dismantalling a Lee 4-20

[kbstenberg]

Can the Lee 4-20 lead melter be taken apart? I am interested in improving the spout and stop rod.

[Boolit_Head]

Yes it can be taken apart but I think the spout is part of the steel pot.

[jimkim]

Yes. I want to build a bolt on assembly myself. I think with a PID and a Magma style valve assembly it would be a great furnace.

They sell replacements. The spout can be removed.

https://leeprecision.com/20-pot-valve-spout.html

[ikarus1]

I improved mine by chucking the valve rod in a cordless drill and lapping it to the spout with toothpaste. Never leaks now

[Drew P]

If reduced to a heating element and a steel pot to hold Lead, ya they can be great. The spout and lever assembly is dumb. The temp controls are dumber. We are a group of tinkerers though, and as a result mine is a champ. PID, redesigned rod and lever, and mold rest so far. The next and final phase is to couple a second 4-20 to feed my main 4-20 so my lead pod temp stays constant.

[dikman]

I fabricated a lever assembly the same as the RCBS pot uses, much nicer to use. I also replaced the base and pot support, fitted a shelf for supporting molds and added a PID. Much as Drew did.

[1Hawkeye]

After the day I just had with mine I would suggest using a large hammer. I thought I had the drip o matic feature fixed with a good cleaning and a weight system. Please let us know how your upgrade goes so others can modify theirs.