Mystery Metal!!!!

[docone31]

Boy, I got this stuff back when I first started.
It was used for making lead castings. I am not sure what it is.
It had a layer, under heat, like foam. I diluted it useing PB untill I could get the "lead" out.
It clung to the dipper, made a general mess, took a long time to freeze.
My thoughts on it are a white casting metal. The foam does dilute to an extant.
I ended up tossing the foam out.
It was used in large castings, like Crosses, figuires.
What a mess.
Definately not wheel weight, or PB.
Any ideas?

[WILCO]

I've got nothing...........:-(

[docone31]

Well, more details.
It is fairly light, almost melts at the high setting on a kitchen stove. Lead melts easily on the same stove.
I haven't weighted them yet, but pure lead is noticeably heavier than the same amount of this stuff.
The foam like top crust, is grey in colour. Matching the rest.
When I go below the top layer, the lead has definate crystalline patterns. It is quick to oxidize though. When I add enough pure to this stuff, it does get more liquid.
I am thinking, a type of pewter with zinc? Lots of zinc.

[lylejb]

Sounds more like pot metal than lead. Whatever it is, i don't think i would try to make boolits with it.

If you REALLY want to know what it is, Rotometals has an analysis service for $79

http://www.rotometals.com/category-s/59.htm

I don't think i would spring for it, however.

[SierraWhiskeyMC]

Sounds like "pot metal". Probably has a lot of zinc in it. Not good for making boolits; too light weight and too brittle.

"Pot metal" alloys can vary considerably depending upon what the goals were of the company using it and the item(s) being cast from it.

[SciFiJim]

Quote from survivalblog.com

pennies are roughly 97% zinc and 3% copper. To that mixture, one may add a few aluminum cans and minor amount of copper wire to bring the mix to 93% zinc, 3% copper, and 4% aluminum. This alloy melts at relatively low temperatures and is called “Zamak”. Zamak is a light, strong, easily castable alloy that because of its “campfire” range melting temperature is just the ticket for replacing small metal parts in a pinch.

Could be zamak. Save it aside for casting things other than boolits, maybe with a sand casting mold.

[docone31]

I had forgotten about Zamak.
I used to cast with it in the '70s. Back when I made pewter lamps.
I do not know though, the top crust doesn't get liquid. Just spongy.
I might thin it waaaay out. Might be good for paper patching. I mean way out with pure lead.