Tinsel fairy got me!! I'm OK

[Patrick L]

It's always us experienced guys, we think we know it all.

Decided to spend some of the isolation casting. I sometimes use old cast boolits that I'm NOT going to load and shoot to flux the pot. The lube serves as a little flux and you reclaim the lead. I've been doing it for years.

Anyhow, I dropped one in the pot (Lee 20# bottom pour) and started to stir when POOF the fumes ignited. I often light the fumes, but I've never had one just go spontaneously. Well, it startled me and I jerked, pulling a spoon of alloy out. It splashed all over, including a few spots on my pants. Fortunately I was able to pull the fabric away fast, and most of it was on vertical surfaces, so I was OK. I do have 1 patch about the size of a half dollar right on the top of my left thigh, and a tiny one inside the right thigh.

So be alert! You really can be taken by surprise and you really don't know it all, regardless of years spent casting.


Here's what the fairy left me
https://i.imgur.com/aghFY2d.jpg

Be careful!

[slim1836]

Sorry to hear, glad you were ok.

It's not a question of if, but when. BE PREPARED.

sLIM

[brass410]

nasty little surprises remind us of our ability to become complacent, hoping molten tattoos were not to deep and will heal up fast for ya, you cant be too carefull with the the molten wonder of velocity.

[WILCO]

Glad you're okay!

[cupajoe]

Seems Murphy is always in the shadows just waiting!!

[Winger Ed.]

Glad you're OK.

Last time it happened to me, my safety glasses looked like Beaufort T. Justice's sunglasses.
I got my jacket into the trash before the wife asked me questions I didn't want to answer.
The 3" scar on top of my hand is fading right in with all the welding splatter burns.

And I decorated the ceiling in the shop.

[bikerbeans]

I always put lubed and PC boolits in a cold pot, turn it on and stay away until it is up to temp. Found out the hard way with a HB Minie ball that had lube in the cavity.

BB

[nun2kute]

good thing nothing went down your boot/shoe. I got a nice cherry size scar on the arch of my left foot from torch splatter. don't want to know what lead will do.

[lightman]

Glad you were not injured more seriously. I'm another that does like you, melting lubed bullets. But I slip them in with a spoon and have a BBQ lighter ready in the other hand. Stay on top of those burns and watch for infections.

[Valley-Shooter]

I always put lubed and PC boolits in a cold pot, turn it on and stay away until it is up to temp. Found out the hard way with a HB Minie ball that had lube in the cavity.

BBI always save the lubed boolits for fluxing. I'm on high alert when I'm fluxing.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[Scorpius]

It's always us experienced guys, we think we know it all.

Decided to spend some of the isolation casting. I sometimes use old cast boolits that I'm NOT going to load and shoot to flux the pot. The lube serves as a little flux and you reclaim the lead. I've been doing it for years.

Anyhow, I dropped one in the pot (Lee 20# bottom pour) and started to stir when POOF the fumes ignited. I often light the fumes, but I've never had one just go spontaneously. Well, it startled me and I jerked, pulling a spoon of alloy out. It splashed all over, including a few spots on my pants. Fortunately I was able to pull the fabric away fast, and most of it was on vertical surfaces, so I was OK. I do have 1 patch about the size of a half dollar right on the top of my left thigh, and a tiny one inside the right thigh.

So be alert! You really can be taken by surprise and you really don't know it all, regardless of years spent casting.

Same darn thing to me. Flamed up startled me and now I have a nice silver dollar sized scar on my foot to remind me. 1. No flip flops (yea really dumb I know) 2. Expect flare up and don’t be jumpy when fluxing or just don’t stir for a good few minutes.
Hurt like the dickens

[Martin Luber]

Here's one, had a batch of backstop load in a large pot. As I was fluxing it, l got a hard whack and felt a thump through the bench. Lead heaved up and went back down. Someone threw a Live 22 in the backstop. Now I don't shovel it in by bulk.

[44Blam]

Here's one, had a batch of backstop load in a large pot. As I was fluxing it, l got a hard whack and felt a thump through the bench. Lead heaved up and went back down. Someone threw a Live 22 in the backstop. Now I don't shovel it in by bulk.

I shoot a couple matches / month in an indoor range. Unless I'm shooting revolver, I stick around to get my brass back. There is almost always 5-10 live rounds of various calibers left over... If they are factory and a caliber I can use, I keep 'em... But I imagine that the occasional round gets swept up into the backstop.

[2A-Jay]

Neve had a Tinsel Fairy yet. I have only been smelting lead for about 4 years, and casting Bullets for about 2. I had never heard or been warned about the Tinsel Fairy until I joined Cast Boolits. But I Have worn a Full length Leather Apron and Full Face Mask and leather glovessince I started Smelting. Still I hope to Never Meet the Tinsel Fairy.

