Lee Pro 4 20 Lb Furnace 110 Volt

[ghh3rd]

I am getting ready to order a 'electricity fired' melting pot, after having my hand set on fire by my coleman stove. I'm thinking of the "Lee Pro 4 20 Lb Furnace 110 Volt" which is on sale for $58.99

I don't think that this model has infinite heat control, but I think it must have several settings, since the directions mention a High Setting (900 degree), Low Setting (450 degree) and says 650 degree is a good starting point.

Has anyone used this particular model? Does it work well for you, and is the heat control adequate?

Thanks - Randy

[Ugly Dwarf]

I don't claim to be a wealth of knowldege on the subject, but my limited casting experience (both times) were done with the furnace you mention. I got it at the same place I suspect you're shopping (Midway - sale price ends 1/31/09).

I am conflicted on it. At first it worked exactly as designed, no drips. Somehow, the screw (Lee Description - 8-32X3/4 SLTD TRUS H) that adjusts flow rate and is used to stop drips got out of wack and now does not make sufficient contact with the valve rod. At one point in my first casting session, the pot began pouring out 5-10 pounds of molten lead [smilie=b:

Fortunately, I was prepared for this with a number of muffin tin ingot molds. It was a little dodgey swapping new ones in and pulling (full of hot melt) old ones out, but I managed with little spillage.

Since I wasn't ready to stop casting for as long as a return will take, I put a small pair of vise grips on the valve rod, slightly above the valve arm assembly. (an idea I got here) This worked very well in my second casting experience, with NO drips. I understand the weight of the visegrips helps keep the valve rod securely in place.

I will note that I plan to send the unit back to Midway and ask for a replacement. It sounds as if many people are able to use this furnace in it's stock configuration, and I would prefer to give that another shot. Knowing now what I didn't then, I will be VERY gentle using my screwdriver on the valve rod adjustment screw.

If (when?) I encounter the same problem with the replacement, I will probably buy some cheep chinese vise grip knock offs that I won't mind giving up to my casting equipment, and go with a configuration like I'm using now. I cannot justify $250 for a Lyman pot, nor $350 for an RCBS at this point, but I am quite the fan of the bottom pour.

Regarding temp controls, the thermostat has settings from 1-10. I was having good luck at a setting of 5 1/2 my last time out (though it sounds like I was running my mold too hot).

Good luck with your purchase. If you're on a limited budget, it seems like Lee equipment will get the job done - albeit with some frustrations.

[ghh3rd]

Thanks Ugly Dwarf - I was told that there is a Lee bottom pour with a thermostat that is very similar, but only holds 10 lbs. but am unable to find it. Have you seen that one?

Randy

[TAWILDCATT]

just go on line and post lee.com and you should get their site.you might get midsoutshooters.com and ask for cat.very good pictures and lee has a nice cat..
I would go for the 4-20 as it will be up to date for you.
put a light spring on the handle or make a weight to go on the rod.also spin the rod and it should stop the drip.
The lee cuts the elec off and on.some put a dimmer control on which lowers the voltage.I to cannot see where the price on Lyman and Rcbs comes from.I think they are both made by the same company.

:groner:

[ghh3rd]

If there's a choice between 20 lb pot with infinite heat control, or a 10 lb pot with a thermostat, which would you choose?

[Ugly Dwarf]

Thanks Ugly Dwarf - I was told that there is a Lee bottom pour with a thermostat that is very similar, but only holds 10 lbs. but am unable to find it. Have you seen that one?

Randy

Randy,

I believe you're talking about the Lee Pro 4. It too is on sale at Midway (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=637732&utm_source=bulletcastingfurnace&utm_medium=category0109)till the end of the month for $14 less than the 20 pound pot. Per the description at Midway, the Pro 4 also uses "infinite heat control"

In regards to your later question about 10 vs 20, I obviously chose a 20 pound pot. I found (again limited casting sessions) that I can go through a LOT of lead once I get on a roll. I expect I would spend a lot of time waiting on the pot to catch up if I only had the 10 pounder.

Dwarf

[cajun shooter]

Read all the post from about June or July about the Lee. It will not stay at a given temp. You will if you use a thermometer see your casting temps go all over the place. I had two of the pots and would never buy another. The RCBS is worth every penny I paid. I now enjoy casting again. To each his own but if you stay in casting long enough, you will see that I speak the truth. That truth comes from my experience and not rumor.

