gloves or no gloves.

[bigjason6]

This is the most STUPID question thus far about casting!
If no gloves are the preference, why not just strip down naked with no safety glasses either. Take your chances, like playing a lottery: Not If but When If!
Plus I guess those bang the sprue plate with the stick instead of glove handing to cut the sprue puddle

Sometimes when I'm feeling especially manly... I'll cast in a speedo, open the sprue plate with my teeth, and quench fresh boolits on my tongue!

[Iron Mike Golf]

I wear a glove on my right hand for manipulating the sprue plate and handling hot sprues and boolits

[LAH]

This is the most STUPID question thus far about casting!
If no gloves are the preference, why not just strip down naked with no safety glasses either. Take your chances, like playing a lottery: Not If but When If!
Plus I guess those bang the sprue plate with the stick instead of glove handing to cut the sprue puddle

I don't understand why you think the question is stupid. The question is straight forward: Do you wear gloves while casting?

And what does not wearing gloves have to do with getting naked while casting? I don't wear gloves except were needed. I don't drive with them, cut firewood, load firewood, operate equipment, shoot, load ammo, fire the furance, grease, change oil or anything else unless they are needed. And when I get naked I find no use for them. HEE HEE

The problem I have with gloves............heat, hot hands. I will wear them but not that often. I may be the expection though as every one on my crew wear them but me. I'll be 61 shortly so I probably won't change. But like I said John Boy I have nothing at all against those who cast with gloves.

[hiram1]

yes gloves you cant shoot if you get a hand burned and you will if you dont use gloves. this is all about being safe

[Moonie]

No gloves, and I open the sprue by hand... Wait, that's not right.

[a.squibload]

No gloves, and I open the sprue by hand... Wait, that's not right.

"YEEEOW! Couple more good ones.

YOWOWOW! Those look good.

AAARGH!" Etc., etc...

[TXGunNut]

I'm quite surprised by how many experienced casters don't wear gloves. I think maybe I'm not wearing enough glove as mine are non-insulated leather and I sometimes have to shuck them after handling something a bit too hot a bit too long. I've made good use of PPE more than once so I know I'm just not careful or lucky enough to get away with not using it, but that's my choice. I don't always wear long sleeves and have learned how long a 3rd degree burn takes to heal. Had a splatter land on top of my close-cropped head during my first casting session, headgear now mandatory for me as well.

[Sonnypie]

I'm new to this.
I've tried both ways.
And with my heavy welding gloves I've found cutting the sprue to be real easy. I was really surprised how easy.
I like that better than whacking my mold with a hammer handle.
But only the right glove. I can't properly handle the mold and handles with both of the heavy gloves. I'm considering trying one of my heliarc gloves on the left hand.

And I hate wearing gloves! Absolutely hate them!
But for this, it makes the process easier and I think a bit faster.

[a.squibload]

Me too, I used to whack the plate, thought that was how it's supposed to be.
Pushing it just scissors the sprue right off.

[TXGunNut]

I do a lot of cooking and my hands need very little protection for normal kitchen temps, I can get a little careless aboout glove use in the kitchen. If I make the same mistake with molten lead I'd be seriously injured. I tried casting with one glove, was nervous enough that it was a distraction. Can't use the welding gloves well enough but may need to find some that fit better, had some mild burns thru normal work gloves. I like the posts about opening sprue plates with a welding glove, think I need to find a good pair.

[dagger dog]

Smelting I got gloves ON !

Casting I'm trying to get into the habit of KEEPING THEM ON, but once I get into the "zone" or what ever you want to call it, I'll grab that sprue plate with a bare hand and ! ^%#(*!,
I don't remember removing the glove!

But I voted gloves

[Benji40]

Always, safety glasses and boots too.

[Benji40]

OK, direct me to the thread on sprue cutting, yes so far I have whacked it.

[a.squibload]

Do a search, not sure there is a thread just on sprue cutting,
but I remember someone posted about adding handles to their sprue plates.
After reading that I considered it, but haven't had any trouble pushing
sprue plates with a gloved hand.

[Bret4207]

This is the most STUPID question thus far about casting!
If no gloves are the preference, why not just strip down naked with no safety glasses either. Take your chances, like playing a lottery: Not If but When If!
Plus I guess those bang the sprue plate with the stick instead of glove handing to cut the sprue puddle

I find your childish response to be insulting and juvenile. If you desire to dress up like an astronaut or deep sea diver just to cast a few boolits, be my guest. I'll do it my way and should I get burned I won't come whining to you. BTW- I've been whacking my sprue plates with a rawhide mallet for over 30 years with no damage. I suppose there should be a law against that?

[LAH]

BTW- I've been whacking my sprue plates with a rawhide mallet for over 30 years with no damage.

I've also cast a few in my time but I use a hardwood stick, handle, club or whatever & like you, no damage.....

[Hickory]

I'll do it my way and should I get burned I won't come whining to you.

I love people who will take responsibility for
their own actions, we see so little of this now days.

[David2011]

Gloves and Bull Plate Lube. I was taught to use a rawhide mallet or hardwood handle. Now that I have Bull Plate in the shop, the mallet or hammer handle (NO HEAD ATTACHED!) are rarely needed. Safety glasses are also mandatory for me.

David

[cumminsnut76]

I do not use either but that is personal preference, you just have to be careful- all the protection in the world cannot keep you safe if you are an idiot!

[Bob Krack]

I can't vote because one glove - most of the time - is not a choice.

I NORMALLY use a right hand glove to cut the sprue and then wipe the bottom of the plate - and to verify alignment of the blocks. Left hand bare.

I made a leather covered piece of ash from a tamp handle. Works terrific for "whacking" the sprue of the occasional tough to open blocks, like when I let them get too cool.

Bob