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1911KY
08-19-2014, 10:32 AM
The previous pot on my new to me Lee Production Pot had the spout seized so bad that I could not unclog it, so I ordered a replacement.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p628/jamesearnett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140817_025242_zpsccmmcop2.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p628/jamesearnett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140818_135713_zpsxube7y50.jpg

Got the new one in last night and was a bit surprised that it wasn't quite the same as the previous pot. The new one was a bit shorter! So I had to create an opening for the pour spout.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p628/jamesearnett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140819_003458_zps90cqnxsx.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p628/jamesearnett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140819_003435_zpshdxquhlx.jpg

Now it has a new pot, rod, valve arm, bushings and handle. I added a heavy socket to the valve arm to help keep it closed and stop leaks. I also added a temporary thermometer guide with a piece of paper clip. I want to fab up a metal bracket to do this job as I have seen a few on here that looked nice. The clip that came with thermostat holds it at strange angle, so it's pretty much worthless for the melter.

I think it needs a shelf to rest the mold on while I am casting. I will do some research on here to see what others have done.
Hardcast416taylor
08-19-2014, 12:17 PM
I noticed the same differences in my pot re-build. Wonder why LEE has 2 different size replacement and original equipment parts?Robert
1911KY
08-19-2014, 01:37 PM
The original was a little more robust on the rim and held the valve rod tighter to the valve handle. I had to use some metal wire to snug it up if you didn't notice. Looks like a cost reduction, but the length difference is ridiculous. They should have at least put that to spec. Makes the coils sit a little lower on the pot. I thought about cutting the aluminum casing down, but that has many challenges to overcome.
1911KY
08-20-2014, 11:52 AM
Improved the thermometer guide.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p628/jamesearnett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140820_001914_zpsbaketveq.jpg
Vinne
08-20-2014, 01:43 PM
Well 1911, looks like you are set for another 20 years!! Does me good to see good equipment given a new life. CAST ON!!!
1911KY
08-21-2014, 10:27 AM
Well, all the handling of thermostat didn't do it any favors, pretty sure it's toast. As I was casting last night, the knob would not control the temperature. It just kept climbing, so I kept adding ingots to bring it down and would have to unplug the pot at times. It didn't have this problem before, I could turn it to 6 and it would stay around 700 F. It's $14.98 for a new one but I think I will just use an extension cord with an on off switch for awhile and see how that goes. Maybe a PID is a potential purchase down the road.
dikman
08-21-2014, 08:48 PM
It will cost you a bit more than that to build a PID, but probably be money better spent.
1911KY
08-21-2014, 10:39 PM
I think I can get buy with an on off switch but I agree a PID would be money well spent. Something to be said for set it and forget it.
DaveInFloweryBranchGA
08-27-2014, 08:19 AM
My vote is for the PID as well. Good repair/adaptation job.
dikman
08-27-2014, 07:09 PM
An on-off switch only is dangerous! Any distraction and the thing will easily reach nearly 1000*F (mine hit 900*F, and very quickly, while I was "experimenting").
1911KY
08-27-2014, 07:47 PM
An on-off switch only is dangerous! Any distraction and the thing will easily reach nearly 1000*F (mine hit 900*F, and very quickly, while I was "experimenting").

I hear ya!! Maybe I will do the thermostat until I can get the funds together for a PID.