lead melting pot

lugnut · March 04, 2011, 12:01:10 PM

i'm looking at pouring some of my own jig heads. do i really need one of the40 dollars melting pots or can i just put the lead into a small cast iron pot and melt it over the stove?

i don't know anything about this stuff so tell me what you guys know for low cost options

bigjim5589 · March 04, 2011, 12:28:11 PM

If you pour a lot, the melter is the way to go. But, for just pouring a batch occasionally, the pot will work. Be careful about melting on a stove used for cooking, you don't want lead getting into food or utensils used to prepare food. Actually, pouring inside without good ventilation is not a good idea anyway!

Kickin Bass · March 04, 2011, 12:30:05 PM

Lead melts at 621° so Im not sure a stove could do that kind of temperature range. Also if you were thinking of doing it in the house breathing the fumes is a no no. Here is a place where you can read up on the harmful affects.

Moderators: Sorry if posting this link is a bad thing but it's a safety issue. http://www.kansasangler.com/makeit.html

I have a low budget pot I think I picked it up for around $40 it does a dandy job. Others might have other ideas but again I would strongly urge you not to do it in your house. Stay safe.

scottydoesnt · March 04, 2011, 06:02:42 PM

Plumbers I worked with have lead in the shape of large hockey pucks. They just simply melt them with a propane torch into a cast iron ladle. Then pour into their cast iron joints. I have no idea if this matters at all to what you are trying do, but thought I'd share.

lugnut · March 04, 2011, 06:25:15 PM

all good info guys.

i'm gonna do som looking around and pricing and see what i come up with.

i'll make sure that i don't melt the lead inside and i wont use the wifes posts, i'm more worried about her beating me than the fumes

bassindude · March 04, 2011, 08:14:25 PM

If youre going to use the iron ladle, a coleman stove works great. The Lee hot pot is a great tool to have though. Once you start pouring, you wont want to quit.

screwballl · March 07, 2011, 03:40:21 PM

I am looking to eventually start with some of my own lead too... I plan to go with the bottom pour model from Janns.

tsmith35 · March 07, 2011, 06:19:38 PM

Quote from: screwballl on March 07, 2011, 03:40:21 PM
I am looking to eventually start with some of my own lead too... I plan to go with the bottom pour model from Janns.

Midway USA has 'em on sale for $47. I ended up buying a bunch of stuff from Midway, since they carry lead stuff for reloaders. I got the 20 lb. Lee melter with some dippers, fluxing compound and some cast iron RCBS ingot molds.