Retirement day

[FISH4BUGS]

Not for me but for my 30 year old Lee 20 lb pot.
I bought this many years ago as an upgrade to my Lee 6lb pot (which I still have by the way - and it still works!). I learned pretty fast that a 6 lb wouldn't be very efficient in terms of productivity.
The 20lb pot certainly held more, and lived up to its reputation as a drip-o-matic, but I finally figured it was just part of the deal. I keep a screwdriver handy and turn the spigot rod a few times and it stopped. You might get 2 or 3 casts before it decides to start the drip thing again. Temperature is critical, and these are not terribly accurate in holding the temperature. But I have to say that it is dollar for dollar, the best deal on the planet.
But I have to say this pot, which still works fine, has served me well for these 30 or so years.
Well, I just drained it of my full pot of #2 alloy into corn cob ingot moulds.
I cleaned the pot up a bit and will oil it when it cools and put it away. Believe it or not I still have the original box for it. A no doubt rare collector's item! :)
So....I ordered an RCBS Pro Melt 2, and I just got the email that it was shipped.
YIPPEE! [smilie=l:

Yes, they are expensive. But i have been saving my pennies and I finally pulled the trigger.
The Pro Melt is not a great amount bigger at 25 lbs. capacity. But it will help.
I use 4-6-8-10 H&G moulds and tend to cast in manic sessions doing 2000 or so in total over a few casting sessions. These really need a mould guide, and I like the way the Pro Melt does that. I fully expect the 6-8-10 cavity moulds will REALLY be happy using those, as will I.
I'm looking forward to working out the rhythm using this pot. I am sure it will be a little different.
I am looking forward to the productivity improvements.

[Winger Ed.]

When it comes in, like any other new power tool----

You will need to apply Rule #1 of Man Law.
Rule #1 clearly states:
A. Throw away the instructions.
B. Disconnect, or otherwise bypass all safety devices.

[G W Wade]

I have had one for 30 yrs. Hope you like yours as much as I like mine... I made a guide out of a cut down angle iron that pivots on the provided rod and supported by a crossbar I mounted across between the support legs. Do not remember the name but someone makes a nice aluminum plate guide and a plate that covers to top to contain heat. Nice outfit but just have not pulled the trigger on guide. GW

[Targa]

Very nice!! If I could get my Lee pots to break that is the one I have been wanting as well.

[FISH4BUGS]

Well, I received the Pro melt via FedEx and set it up last night. Well packed and complete.
Setting it up is easy....just a few parts and that's it.
I fired it up with the leftovers from draining the now retired Lee 4-20 (a moment of silence please :) ) and while it took some time to start the initial melt from the corn cob ingots, once it got melted it was fine.
I like the digital dial in of the desired temperature and the ability to watch the actual pot temp digitally. I presume that the digital readout is accurate.
I LIKE the mould guide because I cast with 4-6-8-10 H&G moulds, and it looks like it will support them nicely.
LOTS of room under the pot when you swing the mould guide out of the way.
I didn't cast anything last night, just got it set up and filled up with #2 lead alloy and ready to go.
One thing that is very different is that the furnace has a cooling fan in the back side body. I assume that keeps the electronics from melting down while in use.
With the Lee, you just pull the plug, make sure it isn't dripping, and walk away.
The RCBS has a cool down sequence - set the desired temp to zero, let the pot cool (the fan is still running to keep the electronics from frying), and when the pot reaches 160 yank the plug.
It took well over an hour to do that.
Can't just pull the plug and walk away. You have to remember to go back and unplug the unit when cooled down.
Casting maybe this weekend if I can squeeze out some time.
We will see how it goes then when the rubber hits the road.

[Mal Paso]

Since the thermocouple is not in the melt there is a lag in the readout but it doesn't affect operation.

[bruce381]

yeah when I get new casting stuff I normally take it apart or "make it better" and break something then have to order new parts before I even try it out. Have fun

[GregLaROCHE]

Enjoy your new pot. I may be doing the same thing soon.

[Rickf1985]

I am not so sure I would like that shut down procedure. Usually by the time I get done a bullet making session it has been a 12 hour marathon and I want to go in, NOW! There is not way I want to have to wait for lead to cool down 500 degrees before I can unplug the unit. That, in my opinion, is a flaw in the design. What if you leave it plugged in? Does it shut off or does it stay at 160 degrees? With my PID controllers on my pots I have now I simply flip the switch off and I am done.

[gmsharps]

I have a Lyman digital pot that works great. When I turn mine off I have a small fan I turn facing the pot and have a timer set for 30 minutes and then shuts off. May not be necessary but better safe than sorry.

