Keeping track of your alloys - HF stamp kit

[drfroglegs]

I haven't seen this posted, but I found a cool little trick to keep up with the alloy content you have for different batches.

Pick up a stamp kit from harbor freight ($10) and you can stamp the batch. I used a sharpie before, but that fades away.

Here is my pewter and hard Lead samples in an ammo can.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/drfroglegs/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_141317_zps3e5e8jif.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/drfroglegs/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_141317_zps3e5e8jif.jpg.html)

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/drfroglegs/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_161532_zpsqtya39eg.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/drfroglegs/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_161532_zpsqtya39eg.jpg.html)

[Fernando]

I use the same stamps - but single stamps and a log book

[country gent]

To make it even quicker and easier when doing a batch of ingots get the stamps and tape together around sides tight with heavy tape. This holds them together in line and one blow from a heavy hammer puts the markings in place.

[drfroglegs]

To make it even quicker and easier when doing a batch of ingots get the stamps and tape together around sides tight with heavy tape. This holds them together in line and one blow from a heavy hammer puts the markings in place.
Great idea. I was only doing one ingot for each batch since I keep my batches separated, but it would be better to do each ingot!

I have noticed HF almost always has some of these on the clearance section missing a few stamps. Might be the ideal place to pickup the extra S, B, and extra numbers for the "single stamps."

[Yodogsandman]

I keep meaning to stamp my ingots but, never seem to get around to it any more. I stack the ingots after making them and spray paint the ends with different colors for different alloys to denote what they are.

[lightman]

This is what I use.

http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy164/PTheodo/IMG_0222.jpg (http://s788.photobucket.com/user/PTheodo/media/IMG_0222.jpg.html)

This is a ground rod clamp with a longer bolt added. Just something that I had laying around the shop.

[duckey]

I use a thick sharpie

[bangerjim]

Been doing it for many many years

[hc18flyer]

I stamp individual ingots of raw materials, IE- CW, SW, LT. I identify alloys with P= pistol, R= rifle and a batch #, which corresponds with a alloy sheet and bhn. Flyer

[Budzilla 19]

I think you have got the right idea!! Stamp them as to exactly the amounts(if known) of each specific ingredients and you'll never be lost!!! And if you have to sell them or trade them ,the buyer knows EXACTLY what they purchased or traded for!! Good job!

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i just use a sharpie

[Tailhunter]

I haven't seen this posted, but I found a cool little trick to keep up with the alloy content you have for different batches.

Pick up a stamp kit from harbor freight ($10) and you can stamp the batch. I used a sharpie before, but that fades away.

Here is my pewter and hard Lead samples in an ammo can.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/drfroglegs/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_141317_zps3e5e8jif.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/drfroglegs/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_141317_zps3e5e8jif.jpg.html)

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/drfroglegs/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_161532_zpsqtya39eg.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/drfroglegs/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151121_161532_zpsqtya39eg.jpg.html)

That is very cool but seems like a lot of work for a 1/2 pound ingot. :bigsmyl2:

[Steve77]

I only have 3 different alloys that I smelt. Straight wheel weights, pure lead, and unknown lead alloy blends. I welded letters on big bolt heads with my wire welder. "W" for wheel weights. "P" for lead since PB is the element abbreviation. And an "X" for unknown.

[drfroglegs]

That is very cool but seems like a lot of work for a 1/2 pound ingot. :bigsmyl2:
Haha. Agreed. I made these in half pound ingots because I mix these with my bulk lead source to increase the Sn/Sb. I do my bulk lead and final alloys in 1lb ingots!

Since I group them all together in different ammo cans I actually only stamp one ingot that faces up. You can separate with card board in the ammo can if you want to keep different batches separated.

[zuke]

Great idea

[Calamity Jake]

Keep my in a 5 gal. bucket that is marked as to what is inside. 3 buckets setting in my casting area WW, Pure and Lino.

[Petrol & Powder]

Been using stamp sets for years. Tools, lead, key tags, keys, etc.
Quick, permanent & cheap.

[Nose Dive]

Woooo..... YOU GUYS BLOW ME AWAY!! In the CREEK! Wooo...

I do lable my ingots and boolits boxes.... but all is with paper, pencil and scotch tape.....

All my stuff is just...well.... smelt ingots for 'stuff' and a date.... and BRN's and dates on boolit boxes....

And Yes..I do "Srew up" with the tape and paper.... Your guys are 'studs' for sure!!

Nose Dive

Cheap, Fast, Good. Kinldy pick two.

[CGT80]

My ingot molds are bigger and I stamp them with WW for wheel weights, RS for range scrap, and P for pure. The 20 pound pot might take 5-6 of my ingots and I also have some WW and what I think in lino type in 1 pound ingots to mix in. Rotometals tin wire is used if the molds don't fill out, but only if I have an issue. RS works fine as is for my 40 and 45 cal pistol loads.

[Blanket]

I use different ingot molds for all, Lyman =soft, Saeco = COWW, corn pone = 15-1, rounds = tin, muffin = 22 lead, angle iron = got to test

[mold maker]

If your lead is in tons and your memory is old, Ya better mark them, so the next fellow isn't lost. Don't wait till you have to just guess, as your time will come, if your lucky.

[fecmech]

I just use an electric engraver and write like a pencil, they are not that expensive.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=71601&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1403158924

[higgins]

I stamp my ingots with that cheap screwdriver that's been lying on my bench for about 20 years that I use for all the things you're not supposed to use a screwdriver for (punch, chisel, scraper, small pry bar, etc.). I stamp mine WW, and range scrap as JKTD BLT (jacketed bullet core metal), CAST, or PLATED (plated bullet metal). Certainly not as neat as letter stamps, but still permanently marked and readable.

[typz2slo]

I use the stamps as well. CO clip on SO stick on RS range scrap to mark my ingots. Once they are made and marked I use my XRF gun at work to analyze whats in them and note it in my journal.

[rr2241tx]

Helped my son use some HF 20% coupons the other day and got a set of punches free. Right price. Marking ingots is going to use up a few rainy, cold winter weekends.

[therealhitman]

Sharpies ain't cheap anymore so that $10 stamp kit may save you money in the long run.

[bruce381]

I label the "5 gal pails" the ingots are in too many to label each one.