sthwestvictoria
06-19-2012, 05:30 AM
I came across this statement in "Reloading Simplified: by Cyril Waterworth. This was an Australian guide, printed in 1965. It was published by Sporting Shooter Magazine, which is still going - the journal of our Sporting Shooting Association Australia.
In this book, on page 61 he states:
The correct casting temperature can be found by taking a piece of newspaper, about 10 x 4 inches folder in four, long ways. Plunge it into the molten metal and remove it immediately. If it is coloured a light straw brown, the temperature of the metal is around 600 degrees F. If it is coloured a light brown the temperature is approximately 700 degrees F. If is it coloured a chocolate brown, 800 degrees F is indicated. Finally, if the paper ignites the temperature is around 900 degrees F.
I trialled this for myself, although I do not have a thermometer so I can't be sure it does seem to roughly indicate the temperatures at which I would start casting is around 700 and over.
http://i45.tinypic.com/260db4l.jpg
The newspaper swatches run from 1 to 7 - at 1 the WW were just coming apart and were lumpy oatmeal mush to stir. Clips were still in.
Swatch Two was when lead was fully liquid, after fluxing with sawdust and removing clips.
Swatch 4 & 5 was where I would start casting
At Swatch 7 there was colour coming to the surface of lead - golds and bronzes so I stopped there.
Thoughts? Would someone be interested in comparing this who owns a thermometer?
Would this be a useful trick for a new caster? I know most people without a thermometer just rely on looking at the boolits and feel of the pour.
In this book, on page 61 he states:
The correct casting temperature can be found by taking a piece of newspaper, about 10 x 4 inches folder in four, long ways. Plunge it into the molten metal and remove it immediately. If it is coloured a light straw brown, the temperature of the metal is around 600 degrees F. If it is coloured a light brown the temperature is approximately 700 degrees F. If is it coloured a chocolate brown, 800 degrees F is indicated. Finally, if the paper ignites the temperature is around 900 degrees F.
I trialled this for myself, although I do not have a thermometer so I can't be sure it does seem to roughly indicate the temperatures at which I would start casting is around 700 and over.
http://i45.tinypic.com/260db4l.jpg
The newspaper swatches run from 1 to 7 - at 1 the WW were just coming apart and were lumpy oatmeal mush to stir. Clips were still in.
Swatch Two was when lead was fully liquid, after fluxing with sawdust and removing clips.
Swatch 4 & 5 was where I would start casting
At Swatch 7 there was colour coming to the surface of lead - golds and bronzes so I stopped there.
Thoughts? Would someone be interested in comparing this who owns a thermometer?
Would this be a useful trick for a new caster? I know most people without a thermometer just rely on looking at the boolits and feel of the pour.