Got my RCBS Pro Melt 2

[Eddie1971]

I finally got my PM2 from RCBS. Was on the wait list for one. Previously I had a Lee 4-20 that really disappointed me especially since the 10 pounder worked like a gem. I assembled it and it looks nice. Any tips on what or what not to do with it?

[jgstrug]

Seems obvious, but don't get any water or moisture around hot lead,we want the lead to stay in the pot until it becomes a bullet.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[dannyd]

It’s a good pot but does heat up slow, so be patient.

[smithnframe]

I call mine the leakamatic!

[dannyd]

I call mine the leakamatic!



Did you call RCBS to get the new valve pin; it’s a fix they came out with couple of years ago.

[Conditor22]

I have an old RCBS Pro Melt hooked to a DIY PID, as previously mentioned it's a little slow to come to temp.

I've cast tons of lead with my old 4-20's but I really like the RCBS Pro Melt, love the spout/handle design compared to lee.

[smithnframe]

Did you call RCBS to get the new valve pin; it’s a fix they came out with couple of years ago.
I did………..it still leaks!

[Eddie1971]

I have an old RCBS Pro Melt hooked to a DIY PID, as previously mentioned it's a little slow to come to temp.

I've cast tons of lead with my old 4-20's but I really like the RCBS Pro Melt, love the spout/handle design compared to lee.

The Lee 10 pound pot was excellent but I had nothing but issues with the 4-20.

[gpidaho]

I have one of the old model ProMelts (one of the last I saw available) and couldn't be more happy with it. Why they changed that model I don't understand. Gp

[fc60]

Greetings,

I believe yours has the built in PID temperature control?

If so, read the manual about leaving it plugged in until it cools down. Heat is not the PID controllers friend.

There is an internal cooling fan for the electronics.

Cheers,

Dave

[dannyd]

Let it cool down to 160 before turning off; I always let it cool to room temperature.

[dannyd]

I have one of the old model ProMelts (one of the last I saw available) and couldn't be more happy with it. Why they changed that model I don't understand. Gp


RCBS purchased the pro melt from another company; I would imagine parts and new technology became an issue. I liked my pro melt when I had it, pro melt 2 is a lot like the first one, but like everything else cheaply made with a PID’s.

[dannyd]

The Lee 10 pound pot was excellent but I had nothing but issues with the 4-20.


Empty the Pro Melt 2 each time you use it and clean it, cuts down on it leaking. Mind does not leak as bad a my three 4-20’s, but I also started with a 10 lb Lee like it too. (Still have it somewhere also have the new Lyman pot too)


285417

[StuBach]

So, I wasn’t even aware they were back on the market after they pulled them last year. Anyone know what they mean by “improved”?

I hear great things about the PM2 from many but just as many are disappointed with the cool down issue. I’m wondering if they took any of the complaints into consideration with the improvements?

I’ve had a PM1 for years now and can’t imagine a better platform with external PID.

[FLINTNFIRE]

I lapped my new valve for a better seal on my pro melt 2 , I got a timer to go in receptacle to set time to shut down after turning pid temp to zero , then it gets the time to cool down and will power off on its own .

[Butchman205]

I was on the waiting list for over a year, but got mine back before Covid world happened. I LOVE mine. I used to use a Lee 10# dripomatic for years.
It does take longer Nuer to heat up, but WOW it’s a great piece of equipment. I’ve tried an external digital temp reader with submersible type j wire (or k, can’t remember currently)…but man it’s a casting machine.
I do recommend cleaning regularly, and I always flux with beeswax prior to shutdown. IMO it seals off tank walls from oxidation when in storage. I have zero complaints with mine.
I do keep a small wire j-fishhook with the Barb snipped off, and poke it up in the open stream of pouring lead to clean before shutting it down. I may be going overboard on preventative Maint…but I’m the type that wipes down my hand tool wrenches and put them up clean, even if I will be finishing a carb rebuild or whatever the very next day.

I have a Lyman 20# dripomatic if anyone needs one, but have considered using it as a preheated over my RCBS PRO MELT 2.
Your thoughts?

[Mal Paso]

I did………..it still leaks!

I think my serial number is 68. It's good to see the Pro Melt 2 back in production. That means we have company and a better chance of someone coming up with a Kit to fix the Issues. Like moving the electronics away from the heat and going back to the Pro Melt 1 valve. LOL

[Burnt Fingers]

My PM2 is an early model and I've got no leakage problems with it.

I use a digital timer to let the PM2 cool down before it's turned off.

I picked mine up on Amazon for $12. I just push the 4 hour button and walk away.

[Eddie1971]

I have been using it and I really love the way it works. No drips and the mold guide is nice too, you can adjust it any way you like. One thing I did notice is that the cooling fan hasn't come on once. I let the pot cool down and all. The part of the assembly that has the digital control never gets that hot, at least when I use it, so maybe the fan doesn't need to go on? Any of you guys have your fan kick on, or not at all like mine?