[Thin Man]

Years ago I had a narrow bench in a small, crowded room where I loaded ammo. Among my "finds" was a single round of .357 Magnum loaded ammo that I displayed on a shelf above the bench. It was odd from having a large primer pocket. Came the day I was casting and somehow that loaded round dropped into the furnace. The Tinsel Fairy, along with her sisters and cousins, came for a visit. Since then we have moved and I have more room on a larger work bench. You can be sure there is no loaded ammo anywhere near the furnace.

[brass410]

Years ago I had a narrow bench in a small, crowded room where I loaded ammo. Among my "finds" was a single round of .357 Magnum loaded ammo that I displayed on a shelf above the bench. It was odd from having a large primer pocket. Came the day I was casting and somehow that loaded round dropped into the furnace. The Tinsel Fairy, along with her sisters and cousins, came for a visit. Since then we have moved and I have more room on a larger work bench. You can be sure there is no loaded ammo anywhere near the furnace.

I bet that was quite a homecoming for the fairy

[gwpercle]

Neve had a Tinsel Fairy yet. I have only been smelting lead for about 4 years, and casting Bullets for about 2. I had never heard or been warned about the Tinsel Fairy until I joined Cast Boolits. But I Have worn a Full length Leather Apron and Full Face Mask and leather glovessince I started Smelting. Still I hope to Never Meet the Tinsel Fairy.

Before your time there used to be held an annual Blindfolded Naked Casting Contest . It was open to new casting members . The one who could cast the most boolits in 5 minutes won the grand prize ... A Cast Boolits T-Shirt and An Aloe Vera Plant ...
Lots of fun to watch ... not sure why they don't have them any longer :kidding:

Could be the new guys are smarter than us and they wear the protective gear like you do ...
I never even thought about wearing gloves until a few years ago ... use the safety gear and spread the word , it can save you a few burns .
Gary

[Patrick L]

I thought I'd show you this. Its my vented exhaust casting cabinet. I posted it years ago under the"Reloading Bench Pictures" thread. I just put it here now to show you the front shield

https://i.imgur.com/lNEy4Pu.jpg

It might be hard to see, but the front of the cabinet has a plexiglass "garage door" that puts a clear barrier between my face and the pot. Pots actually, since I later added a second "feeder pot" above the main casting pot

https://i.imgur.com/6EI0Ujc.jpg

But obviously not foolproof, hence my original post! The splash came out low, out the open 6-7 inches I have the door set at to get my hands in, and that's how I got my thigh.

[elmacgyver0]

It's always us experienced guys, we think we know it all.

Decided to spend some of the isolation casting. I sometimes use old cast boolits that I'm NOT going to load and shoot to flux the pot. The lube serves as a little flux and you reclaim the lead. I've been doing it for years.

Anyhow, I dropped one in the pot (Lee 20# bottom pour) and started to stir when POOF the fumes ignited. I often light the fumes, but I've never had one just go spontaneously. Well, it startled me and I jerked, pulling a spoon of alloy out. It splashed all over, including a few spots on my pants. Fortunately I was able to pull the fabric away fast, and most of it was on vertical surfaces, so I was OK. I do have 1 patch about the size of a half dollar right on the top of my left thigh, and a tiny one inside the right thigh.

So be alert! You really can be taken by surprise and you really don't know it all, regardless of years spent casting.

Don't cha just hate it when that happens?

[Teddy (punchie)]

Be glad that you didn't get burned too bad. Don't need a trip at this time to hospital. Be safe.

[Doubles Shooter]

Defiantly be careful out there. It could be bad with the toilet paper shortage:mrgreen:. Seriously, molten metal is not to taken lightly. I was warming an ingot on the edge of my dripolator and accidentally knocked it in. My cat shook my hand telling me he's never seen a human move that quick.

[JohnChrysostom]

Patrick L won't lead melt right through that plastic front shield? & thanks for your post, I'm new and have never done any of this & i didn't know the lead might go pop and splash everywhere.

[Taterhead]

It never occured to me that a lubed bullet would be a problem. I dropped on on the melt. Thankfully it was shallow enough that it just sort of "boiled" the lead. But it sure got my attention!! Lesson learned the easy way, thankfully.

These threads are good for reminsing us of the potential traps laid by lady TF. She's a sneaky one. Thanks for starting the thread.

[dondiego]

Patrick L won't lead melt right through that plastic front shield? & thanks for your post, I'm new and have never done any of this & i didn't know the lead might go pop and splash everywhere.

It may eventually melt a shield but it saves the operator. If you let anything that will create steam get below the surface of molten metal, an impressive spray of molten metal will result. We call it the "Tinsel Fairy" here. Read up on it!

