best method for cleaning a lee mould

[BCM45]

What is the best way to keep a lee mould clean? Wire brush? Brillo pad?

[mooman76]

No! The aluminum is soft and you don't want to scatch it. I occassionally go across it with a brass brush very lightly but never the inside of the cavities. It's easier to clean it while still hot. When cold you can clean it with a good cleaner and a toothbrush. While hot you can use wipe it off with a rag or leather glove.

[dromia]

What is it dirty with?

[qajaq59]

If you mean when it comes out of the box from the factory, then I simply soak it over night in denatured alcohol and use it. That seems to get every bit of oil off it.

[jmsj]

+ 1 on dromia's question.
If it is new, I've found that taking the sprue plate off spraying it down w/ brake cleaner and putting it in boiling water w/ dawn dish soap for 10 or 15 minutes works best for me.
If it is lead build up on the mold faces, heating it up on a hotplate really hot (be careful not to overheat) and wiping w/ a cotton rag.
If it is burnt sprue lube, I use acetone or alcohol to soften it up, a toothbrush and or wooden tooth pick and wipe clean. Sometimes after doing this kind cleaning, I've found it useful to put the mold in boiling water and dish soap again

[MtGun44]

Cold chisel and 16 oz hammer. :bigsmyl2:

NOT! :shock:

Very soft, why clean at all??? :confused:

When new I clean and deburr with Comet and an old toothbrush giving a
good scrubbing. Never have cleaned one a second time. Do not smoke, no
need, just makes a mess and reduces boolit diam a tad.

Bill

[Mattog22]

I somehow got a small amount of lead in the venting hatching keeping the mold from closing properly. When hot I can't get it wiped out due to the grooves and can't get it out when cold either since I'm afraid of damaging the mold. How should I go about cleaning it out? It's a very very thin and small amount which makes it difficult to remove.

[theperfessor]

That's one reason I don't like that method of venting.

You might try a very small, sharp pick and carefully try to dig it out. That's what I do but the word careful is worth repeating.

Others may have better advice.

[Mattog22]

I may try a toothpick when I get home, I know it won't damage aluminum but maybe it will be strong enough to pull the lead out.

[theperfessor]

I have a very sharp steel scribe that I use. I just try to pop it out without skidding. It works but I'm very careful.

[Mattog22]

Alright, thanks. I guess I'll just be extra careful and pick it out.

[Von Dingo]

Propane torch, and brass brush.

[Wally]

"0000" super fine steel wool works wonders--use a light touch.

[ricksplace]

Propane torch, and brass brush.

Just cleaned a lee mold yesterday this way. Heated up the mold until the lead stuck to it melted, then wiped it down with a rag. Be careful with the brass brush.