View Full Version : Lee "Drip-o-matic" Fix
Bill*
05-03-2008, 10:58 PM
I have a Lee pro pot IV that drips (from threads here, I gather that they pretty much all do). Anyway, I read here that a pair of "vise-grips" would add some weight to the pouring handle and fix the leaking. Good idea, but I wanted something that didn't look quite so "temporary" (and I didn't want to tie up my vise-grips). The weight on the end of the factory handle measures .811 OD. and a lowes (or wherever) 3/4" galv. pipe nipple measures .808 to .813 ID (it varied around the ID circ.). I used my finger and a small piece of emery cloth till the nipple would just tap on without much effort . A pipe cap finished it off. I used a 3 1/2" nipple but any length should work. This is projecting out a couple of inches from the original so the leverage is added to the actual weight. If you needed more you could increase the length or maybe you have a friend who can melt some lead into it for you [smilie=1: :mrgreen: I hope someone can use this idea as I've gotten so many from here I would like to return the favour a bit. This is a GREAT site!!!!!......Bill
robertbank
05-04-2008, 12:41 AM
Good idea Bill. I hope it works long term. I finally bought a RCBS Pro Melter and installed the Drip on Matic over top of it. I now have a source of preheated lead.
Take Care
Bob
TAWILDCATT
05-06-2008, 09:26 PM
the other solution is to turn the rod with a screw driver and keep the pot clean.
compass will
05-06-2008, 09:30 PM
= If you needed more you could increase the length or maybe you have a friend who can melt some lead into it for you [smilie=1: :mrgreen:.....Bill
Would you ladle pour to fill the pipe or use a bottom feeder? ;)
sounds like a good idea, if (when) mine starts to leak I will remember this.
JeffinNZ
05-06-2008, 09:35 PM
I would argue the best fix is a ladle and a big self taping screw.
randyrat
05-08-2008, 06:37 AM
*****Just never run it completly dry*****,turn the screw once in a while, flux it once in a while and you'll be fine. I very seldom have any dripping. I keep an ingot mold under it in case it does drip. I also keep a peice of wire handy in case it does plug a little (push it thru the hole from the bottom with the pot HOT) Also when you flux it scrape the sides down good. Wire- i think its a 12 or 14 gauge
I agree with the other comments on the Lee Pot.
Have used mine since the 70's, learned the 2nd or 3rd time casting to keep a screwdriver close to turn the end of the rod AND to keep a "container" under the spout.
Problem seems to be in the design of the rod end and the spout of the pot. "Trash" will keep the rod from seating , so flux and skim often.
IMHO it's the cost of using a Lee:smile:
jlchucker
05-08-2008, 08:20 AM
Randyrat's technique is exactly the same as the one I use. No problems doing it this way. These Lee pots are a bargain for the casual caster, but maybe not for someone who casts thousands upon thousands of rounds regularly. That drip will occur a whole lot less if you use clean lead and flux frequently while casting. Turning that screw back and forth once in a while during the casting process is a must.
Southern Son
05-08-2008, 10:25 AM
10X,
I think that you are right on the cure for the Lee Drip, it cant be cured with a dose of antibiotics, but a screwdriver kept handy it the best thing that you can do, along with DON'T LEAVE IT ALONE FOR A MINUTE. If you do, you will end up with a scorch mark on you bench top and a chunk on lead the size and shape of a dinner plate wrapped around you Lee Pot's base. What is even more fun than trying to separate 20 pounds of 20/1 from the base of your Lee Pot? Trying to work out a way to melt a piece of lead 2 inches thick and 1 foot round in a lead pot that is only 4 inches in diameter! Don't ask me how I know, it will just make me cry.
I think that there is another "cost of using a Lee" and that is the thermostat. I have come across many others that have had to replace theirs ofter a year or so.
NoDakJak
05-08-2008, 06:22 PM
Good afternoon Southern Son, The new thermostat that i installed in my Lee 4-20 last fall has just given up on me. I now have three Lee pots and one ancient Lyman pot sitting on the shop floor that need new thermostats. I finally gave up fighting it and have a new RCBS Pro Pot arriving next week. I have great hopes for it. Bite the bullet, scrimp, save and order one yourself. Neil
Southern Son,
Sounds as we are kind of the same..........I dont cast 1000's of boolits but do "blast away" with a few 100 a year now, not to count .22's in rifles, revolvers and semi auto pistols and the "condom bullets" sent down range in 1911's, 1903's, M-1's , Carbines and an M-1-A.
Wish I had a place to "blast away" anytime I wanted...........but it's a hour to any range.................cant shoot over the marsh/river..............the PC neighbors would'nt know what was going on!!!![smilie=b:
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