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View Full Version : I got some dental foil, now what?


selmerfan
06-03-2008, 07:06 PM
I went for the 6 month cleaning and check up and asked what they did with their dental foil. He said if you can use it you can have it, I told him I cast boolits with it, he said if I brought in a couple to display that I'd made, I could have it! Now what do I do with it? What composition is it, or is it pure lead? I figured that a 4 parts foil to 1 part linotype might be a good alloy, what do you think? Or should I trade it off for wheelweight ingots? I have about 15-20 lbs of it, not melted down yet.
Selmerfan
compass will
06-03-2008, 07:23 PM
Even this stuff is on it's way out. My dentist has this system that is hooked to his computer, no film to develop, plus it's better pictures.

But I am due in for 3 crown$. all that money I hope he has something to trade.
idahoron
06-03-2008, 07:47 PM
It is the same hardness as WW, Keep it and use it. Ron
selmerfan
06-03-2008, 08:11 PM
Really? I'd heard it was almost pure. But if it's the same as WW, I'll cast away!
Selmerfan
John Boy
06-03-2008, 08:13 PM
It is the same hardness as WW, Keep it and use it. Ron

X-Ray dental lead foils has a Bhn of 8.7 which is a tad softer than 1:30. WW's are listed several places as Bhn 12 but the last batches of mine measured Bhn 14.5 and 15.3
randyrat
06-03-2008, 08:27 PM
I have about 25 lbs if it in ingots and yet to test it...Seems harder than pure lead.. I think there is some tin in it and Antimony. You will get a little dross off of it eventhough it looks so clean and shinny.
454PB
06-03-2008, 11:39 PM
What John Boy said. I recently melted down a batch and cast some Lee 255 SWC from it. It casts well, and tested 8.7 BHN.
cohutt
06-04-2008, 06:41 AM
careful about smelting on windy days- they are so light they will blow away pretty easily if a gust hits them while dropping into the pot.
454PB
06-04-2008, 01:16 PM
You can avoid the wind problem by just balling them up like a hand full of clay. They pack together very tightly and it's easier to get them into the pot.
John Boy
06-04-2008, 05:12 PM
Before or when melting the foils - be sure to sort out the black paper backers and the plastic sleeves. Reduces the stink!
idahoron
06-04-2008, 08:22 PM
I have a cabin tree tester. I have tested two different batches and they were the same.
I am only going to say that the lead foil I got from my dentist is 12 to 13 BHN. it is the same as WW. Ron