[Big Tom]

I am using the Lee 20lbs pot with a PID controller that can be easily assembled and even be used for other things. It good for up to 2000 Fahrenheit which I will for sure not reach.... Here the instructions how to build it and where to get the parts: http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=315 . It is about $70 but fun to build and I keep the temperature in the pot within 10 degrees - automatically...

Tom

[Recluse]

I guess for years I've been doing something wrong when it comes to stuff made by Lee.

Put simply, I just haven't had any significant problems.

I don't try and treat my Lee equipment like I do Dillon or RCBS, but likewise, Lee has some innovations and ease-of-use that Dillon and RCBS can only dream about, then make excuses why they can't or won't incorporate it.

As far as my Lee pot, it holds temperature every bit as constant as the ProMelt, except for when the alloy drops to a really low level. Then and only then will I see the temp creep up. I typically cast with a thermometer in the pot during the entire session and I just don't see the wild fluctuations that some others do with the Lee pot. Don't see it with the ProMelt either. Both pots drip on occasion, but that's to be expected with bottom-pour.

Only difference is, I run the Lee pot at just under 900F when using the aluminum moulds. The pot holds temperature just fine and rarely do I ever have to adjust it. I like the Lee and RCBS pots equally, but for the occasional caster or someone deciding if this mystical art is for them, the Lee is the better buy.

:coffee:

[Tom W.]

I have both. I keep the smaller one for pure lead and the larger one for w/w. I've had both for years, and I just turn the pot on wide open and have a ball. It's a hobby, not a contest...and my results are good.

[jnovotny]

It depends on how much alloy you want to run, in respects of the 20 lber or the 10lber. They are both basicaly the same pot. I've had my first pro 4 for twenty years before it cashed out. Bought another just a few months ago. You can cast alot of boolits in a little amount of time with the 10lber, give your self a break 1/2 way thru the pot. Lets your moulds cooldown,and you can catch your breath.

[JW6108]

Lee Pro 4 20 Lb Furnace 110 Volt

I love mine. Had some minor leakage when I first started using it, but very little problem with that these days. I don't let mine run dry, I always keep about 1/2" (or a little less) in it when done with each casting session. This keeps impurities from wedging in the outlet and preventing the valve from seating. Works for me.

[high standard 40]

I've been using the Lee Pro 4-20 and it has been working great for me. I have not experienced any leakage and it comes up to working temp quickly.

[Paul]

I just got the Last Lee Pro 4-20 from Midway 4 days ago, next shipment expected June 1st, 09..
I have not taken it out of box yet, but I did reach in and the the knob went turned like a continous reostat. Will post latter on how it runs.

Paul

[rhoggman]

I am getting ready to order a 'electricity fired' melting pot, after having my hand set on fire by my coleman stove. I'm thinking of the "Lee Pro 4 20 Lb Furnace 110 Volt" which is on sale for $58.99

Wow! I hope my camp stove, and my turkey fryer don't try to pull some jank like that on me.

[Doby45]

The temp adjustment is like a dimmer switch, it does not have hard stops as you turn it. You simply can not beat the 4-20 for the money, period. Sure you can spend $300-$500 on a pot that might hold more or be marginally better but for under $60 this pot is the ticket. I would personally recommend putting 2-3 large fender washers on the handle where the little wooden knob is. Simply unscrew the wooden knob and slip a couple of washers on the post and then screw the little wooden knob back on. I will post a pic later..

[Doby45]

As promised...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b327/Doby45/8a5b2b27.jpg

[jmsj]

ghh3rd,
I have two of the Lee Pro 4-20 lb furnaces and would like to get a third (I hate emptying a pot to change alloy). The first one worked great at first then it started leaking, then leaking more and more. I only use the pots for casting and not smelting. I was using paint stirring sticks to flux w/. Then I read that one should not scap the bottom of the pot w/ the wooden stick.
I usually completely fill the pot when done casting and never drain it completely so I never saw the bottom of the pot. I emptied the pot and was surprised at the soot and junk on the bottom of the pot. I cleaned the pot and the valve completely and refilled. I still use paint stir sticks to flux and scap the walls of the pot but use a piece of stainless steel to occasionally scrap the bottom. This seems to have stopped the leaking problems, once in a while I need to give the screw slot in the valve a little twist but not very often. I have used this method from the beginning on the second furnace and have not had any problems at all.
I have noticed that as the lead level goes down the tempature goes up. I leave a thermometer in the furnace while casting and adjust the tempature as the level goes down.
Good luck, jmsj

