Time invovled with using Alox...
Hey fellows,
My trial molds for the TLC359-190-RF arrived so I was anxious to cast! I thought I would also go ahead and time the various steps to see just how long the process takes. Not that any of this is a timed event , as I normally won't even start casting if I'm pressed for time as I make too many mistakes.
Again here are my steps in applying the Alox:- First, extremely light tumbled coat of Alox
- Install the gas checks
- Alox dip coat
- Pass through sizer
I had cast 425 bullets, here is what each operation took:- #1 :31
- #2 1:10
- #3 :49
- #4 :39
Installing the gas checks is common to any application (:18/100) so here is what the time looks like per/100 bullets (times above divided by 4):For any comparison purposes, the total time involved in appling two coats of Alox and seating the checks while sizing the bullets with the Lee sizer would be about :30/100. Again, this wasn't a horse race. I enjoy this work or I would be out buying jacketed bullets. Your times might vary. I took several phone calls, talked with my wife, petted the dog, etc. while timing these events.
The first coat dried two hours and the second coat 4 hours. I completed my entire casting event in one day (I didn't time the casting). I hope you don't mind some pictures...
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox01.jpg
First coat has been squirted on the bullet. Notice that it is so little you can barely see it.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox02.jpg
This picture is to emphasis just how little Alox should be used on that first coat. The wax residue in the middle of the sheet of paper is where I've dumped 425 bullets in 31 minutes. That spot is tacky, not wet. I've used very little Alox at this point.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox03.jpg
For the second and final coat, I use Alox that I purchased through Lar45's LsStuff who is a member here on Cast Boolits. I use it because of the volume of Alox I consume. It is no different than that purchased through Lee Precision. The 32 oz. bottle is heating up in a sink of hot water to make it flow better.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox04.jpg
The small "Jell-O" bowl I use for the dip.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox05.jpg
The bullets have been dipped and now are sitting on their base. This bullet has enough nose that I could grap it with my fingers; no tools needed. The Alox is flowing off the bullets onto the paper but it will be recovered.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox06.jpg
It has taken me 49 minutes to dip all 425 bullets. I have picked the first dipped bullet up for this photo. The Alox has set up and formed it's coat around the base of the bullet. The bullet base is actually pretty free of Alox from resting on the paper.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox07.jpg
I've gone ahead and moved the bullets out of the rows so that I can recover the Alox. The bullets will dry four hours in this position. Notice the excess Alox on the paper.
http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/images/Casting/Alox08.jpg