Problem with Lee Pot Spout Freeze

[Rich22]

Gentlemen

I am brand new to this and hopefully you guys can help me. Have a new Lee 20 Lb pot and have found that unless I have the temp in excess of 725 (have thermometer) that the spout will solidify and I have to hit it with a torch to get it to flow again, It will then solidify within about 45 seconds unless I pour more. What can be done to prevent this or could I be doing something wrong?

Thank you

[OuchHot!]

I haven't had that problem with my Lee but my pro-melt used to do that. I wrapped the pizzle with some insulation and that seemed to fix it. I had to clean it very thoroughly first.

[Frozone]

I second the insulation.
BUT it doesn't do a lot on the LEE 20#.
You need to leave the bottom open so the handle can move up and down.
About all you can do is put insulation under the cover on the bottom.
About 1/4" thick.

You can use fiberglass for this, but it's marginal,
Ceramic wool is a better material.

I got about 25º from adding the insulation.
I get freeze about 675º after insulating.

[snuffy]

What's the temp in the room? Outside? Ambient temp at too low a temp can wreck havoc on the spout freeze. Especially if there's a slight breeze!

[500MAG]

What's the temp in the room? Outside? Ambient temp at too low a temp can wreck havoc on the spout freeze. Especially if there's a slight breeze!

I agree with Snuffy. I use the same pot never had the problem. Then again, I live in South Florida.

[dragon813gt]

I get it if there is any debris in the spout. And sometimes when I leave lead in it and remelt it from a solid. Once I get going it's fine. I use a butane grill lighter. Takes all of five seconds to free it up.

[Rich22]

Was in garage temp approx. 60 degrees. Live in orlando so not exactly freezing here. I will clean it and try again.
What's the temp in the room? Outside? Ambient temp at too low a temp can wreck havoc on the spout freeze. Especially if there's a slight breeze!

[500MAG]

You may want to keep a bent wire, like a paper clip handy to run up thru the spout. It can clear any debris that may be in there. What source of lead are you using? If you are melting wheel weights, that have not been smelted and fluxed separately, you can really clog it up. Your right, 60 degrees won't cause a problem.

[Rich22]

I will try that, source is clean previously fluxed SOWW lead. I will see if I can dig up some kind of wire that is the right diameter, tried a nail but even the smallest brad I have is too large.


You may want to keep a bent wire, like a paper clip handy to run up thru the spout. It can clear any debris that may be in there. What source of lead are you using? If you are melting wheel weights, that have not been smelted and fluxed separately, you can really clog it up. Your right, 60 degrees won't cause a problem.

[snuffy]

I will try that, source is clean previously fluxed SOWW lead.

Well, that right there is the reason! SOWW, I interpret as stick on wheel weights. Right? They're nearly pure lead, so they can easily bend to conform to the inside of mag wheel rims. Because of that, the lead must be hotter than clip on WW.

Turn the heat up until you no longer have freezes.

[DLCTEX]

A paper clip is the right size and length.

[Rich22]

Ahh I did not know that, everything I have read said keep the lead sub 700 for the most part, I will try cranking the sucker up and see what happens, likely this will be the only SOWW I use since I will need harder alloy for the most part.



Well, that right there is the reason! SOWW, I interpret as stick on wheel weights. Right? They're nearly pure lead, so they can easily bend to conform to the inside of mag wheel rims. Because of that, the lead must be hotter than clip on WW.

Turn the heat up until you no longer have freezes.

[ranger1962]

this is what I have heard also I do know that when my pot gets over 700 it really starts dripping

[KCcactus]

+1 on the paperclip. I keep one and a pair of pliers with my casting set-up. I have a Lee 10lb and a 20lb.

[Kraschenbirn]

Have the same problem with my Lyman 20-pounder. Best solution I've found is to cast at a little higher temp...and, just as a back-up, work, I keep a butane 'mini-torch' on the bench while I'm casting. A couple passes with the tip of the flame and I'm back in business.

Bill