Heat source

[twoshotc]

Would a 1000 watt hot plate produce enough heat to melt the lead?
thanks

[jmort]

Yes. Could you come up with $35.00 or $50.00?
http://www.titanreloading.com/melters

[BobW.]

No need to come up with $35.00 to $50.00. Visit a local Wally world or drug store, cost about $18.00. I use it with an old cast iron frying pan. You will melt about 10 pounds of range lead in about 18 minutes. It goes without saying NEVER use the frying pan for food.

[jonas302]

It sure should make enough heat if you already have it give it a go

[Brenden]

I used a 15 dollar hot plate from Walgreens for 3 years.

[bangerjim]

You CAN "melt" lead in just about anything with just about any higher heat source.....as long as you wait long enough.

"Casting" it effectively and efficiently is another story!!!!!!!!

Casting from an old pot on a hotplate is very difficult. It can be done, but why burden yourself with the cumbersome task of ladle casting (PITA) from an old pot when, for a few dollars, you can have an efficient bottom pour Lee 4-20 that gives perfect pours! I have 2 of them + 2 of the 10# melters.

I highly recommend: use the commercial equipment that was designed for what you are trying to do! Leave the pots, pans, spoons, and hot plates for the kitchen help to cook dinner!

banger

[gwpercle]

I just returned a new double element hot plate because just about the time lead would begin to melt the thing would shut off. Safety feature ... so a pot wont catch on fire...right bothersome feature if trying to melt lead. It was was one of the new ones with covered elements...worthless for melting lead. Find an old one that has exposed elements and no shut down safety feature. Seems like the government has to save us from hurting ourselves even if it kills us. The old ones will melt lead...but not the new ones.
That being said, the Lee melters are much more efficient and user friendly. I use a small one that I've had for years and am going to plug a larger bottom pour because I prefer usining a ladle to cast with...the bottom pour didn't work for me. But they beat a hot plate six ways to Sunday.
Gary

[saphelps]

Wife brought home a single element, proud to contribute to my new casting efforts. It, too, had an auto shut-off. Haven't had the heart or courage to tell her so it is now a great mold pre-heater.

[dikman]

I guess it's the thought that counts. At least she takes an interest in your hobby.

[detox]

Do it right the first time. IMO the Lee Magnum 20lb melter is current best for ladle casting only. The Lyman 10lb may be OK. I have Lee's 5lb version also, but it is way too small for ladle casting.

Buy a good thermometer also. The RCBS versions are good

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690949

[Garyshome]

Hey detox is that your horse? Fine lookin' animal!

[detox]

Hey detox is that your horse? Fine lookin' animal!

No...its just a verygood picture of a beautiful stallion.

[detox]

A good heat source...copy and save
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee395/aviserated1/tail_zps113c8d4f.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/aviserated1/media/tail_zps113c8d4f.jpg.html)

[turtlezx]

That will keep your ladle warm !!

[dikman]

Man, just look at those stilettos........