Gmsharps

[AndyC]

Enjoy your new pot! One day I'll upgrade to an RCBS from my 20-lb Lee, too.

[FISH4BUGS]

I am not so sure I would like that shut down procedure. Usually by the time I get done a bullet making session it has been a 12 hour marathon and I want to go in, NOW! There is not way I want to have to wait for lead to cool down 500 degrees before I can unplug the unit. That, in my opinion, is a flaw in the design. What if you leave it plugged in? Does it shut off or does it stay at 160 degrees? With my PID controllers on my pots I have now I simply flip the switch off and I am done.

Excellent point. After as marathon session (you have the same casting style as mine) all you want to do is walk away and maybe shower and hit the sack.
I had a thought - a timer.
If you plug a timer into the outlet, plug the pot into the timer, you could set the timer for an hour after you set the digital controller to zero, which starts the cool down process. The pot cools down, then an hour later shuts off.
Easy peasy.....I will take a look at some timers to see what might work.

[georgerkahn]

Well, I received the Pro melt via FedEx and set it up last night. Well packed and complete.
Setting it up is easy....just a few parts and that's it.
I fired it up with the leftovers from draining the now retired Lee 4-20 (a moment of silence please :) ) and while it took some time to start the initial melt from the corn cob ingots, once it got melted it was fine.
I like the digital dial in of the desired temperature and the ability to watch the actual pot temp digitally. I presume that the digital readout is accurate.
I LIKE the mould guide because I cast with 4-6-8-10 H&G moulds, and it looks like it will support them nicely.
LOTS of room under the pot when you swing the mould guide out of the way.
I didn't cast anything last night, just got it set up and filled up with #2 lead alloy and ready to go.
One thing that is very different is that the furnace has a cooling fan in the back side body. I assume that keeps the electronics from melting down while in use.
With the Lee, you just pull the plug, make sure it isn't dripping, and walk away.
The RCBS has a cool down sequence - set the desired temp to zero, let the pot cool (the fan is still running to keep the electronics from frying), and when the pot reaches 160 yank the plug.
It took well over an hour to do that.
Can't just pull the plug and walk away. You have to remember to go back and unplug the unit when cooled down.
Casting maybe this weekend if I can squeeze out some time.
We will see how it goes then when the rubber hits the road.


Congrats on your RCBS! I had a Lyman on back-order "forever" and -- in want of a pot -- changed my order (Buffalo Arms) to the RCBS and it turned out to be a quite wise/good/lucky decision!
I'm posting that I, too, do not like keeping it plugged in, and my solution was spending less than ten U S dollars -- maybe Amazon? -- and I purchased a heavy duty timer switch. I see the unit is now (inflation?) runs a short twelve U S dollars -- https://www.amazon.com/Century-Digital-Countdown-Repeat-Function/dp/B01D3QEK4E/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?keywords=110v+timer+switch&qid=1648990827&sr=8-17-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSzA0UkZKVUZKWVpWJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE1MjQ2MkZVSjUzODZRN080UiZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjg5NDU2TDhYRFNaSEpFVldYJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== -- and works so well I bought a second which I have my wet-tumbler plugged into. 298497
Just a thought...
geo

[FISH4BUGS]

Congrats on your RCBS! I had a Lyman on back-order "forever" and -- in want of a pot -- changed my order (Buffalo Arms) to the RCBS and it turned out to be a quite wise/good/lucky decision!
I'm posting that I, too, do not like keeping it plugged in, and my solution was spending less than ten U S dollars -- maybe Amazon? -- and I purchased a heavy duty timer switch. I see the unit is now (inflation?) runs a short twelve U S dollars -- https://www.amazon.com/Century-Digital-Countdown-Repeat-Function/dp/B01D3QEK4E/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?keywords=110v+timer+switch&qid=1648990827&sr=8-17-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSzA0UkZKVUZKWVpWJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE1MjQ2MkZVSjUzODZRN080UiZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjg5NDU2TDhYRFNaSEpFVldYJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== -- and works so well I bought a second which I have my wet-tumbler plugged into. 298497
Just a thought...
geo

Consider it done. That is exactly what I was thinking.

