ArcticAL907
02-29-2016, 11:49 AM
Seems like this is the best place to ask lead melting questions...many experts here!
Ok, so I'm not pouring bullets, I am pouring fishing sinkers, jig heads, spoons, etc. Most of the stuff I pour is big: 1 pound jig heads, 3,4, and 5 pound fishing sinkers.
When I pour pure lead, it hardens to a mirror like finish, its soft, and it's perfect.
I just bought 400 pounds of lead that seems to be hardened. When I pour this stuff, it is not perfect. It is brittle when still warm and pieces often break off when opening the mold. It cools to a light gray non-mirrored finish. Cracks often form as it cools. I will also get deep depressions in the flat surfaces as it cools.
I imagine this stuff is mixed with tin or antimony. Is there anyway to soften this stuff up or make it more workable for my needs?
Thanks for the wisdom,
Arctic AL
Ok, so I'm not pouring bullets, I am pouring fishing sinkers, jig heads, spoons, etc. Most of the stuff I pour is big: 1 pound jig heads, 3,4, and 5 pound fishing sinkers.
When I pour pure lead, it hardens to a mirror like finish, its soft, and it's perfect.
I just bought 400 pounds of lead that seems to be hardened. When I pour this stuff, it is not perfect. It is brittle when still warm and pieces often break off when opening the mold. It cools to a light gray non-mirrored finish. Cracks often form as it cools. I will also get deep depressions in the flat surfaces as it cools.
I imagine this stuff is mixed with tin or antimony. Is there anyway to soften this stuff up or make it more workable for my needs?
Thanks for the wisdom,
Arctic AL