Where to get lead alloy analyzed

[happy7]

I want to double check some of my alloys. Does anyone know a place where I can mail some lead alloy to get it analyzed?

[JimB..]

User BNE provides such a service.

[Beagle333]

Yes, contact BNE.

[kevin c]

Do follow his sample instructions exactly. Last I heard he’s not willing to deal with improperly done samples, as it tremendously increases the hassle factor for him. The effort isn’t worth the pound of lead he asks for in return.

[happy7]

Thanks everyone. I have PMed him.

[JeepsAndGuns]

I was about to ask the same thing, as I saw a few random posts where people had posted a picture of some readout from a machine showing the percent of the different metals and was curious where to have this done at.

[kevin c]

The readout is usually off a X Ray fluorescence spectrometer, an instrument used for laboratory materials analysis (BNE uses such devices). Hand held versions such as the Niton are used in scrap yards on metals brought in. They’re pricey; five figures even used, but I’ve heard that some yards will “gun” a sample for little or no cost if they know you or are asked politely. RotoMetals will do it on a mailed in sample, but they definitely will expect you to help defraying the cost of their Niton. BNE is very modest in what he asks in return for his analysis. He is a huge boon to casters wanting an exact makeup of their source metals.

[bangerjim]

I only buy metals from my local yards if they provide me with a "witnessed by me" X-ray gun analysis. Since I usually am spending $100-200, they have no problem at all! Just take a picture of the gun read-out screen with your phone and you have a permanent digital record of what you have.

[brassrat]

I have pics of a read out showing huge amounts of Au and Ag

[Half Dog]

The geology department at our local college has the equipment and has analyzed a sample for me.

[lightman]

Another recommendation for BNE. If you send him samples like he wants his turn around time is pretty quick. He is a great asset for this community!