identifying something made of pewter?

[cf_coder]

Look on the bottom of the item. It will usually be stamped Pewter. Don't buy Wilton products. They are NOT pewter...

[HodakaGA]

As Spring approaches the yard sales will pick up. A lot of them around here are moving sales or estate sales. I make it a point to stop by and do a quick run through looking for rolls of solder. I try and make it a point to quickly ask "where's the guy stuff - Guns, Fishing gear, Tools and such". I always ask about any pewter, lead, or solder they have.

In just a few sales last Spring I got close to 10 lbs. of solder and pewter and might have paid $5 total for it. Also picked up several pieces of silver flatware that I could turn for a quick profit. It's amazing how many people haven't figured out you can sell junk and odd pieces of flatware to the "we buy gold' places.

[Finster101]

44 WCF has both tin and antimony up for sale in Swappin and Sellin.

[badgeredd]

I watch for high tin babbitt at sales as well as solder. One problem with the babbitt is there are several grades out there and babbitt may have other metals in generous proportions. Scrap solder at yard/garage sales is the most plentiful source around here. Lat year I picked up no less than 30# of solder at various sales.

Edd

[letsmeltlead2693]

WW are a good source of tin of you are looking for an alloy source. Also ask some plumbers if they have some scrap tin solder or as mentioned go to a second hand or thrift store and look for pewter.

[Frank]

I try not to use tin. Too much tin and you'll get age softening. Softer opens up groups. Even quality store bought BH21 came down to 18, probably due to tin. Try casting at a higher temperature and keep the mold hot. If I need it, I use lead free soldier from Home Depot. A short length of 8" goes into the 20# if needed..

[AndyC]

I bought 10lbs recently from dlviolin on the Swappin' and Sellin' section recently - $5/lb for 60-40 tin-lead solder he'd recovered and smelted into ingots.

[EDG]

Don't go crazy buying "pewter" on ebay. Pewter is also just a color.
Make sure it is the real alloy pewter.

[imashooter2]

How does one go about identifying something made of pewter?

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=127929

[DistRifle]

I bought some 95/5 from Amazon at $5.59 per 1/2 lb plus shipping. Best price I've seen so far. Bought 5 lbs with shipping @ $12.78/lb.

http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-AM23955-2-Pound-Cookson-Lead-Free/dp/B000G36C7Q

[Dale53]

I would like to suggest that when you find a decent price, you buy about twice what you think you can afford. Metals are only going UP! Otherwise, you'll be looking back and wondering why you didn't buy more when you had the chance.

Just a thought...

Dale53

[Bill*]

Pewter is a good idea...

I got around 5
pounds today at one shop ! I was excited :-)
Paid $20.00 and it was a few goblets, mugs, and a nice heavy small vase .... my lucky day for Pewter !

Before you toss it in the pot,check the vase base. Sometimes the manufacturer will fill the base with concrete, sand, or something to gain that weight cheaply.