[RogerDat]

Don't cha just hate it when that happens?What he said!

I have a motto. I darn sure don't want to get injured with the safety equipment that would have prevented it sitting right over there. So safety glasses, or even face shield, boots, jeans, leather apron, gloves are sitting there. Using them means at least if something goes wrong I may get hurt but I won't look like an idiot for ignoring my available protection.

[rockrat]

Glad you are OK and the Tinsel fairy was just flitting by and didn't stop to take a good look at what you were doing!!

[Patrick L]

Patrick L won't lead melt right through that plastic front shield? & thanks for your post, I'm new and have never done any of this & i didn't know the lead might go pop and splash everywhere.

I can't imagine it getting through. I've had splatters hit it, it cools so fast it just sticks to the inside. When I've popped the dried splatter off, the Plexiglas isn't even marked. It's easily as thick as the face shields I know some casters use.

[nelsonted1]

I was explaining to my physical therapist my latest close call, why I holding myself kind of tensely.
I said I was pouring lead and dropped a damp bullet in the pot. It burped out a good sized chunk of molten metal on my lap. I said I had never jumped up with such dismay. I pulled out my pants for her bending over and shaking it like I had the day before. She asked how it could be worse with an OMG! look on her face. I said I could have had pants on with polyester-cotton blend. The pants may have stuck to me. She said Uh, huh, could be worse. (I've been training her)
Ted
I didn't even know the bullet was damp. I didn't feel it when I slid it in. But, surprise, surprise....

[44Blam]

If you don't believe in the fairy, one way I found her was by sticking a cold ladle in a hot pot...
It just goes "pop!" and lead goes up and out.

[kcofohio]

If you don't believe in the fairy, one way I found her was by sticking a cold ladle in a hot pot...
It just goes "pop!" and lead goes up and out.

Would the cold ladle have condensation on it? I use 3 different ladles, one slotted for skimming, a large one for lowering ingots into the melt, and the small 2 oz. Lee ladle. Being fairly new to casting, I'm curious as to how cautious I need to be.

[Patrick L]

Sometimes a ladle gets some dried dross etc. on it. When you stick that cold dross in the pot, if there is any moisture trapped, there's the Tinsel Fairy. I suppose condensation could also do the same thing. I'm always careful to slowly lower ladles, fluxing spoons, etc. into hot metal SLOWLY the first time in a given casting session.

[JohnChrysostom]

I can't imagine it getting through. I've had splatters hit it, it cools so fast it just sticks to the inside. When I've popped the dried splatter off, the Plexiglas isn't even marked. It's easily as thick as the face shields I know some casters use. Ok Thank you Noted! That makes sense now i think about it. Glad you are ok by the way :)

[kcofohio]

Sometimes a ladle gets some dried dross etc. on it. When you stick that cold dross in the pot, if there is any moisture trapped, there's the Tinsel Fairy. I suppose condensation could also do the same thing. I'm always careful to slowly lower ladles, fluxing spoons, etc. into hot metal SLOWLY the first time in a given casting session.

Thank you for the explanation! I'm trying to get into the habit of placing the ladles under the pot of the Lee Magnum Melter, on the aluminum base. Maybe that will reduce the chance of moisture. I had only been watching for obvious water sources. But I will be more watchful now.

[Patrick L]

Thank you for the explanation! I'm trying to get into the habit of placing the ladles under the pot of the Lee Magnum Melter, on the aluminum base. Maybe that will reduce the chance of moisture. I had only been watching for obvious water sources. But I will be more watchful now.

Like I said, as long as you immerse it very slowly for the first time you'll be fine. You'll hear a rumbling/bubbling sound if there's anything there that needs to heat out. I would say it takes me a good 10-15 seconds to totally immerse the tablespoon I use to stir, flux, and skim. I also be careful to put it in in such a way that nothing would get trapped (like putting it in open side down). That way any steam etc. has a way to escape.

[lightman]

Whenever I am introducing a ladle, spoon or dipper into molten lead I'll lay it across the pot and let the bowl float on the surface for a little while. Condensation can form on these tools but some things that stick to them can also absorb moisture. Some commercial fluxes will and if you smelt solder some of the residue from their flux will too.

[lightman]

I've never had a real visit from The Fairy (knock on wood) but I have had a hiss or two. But I did experience a Tsunami once when I was casting with a buddy and he turned the pot over! Don't ask!!! 10# of lead hit the ground and splashed up on both of our feet and legs. We were both wearing boots and jeans and the only harm was to the thermostat housing on my pot and a mess. Our legs got uncomfortably hot for a minute or two until we could pull the fabric away from our legs. I think the lead hitting the ground first probably cooled it off some.