[CATS]

Doby,
You always give good tips.
Thanks
CATS

[Duckiller]

I have used both , 10 and 20 lb pots. !0 pounder drips more than 20#. Twist the valve stem to stop dripping. The 20# pot has a vertical stem that seems to seat better than the sloping stem in the 10# pot. The alloy in both pots get hotter as the level of lead goes down. It is not difficult to reduce heat as you cast. If you want a set and forget thermostat get a Lyman or RCBS pot. Not sure they are perfect but probably better. The Lee 20# pot will make lots of boolits for not too much money. If you really like casting and stay with it you will find a used fancy pot that you can get .

[skeet1]

I also have a Lee 4-20 pot and bought it to replace an old SAECO that I bought about 40 years ago. The old SAECO was a ok but I like the Lee much better and it cost me less that the SAECO did 40 years ago.

Ken

[skeet1]

Today I was casting with a new mould and everything was going very well and I was thinking about the number of casters that have complained in the past about the Lee pots dripping. Mine does drip on occasion but has not been a big problem.

After getting my mould up to temp I got out my Bullplate Lube and started using it on my new mould when a thought arose, I wonder what would happen if I applied Bullplate Lube to the upper and lower shoulder bolts of the valve mechanism, so I did. The mechanism works much smoother now and I didn't have any drips.

You guys with problem 4-20 pots might want to give this a try.

Ken

[zuke]

I started with a LEE 10 lb Precision melter but when I went to LEE 6 cavity mold's it couldn't keep up so I went with a LEE Pro 4 20lb and I'm happy!
But when you run a 6 cavity 45-70 mold that throw's a 450 gn. bullet it'll empty that pot faster then you think!
What I do now is fill both pot's and run the 4 20.When it's time to top off I pour the already melted lead from the 10 lb then fill it up again.
Talk about a time saver! And the ingot's are pre heated before they turmolten no no more condensation on the ingot's!

[ia1727]

As promised...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b327/Doby45/8a5b2b27.jpg

Why ? What's their purpose ?

Steve

[44magLeo]

The washers add weight to the handle. This pushes the rod down against the seat more so you get less drips. I made a lead washer about the same diameter and about 3/8 inch thick for the handle. No drips.

[handyman25]

I purchased a Lee 10 lb pot, not big enough. I would say buy the 20lb.

As for leaking, I lapped the valve rod into the seat and leaking is not a problem.

[Dannmann801]

Lee Pro 4 20 Lb Furnace 110 Volt

I love mine. Had some minor leakage when I first started using it, but very little problem with that these days. I don't let mine run dry, I always keep about 1/2" (or a little less) in it when done with each casting session. This keeps impurities from wedging in the outlet and preventing the valve from seating. Works for me.

I'm new to reloading and casting - have a Lee pot shipping that should be here on Friday.
Was feeling pretty good about my purchase based on recommendations, and better now that I've read thru this thread.

[Cane_man]

now they come with a metal handle, not that wooden one shown above... so you dont need to get the washers to weigh it down

[gunoil]

What are you pouring?

i want a 30lb e pot. Especially when i do 45acp.

[Dannmann801]

What are you pouring?

i want a 30lb e pot. Especially when i do 45acp.

I'm not pouring anything - yet. Got some scrap lead and melted some ingots with a propane burner and cast iron skillet, just to get the feel of handling it.

Don't think I'll be pouring any bullets anytime soon - molds are kinda hard to come by right now.:veryconfu

What I intend to try first is bullets for my .40S&W and 30-30win

[myg30]

Still have same lee pot. Very little if any trouble till.... I don't like to sound old but..., I liked it better when things were simple. When you start to get high tech it creates to many problems. A friend of mine who got me into casting cause it was so inexpensive, told me to get a lee pot, either type bottom or ladle, a mold and some scrap lead. He said it was so easy to drop em into some cold water, tumble lube, load and shoot. He was spot on! 45 acp was so easy. Added more calibers now. Any way most of my trouble started when I purchased a thermometer. All my casting took a turn for the worse. I had so much trouble getting molds to drop good boolits that never gave me trouble and wrinkles etc... I found then that the temp. HAD to vary for each mold I was casting with and the outside temp played a role in the spout freezing up.
Back to the basics. Put the thermometer away, turned the pot on high, cast till I got some frostys as the pot level dropped, lowered the temp some, added clean lead, turn temp up, cast good boolits etc...
Since then I added,3 presses,2 luber sizers, size dies any mold I thought I needed, several lubes, home made, 45-45-10, bee's wax, floor wax, candle wax, car wax, brass polish, leather polish, nail polish..HEY ! for sealing primers !!

