I was wondering if anybody had a spare casting thermometer. I don't have the funds to purchase a bottom pour pot so I've been casting over a fire with an old kitchen pan and ladle. Knowing the temp would be incredible. Thank you!
I was wondering if anybody had a spare casting thermometer. I don't have the funds to purchase a bottom pour pot so I've been casting over a fire with an old kitchen pan and ladle. Knowing the temp would be incredible. Thank you!
A lot of guys are using the Tel-Tru 200/1000 thermometer now, that is sold as a replacement thermometer for a Big Green Egg bbq smoker, but it apparently works great and is cheaper than a Lyman or Rotometals thermometer.
(I bought a Lyman and the thing is off by 50 degrees, but it's okay since I know that it is.)
KE4GWE - - - - - - Colt 1860, it just feels right.
I just tried this no answer...and broke down and bought one, but for casting stuff it is a cheap investment. http://www.kck.com/tel-tru_grill_smo...ermometer.html
is the link. It was $28 shipped. Get the 5" 200-1000 one BBQ-TT-200-5-200/1000
I have two "cheap" casting thermometers which I don't use, and there is a reason. I bought the first and after about 2 months the head became loose from the stem and I had to attempt to calibrate it each time I used it and hoped the head wouldn't rotate. I contacted the company and they sent me a replacement. When I would turn the first to agree with the second for calibration purposes at ambient temperature they disagreed about 50 degrees at about 700. I had enough of this and bought an RCBS thermometer. I don't know if the RCBS is accurate, but I do know it doesn't agree with either of the other two. I concluded that cheap thermometers are indeed cheap. I have heard and read good things about the tel-tru both in quality and price, and may buy one of those, but for now the RCBS will have to do.
Rick
Rick, is this the one your talking about? http://www.midwayusa.com/product/357...ng-thermometer
I'm not really sure what the "tel-tru" is. I looked at tel-tru's website but couldn't figure out which would be used for lead.
Like I said in the first post I don't even have a proper ladle yet. I'm using an old soup ladle. I need to visit the local thrift shop to find a more compact pot for me to melt my lead in.
I'll have to make a short list, but I have a feeling it's just going to be a while until it all comes together. Thank you for your input and help.
Yes, That is the RCBS thermometer I have. I understand it is made by Tel-tru. I think they are supposed to have a model on their site that is about $28 shipped (?) that several folks here have recommended.
I've bought most of my casting and smelting pots at a few thrift stores. I've had the best luck at Goodwill. I have electric pots also but enjoy casting on the Coleman stove as much as anything. Lead weighs about 23 some-odd pounds to the quart, so a 2-quart pot works pretty well for me. I think you'll find, as I have, that a taller/narrower pot is better than a wide/short one.
I use a Lyman ladle and would suggest it, or an RCBS, as money well spent.
It will take a while for it to come together but think of it as a journey and not a destination. You'll probably enjoy it more that way.
Take care,
Rick
PS Most of my casting and smelting pots are stainless. Be sure to stay away from aluminum.
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |