cutting lead

[ebert]

a freind has a peice of lead that is 4 inches thick by 2 feet wide by 3 feet long that i can have. the problem is how to cut or chop it into peices for melting. any ideas greatly appreciated. thankyou

[Ben]

I've heard of people using a wood splitter to " shear " the blocks into usable sizes.

[cajun shooter]

I have used a Sawzall but with a piece such as that why not go to a welding shop. Have them use a good ole cutting torch for fast and easy cuts. You will lose a small amount but save a lot of time and effort.

[skytex]

hmm that thick, I think I'd use my sawzall. Just make sure to put a bucket under it to catch the "sawdust" as that's lead too!

[hoosierlogger]

I used a band saw once to cut a 8" X 6" X 16" chunk that had whole wheel weights in it. That took forever. I have also used a chainsaw on pure soft lead chunks. If you cut it in a trailer with sides on it, you can recover almost all of the cut pieces from the kerf.

[southpaw]

WOW!! at just over 1400lbs that isn't going to be easy to move. I would try a circular saw. I haven't used one on a piece that thick but I would guess that you might need to cut it 1" at a time. Put a tarp down to catch the shavings.

Nice score!!

Jerry Jr.

[onondaga]

Don't bother cutting it. Prop it up with bricks and use a welding torch to drip it directly into ingot molds.

[HATCH]

if it is soft lead you can just use a axe

[hk33ka1]

I also use an axe for large pieces, then when small enough into my propane tank/turkey frier.

[Kilo Kilo]

How did the chainsaw work for you???

I too have the same problem except my chunk is 2'x2'x3' (app 4,000 lbs) thick and a sawzall is just not going to work as to the size.

I tried the axe but it only go's in about half and inch or so.

[thegreatdane]

good grief, where do you guys find such enormous portions of Pb happiness?

[Springfield]

A few months ago I cut up a 600 lb sailboat keel with a skilsaw. Just use the coarsest blade you can find or it will load up.

[taminsong]

I have also this same problem. I was able to score some lead bars, weighing 25kilos each, the size I think is 3X4 and more than a foot long.

At first I tried to drill a hole at the top portion and and put a hook, attached it to a pulley and lowered it down to my melter. I also tried to cut it with a hacksaw but it takes a lot of time and manpower to cut.

I really didn't know how to do it, my first option with a pulley might work. I don't have a cutting torch or acetylene.

[bobthenailer]

ive cut up several 50lb bars if lead by drilling several holes through it, across its width and sheering with a ax or a splitting wedge. works pretty well !
ive tried a sawsall and the blade chunks up with lead

[Tom R]

I just had an idea that should work. Take a piece of 1/8 steel stick it in a fire until it is read hot and cut through the lead like a hot knife.

[Kilo Kilo]

Ohhhh, I like that drill idea!!! Nice :)

I'm going to try that one today

[markshere2]

I had fantastic success with a circular saw.
Keep it spinning fast, wear eye protection and make successive passes to get thru thick stuff.

sweep up and save the chips when you are done, too.

[elk hunter]

I use a propane weed burner to melt the big stuff into the cast iron pot for my plumbers furnace, then ladle out to ingot moulds.

[home in oz]

What a score!

[mold maker]

The welding torch ideas generate enough heat to vaporize lead. Although faster the dangerous fumes would be bad news.
A circular saw with a really course blade cutting from both sides, and a splitting wedge should do the job with almost no loss Just be careful not to force the saw.
Even a limb saw will cut lead.
If I had that problem, I'd find a way.

[lwknight]

The welding torch ideas generate enough heat to vaporize lead. Although faster the dangerous fumes would be bad news.
The lead will be liquid and run off long before it gets that hot.
Try boiling water with ice in it. Same thing.

I vote for the 200,000 btu weed burner . Its slow at the start but when the lead starts flowing , you had best be ready for it.

[casterofboolits]

I cut up a couple tons of machine weights about two inches thick with a skill saw with carbide tipped teeth. Made a one inch deep cut on each side. Goggles are a must and a full face shield if you have it is better. Those little chips sting!

[Kilo Kilo]

Well I'm finding out that the best way is to just drill out one inch holes (touching) both top and from the side. Defently not the fastest but it is working.