My friend casts, shoots and has so much fun on less then $50 invested !! [less powder,primers of course]. Me, I cant stop spending ! Im not having as much fun as he is either !

Mike

[1bluehorse]

I had a Lee 4-20 pot for about 4-5 years...did all the valve lapping, pot cleaning, hanging junk on the handle, still leaked. No, I didn't "smelt" in the pot, but I did "flux" in it with sawdust..hated the thing...they're che..ahh, inexpensive for a reason, that's the way they're made. Bought a Pro Melt and really enjoy casting again..is the RCBS more expensive ? you bet, a lot more expensive..is it that much better of a pot, yes it is, and not just "marginally better"..it's a lot better...,just my opinion...YMMV..

[Bzcraig]

Like Recluse my experience with Lee stuff has been good. I have had very minimal problems with my lee pro 4-20, all of which were easily remedied. There is an indexed thermostat but it references no useful criteria such as temp. Also like Recluse I always have a thermometer in my pot and don't get much change except when the pot gets low on lead. I have no problem recommending Lee. Read the directions which address setting the flow control while pouring. The volume of the pour changes as the pot volume lowers and is also affected by pot temp. I can't help but believe that some of the problems we encounter are self induced cause we want to plug it in and pour perfect boolits right from the get go. My philosphy is if most people say something will work cause they have done it and I believe they did, but my results are different, then chances are I did or did not do something I should or should not have done. Experience is the best teacher but this site is a close second!

[Cherokee]

If you have the money, go with the RCBS or the new Lyman digital. Otherwise, the Lee Pro 4-20 pot. I have three and they did the job for me for many years. Drip, yes, read above suggestions. Most important is good clean alloy in the pot. If the aloy is really free of junk, it will not clog the Lee and make it drip. I have upgraded to the Pro Melt but still have my Lee pots.

[DangerousDave]

We now have two Lee ten pounders. Both are going just fine. I bought the original one in 1977 and am still using it!
The newer one was a gift to my son so we can cast together. :) Yeah, they leak a little sometimes, but I keep a stubby screw driver on the bench to twist the valve rod a bit. That stops it most times. Another thing I learned early on was to never empty the pot all the way. In fact I like to leave the pot full when I stop. Anyway, over the years I've tried most of the reloading makers products and don't have a lot of good to say about lee stuff. These lead pots are the one shinning exception.

[copdills]

I have both. I keep the smaller one for pure lead and the larger one for w/w. I've had both for years, and I just turn the pot on wide open and have a ball. It's a hobby, not a contest...and my results are good.

I have the pro 20 lb pot and never had a problem with it , I had mine for about 3 years now

[KenT7021]

I have the Lee 10 pounder,a Lee 4-20 and a Lyman Mag25.I just replaced the pot on the 10 pounder.I've had it for probably 40 years.I would buy the 20 pound pot over the 10 but they are both good lead melters.They will drip on occasion but that is easily dealt with.The Lyman will drip as well if some debris gets around the pour spout.I prefer the Lyman because of the PID and the capacity.If all I had was one of the Lee pots I would not consider myself to be at a disadvantage.The only concern I have is a heating failure with a Lyman or RCBS pot with 20 pounds of alloy in it.

[RED BEAR]

I've been casting for a little over 10 years and still consider myself a rookie. Did it all with a 20 pound Lee pot. It isn't a bottle pour I use a ladle. Just finished casting over 600 pounds of lead in different calibers for summer shooting. I really like the Lee and yes it will hear up as the lead level goes down. With a good thermometer ( rcbs ) it is not hard to keep the temp with in 15 degrees or so. And to be honest really don't need it any closer. When I first started tried to keep everything exact to the degree. Waste of time. Anyway as I said I really like my Lee pot. Some of us out here just can't afford an rcbs even though I have no doubt it is a great product of you can afford it you can't go wrong with big green.