CASTING ROOM REPORT
I was able to get some time in the casting/reloading room this evening.
Alloy is my standard 5 lbs ww to 1 lb linotype.
Pot at 700 degrees.
Hensley & Gibbs 6 cavity #39 158 grain round nose - the classic old school 38 bullet.
I cast about 550 in a couple of hour's worth of leisurely casting.
Some observations:
The pot heats up very quickly when it is full. Memo to self: leave the pot full always.
The mould guide is great. height is easily changed.
The spout is very precise, controllable and adjustable in terms of flow speed.
I like the cover on the pot. It is great for preheating moulds or ingots. I suspect it helps hold in heat too.
I backed it down to 650 and eventually the spout froze. Easy fix - back to 700 and a quick pass with a propane torch.
All in all I am happy with it.
The Lee 4-20 has a place for those on a budget. It gets the job done and it gave me 30 years of service.
Save your quarters and get the RCBS Pro Melt II.
I guess the lesson is like all the others : you get what you pay for,
Again, the complaint with having to leave it plugged during cooldown has been solved courtesy of Geo. Thank you sir!
Additional memo to self: buy the timers!

[skeettx]

Thank you for the thread
I think I will have to crank up the pots soon, as I have been shooting
alot and might be running low on 41, 44, and 45 bullets

I would start off trying to use the H&G 8 cavity molds but at 73
the weight might be too much, we shall see

MiKe

[gmsharps]

Thank you for the thread
I think I will have to crank up the pots soon, as I have been shooting
alot and might be running low on 41, 44, and 45 bullets

I would start off trying to use the H&G 8 cavity molds but at 73
the weight might be too much, we shall see

MiKe

As you age technique is important. I have 10 cavity H&G and used to be able to cast for 5 or six hours at a time. Now I'm down to just over an hour and a half before I'm done. I use the mold guide and slide the mold down to a towel and use a rawhide mallet to cut the sprues and start over. For me that works. The timer above works great had one for over a year and hasn't failed.

gmsharps

[skeettx]

I think this fella has a good idea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bp8Cl3L8A

[Rickf1985]

Looks great but a little more explanation would be nice. What king of mold is that? Two piece setup or something he fabricated?
After reading the video title I see it says Ballisticast and Google gives very little info on that. Looks like a European setup?

[FISH4BUGS]

Looks great but a little more explanation would be nice. What king of mold is that? Two piece setup or something he fabricated?
After reading the video title I see it says Ballisticast and Google gives very little info on that. Looks like a European setup?

Guaranteed it is a 10 cavity H&G.

[justindad]

I just got one of these, and have used it twice. My casting sessions end around 1AM, so I let the fan run until the morning and shut it off at 7AM. No issues so far, but that timer likes nice.

[FISH4BUGS]

I just got one of these, and have used it twice. My casting sessions end around 1AM, so I let the fan run until the morning and shut it off at 7AM. No issues so far, but that timer likes nice.

I bought 3 of them. They look like they are what I need.
I am heading in to cast some tonight and will set the timer to shut down after 2 hours after setting it and that should do the trick!
No sense in wasting electricity if we don't need to.

[FISH4BUGS]

The Pro Melt was put to the test again last night with my first long casting session with it.
One of my manic casting sessions started at 4 pm and lasted until about 8 pm. with few breaks.
I wound up doing about 35 lbs of ww/lino mixture which translated to about 1500 for the session.
I try not to hurry because inevitably I get burned if I do.
Ready to size/lube 2000 on the Star and load a few year's worth of 38"s on the 550.
I have to say the more I use it the better I like it.
I can now take my attention away from watching for drips to casting, culling, remelting sprues, etc.
I have to say the Pro Melt was wonderful to cast with.
Between the dripless spout and the mould guide, it made the work almost effortless. The guide seems to just let the mould glide across it. The adjustable spout flow, once set, makes it easy to cast with.
I also bought three of the timers that Georgerkahn recommended and man they work slick.
That solved the cool down procedure glitch.
It melted quickly, and when you preheat your ingots on top, you lose little time getting them into the pot and back up to temp.
Having the temperature readout on the side is handy.
So, in summary, buy one. They are definitely a nice piece of equipment to use.
My hat is still off to Lee for their 4-20 for dollar for dollar they are the best in that price range.
But it is like comparing a Yugo to a Ferrari.
They both get you there but...........

[pworley1]

I am glad that it is working out for you.

[Barr]

I just bought a new RCBS Pro Melt 2 furnace to replace a 10 yr old Lee Pro 20 dripper.

Initial impressions are very positive. No leaks and very consistent temperature control. Cool down time w fan is aggravating but on the other hand insulation is a vast improvement for efficiency and heat retention.

Mold guide on RCBS is best in class and slide cover is so simple and effective.

[Rickf1985]

Ok Fish and George. I just bought one of these RCBS Pro Melt 2's and the timers. ALL based on your two recommendations!! Sooooooooooo, if it doesn't work out I will be comin' for ya.:kidding:

Grab a gun had the Pro melt for 225 so I just had to jump on it. about 250, delivered after shipping and tax.