[Half Dog]

I added an aluminum plate. It helps quite a bit especially emptying a pot.

286132

[StuBach]

I added an aluminum plate. It helps quite a bit especially emptying a pot.

286132

I’m fond of the NOE mold guide for the ProMelt. I’ve found it extremely user friendly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210716/35b2daa55b809f6fa86941e9a5bf1fb9.jpg

[JCM45]

Eddie1971 - My Pro Melt 2 fan turns on as soon as I plug it in and doesn't stop until I unplug it at the end of the casting session. You should call RCBS about this. They'll probably send you a new unit.

[JCM45]

StuBach, the NOE mold guide works great on my Pro Melt 2 also. Really simplifies lining up the cavities with the spout.

[Eddie1971]

Eddie1971 - My Pro Melt 2 fan turns on as soon as I plug it in and doesn't stop until I unplug it at the end of the casting session. You should call RCBS about this. They'll probably send you a new unit.

I actually spoke to someone at RCBS. I do my casting under an overhang outside at my home and mentioned that to the guy there. He said if the unit is getting enough ventilation, the fan will not kick on until needed. The area on the pot where the digital controls are, seems to be cool. I just got this machine and it's one of the revised Pro Melt 2's so maybe it's got a thermo control and only kicks on like a cooling fan in a car?

[dannyd]

I’m fond of the NOE mold guide for the ProMelt. I’ve found it extremely user friendly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210716/35b2daa55b809f6fa86941e9a5bf1fb9.jpg


That’s Al’s second try at a mould guide; the first one didn’t work at all.

[kevin c]

I have the NOE guide also. It works well, but I had to learn to not let the sprue spill over the far end of the long 8 cav molds I use if filling far to near; the frozen drip hanging off the end would jam the mold in the cut out.

[Burnt Fingers]

I actually spoke to someone at RCBS. I do my casting under an overhang outside at my home and mentioned that to the guy there. He said if the unit is getting enough ventilation, the fan will not kick on until needed. The area on the pot where the digital controls are, seems to be cool. I just got this machine and it's one of the revised Pro Melt 2's so maybe it's got a thermo control and only kicks on like a cooling fan in a car?

I have one from right after they came out. The fan comes on as soon as power is applied.

[SoonerEd]

I got my PM2 last November and it had been on the shelf at the gun store a while. I've lapped and cleaned it and it still leaks. How do I tell if it has the old or new valve stem?

[rototerrier]

I have two v1s that don't leak. I did get a little leak once and replaced the pin and that fixed it. Might be worth replacing, otherwise the nozzle hole might be out of spec. Not much to it. It all just needs to mate up properly to not leak.

My only advise is to plug up the Lee and just use it as a 20lb pre melt to keep the promelt fed.

[Mal Paso]

I got my PM2 last November and it had been on the shelf at the gun store a while. I've lapped and cleaned it and it still leaks. How do I tell if it has the old or new valve stem?

The new pin has a fatter tip. Call RCBS and ask for the new valve pin, they will send one free. The new hours are 7-4 Monday through Thursday Pacific Time. I called at 7 and was first in line. 800-533-5000

[SoonerEd]

Thanks...I'll give them a call.

[SoonerEd]

Got a pin on the way. Given the SN on the machine mine was manufactured in January of 2018 even though I bought it November of 2020.

[Mal Paso]

Got a pin on the way. Given the SN on the machine mine was manufactured in January of 2018 even though I bought it November of 2020.

I think I have #68. I figured out that the MY valve in the bottom was tilted and I used the slop in the guides to put the top of the pin where it wants to be when fully seated, no lead. Still need to lap one more time but casting is more fun than draining and lapping.

[quasi]

I think “Ohio Thermal” made the original Pro Melt.

[15meter]

I added an aluminum plate. It helps quite a bit especially emptying a pot.

286132


That’s Al’s second try at a mould guide; the first one didn’t work at all.

I've got the first one and I need to take it to a buddy who's got a Bridgeport and have him mill the slot hopefully that will help some. I don't use it as it is. Only thing from NOE I've been disappointed in.

[rcslotcar]

I think “Ohio Thermal” made the original Pro Melt.

I bought an old used Ohio thermal about 10 years ago. It is the same as the RCBS pro melt. I've cast literally a ton of bullets with it. I've added an aluminum shelf and top cover for it from Ebay. That is a life saver with a heavy 10 cavity Hensley Gibbs mold. I have occasionally had a small leak from the valve. I lightly tap the top of the rod with my mold hammer and seals the leak for months. The only problem I've had is it would not turn on (light out in switch), I replaced the switch and back to casting. You just can't beat the original Pro Melt with 10 kilo's of hot lead.