Bad pours

[quintebasser]

I poured some bullet head spinnerbaits and a lot of them came out porous, has any one had this problem and what is the cause. Any advice appreciated, thanks.

[Cray]

Can you post a picture? That sure would help.

[wicklundrh]

A lot of times, when I have this issue it is usually due to dirty lead or lead too hot or cold.

I've slacked off some in the last week, but I was pouring a couple thousand every other day (5/8, 3/4, and 1 oz walleye jigs). I used to have the same issues when I did a lot of castings with salvaged wheel weight lead. I've since changed over to a softer lead that I get readily available. As a result, it is cleaner and has a slightly lower fluid tempurature.

Those of us that do production work, make up large amounts of lead ingots at one time. This way we are not constantly making lead and conditioning it. Many of us go through the same practices where we melt, sift off any slag, melt some more, and then "FLUX" the lead. This has helped me tremendously with my lead consistancy. Many use standard wax (parafin or candle wax) to flux their lead while still in the pot before casting the ingots.

I do understand however that the hobby type of jig pouring person might melt what they need and then start molding right away. If you do this, just clean your slag really good and try the "fluxing" thing. BOBO might be able to shed better light on this than I can (I learned from him). I might do 5000 a week where as he is doing that in a half day!!!

[Fatman]

First question is where did you get your lead??
Second - what type of melting pot do you have??

Coming out pourous sounds like your lead is way to hot, or you have some really dirty lead - but a picture would really help.

I've used tire weight lead for years but you do have to flux it and really clean it up, not just one time but many times.

[quintebasser]

Thanks guys for the expert info, I will try all advice,GOOD SITE, GOOD PEOPLE!