This is an old Lyman electric that I wish to use for ladle casting. Leaving the drop rod in-place does not prevent dripping. It's in the way anyhow when ladling.
Some have turned a screw into the end of the spout to permanently disable bottom pour. I'd rather not destroy the end of the spout by doing so. Someday another caster might wish to resurrect the original bottom-pour function.
Any thoughts on how to best plug the spout without damaging it?