Now days I get a buddy to smelt with, partly because I have the best or only smelting set up between us and partly because of some physical limitations on my part. I also usually cast with a buddy or two, most for the comradery. I have a sturdy steel work bench in my shop thats big enough for 3 of us to work comfortably. And as a retired electrician, I have enough circuits behind the bench to carry 3 pots and hot plates. But having someone else present also adds to safety. I also have a couple of fire extinguishers in the shop and will have an ice chest with some half melted ice and a clean towel near by. There might even be some beer in it! :shock:

[John Boy]

Patrick ... great ideas

[kevin c]

I've been fortunate that my visits from the TF were minor and injury free. Both came from submersions of cold metal (ladle in one case, an ingot in the other) into the melt. The ladle was stored under cover but outdoors. The ingots were stored indoors but in my unheated basement. I figure condensation got under alloy still adhering to the ladle or into unseen cracks or pockets in the ingots. Now everything gets preheated.

I've only melted lubed boolits once, and that was starting from an empty pot, so no problem there. Seems like I won't try fluxing the melt with them. I have plenty of paraffin that'll do the job.

The plexi shield is a great idea, but I'm trying to figure out how to make it work with my outdoor casting set up. I don't have a permanent station for it, and it consists of stacked pots, like the OP's. I need access top and bottom, and the ergonomics have me moving left and right at bench level for access to all the tools, molds and landing area. I'd need an easily set up shield suspended from above that I can reach around and under. Or maybe I just need to wear my PPE consistently. It may be warm and occasionally uncomfortable, but it pretty much gives me free access with reasonable dexterity and range of motion.

[44Blam]

Whenever I am introducing a ladle, spoon or dipper into molten lead I'll lay it across the pot and let the bowl float on the surface for a little while. Condensation can form on these tools but some things that stick to them can also absorb moisture. Some commercial fluxes will and if you smelt solder some of the residue from their flux will too.

This is what I do too. Also, when I am first melting, I set the bowl on top of the lead I am melting so it heats up with the lead.

[Muddydogs]

I don't see the lubed bullet as being the problem like some state in this thread. Both individuals that have had a problem with a lubed bullet didn't have the tinsel fairy visit them but instead jerked away from the pot with a spoon in the lead slopping lead out of the pot. The tinsel fairy is in reference to water or other liquid getting under the lead causing an explosion of lead coming out of the pot spraying lead around the area like tinsel on a Christmas tree. If a lubed bullet is set on the top of the melt and not dropped into the melt the lube will melt and cook off on top with no issues, bees wax does the same thing and no one has a problem dropping wax into there melt to flux. Wrap some bees wax around a bullet and push it under the melt and see what happens.

Sure a lead burn sucks but it's not the fault of the lubed bullet but rather a knee jerk reaction when the lube flames up which should be expected when putting anything on the top of 650 plus degree material.

[Patrick L]

Muddydogs,

I never said it was the lubed bullet's fault. As I said in the OP, and you correctly repeated, the flare up startled me and I jerked. I regard any undesirable flying lead as a visit from the Tinsel Fairy, as I think most here do as well.

Thank God I've only had the steam/exploding kind happen once, very mildly, with no injuries. That was enough!

[Shuz]

If you use a thermometer to moniter alloy temp, make sure you enter the sensing rod slowly or you'll get a visit from the dreaded Tinsel Fairy. Any cold metal introduced to a hot alloy will do this.

[rbuck351]

I usually water drop my boolits to harden them so I learned about the tinsel fairy the hard way. I took a few rejects that had been out of the water long enough to dry out. However a couple had holes in the bottom from poor fill out. Although the pot wasn't full, a ten lb Lee maybe half full, it was empty in a flash with lead splash on the ceiling. Apparently one with water in it had made it to the bottom before it steamed off and I had reinvented the steam cannon. Fortunately almost all the lead went straight up with only a few small bits landing on me. I do not believe cold metal inserted in molten lead will explode unless it has some moisture on it. You need something under the lead that expands rapidly and a lot to move the lead. I believe water expands about 1700 to 1 so it takes very little water under the lead to get a visit from the tinsel witch. Nasty creature. I no longer introduce any lead to the pot that hasn't been preheated. Unless you are in an area with very low humidity, most tools will have a bit of moisture on them and it does not take much.

[robg]

i use a leather apron as i cast sitting down .a lap full of hot lead is not my idea of fun.

[Hanzy4200]

I add mine to a cold pot. Considering the lube is going to be pulled under the surface, this is bound to happen. God forbid there is any moisture trapped on the bullet.

[dondiego]

i use a leather apron as i cast sitting down .a lap full of hot lead is not my idea of fun.

Me too and you should see the lead splatters on my apron!