I was at a Menards the other day in the plumbing dept. when I seen the new non lead solder. Has anyone used this stuff to make jigs. Just wonder if the weights were close and the melting temps. Just wondering!!
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I was at a Menards the other day in the plumbing dept. when I seen the new non lead solder. Has anyone used this stuff to make jigs. Just wonder if the weights were close and the melting temps. Just wondering!!
I have used it as a body material to weight jigs butnever tried casting with it. I would guess that the price would be higher than buying non lead in bulk but I had to check this out to be sure.
The non lead solder if it's high in tin content will make the jigs weigh less, and yes will cost more. You'd also have to cast a larger size head to get the same weight as a smaller jig made of lead. Melting temps are I believe from what I've read a bit higher to get the tin flowing better.
On the Non lead solders. The one brand I played with melts at a real low temp. then pure tin. I do not know the actual temp. off hand. I had to do a little trouble shooting when learning to pour tin (which i use the same techniques on lead). I prefer tin over lead when pouring. Easier. You will have to shop around for the best prices on tin. I order mine from a smelting company. Smallest order is 250 pounds. It is about 4 to 6 dollars a pound cheaper than those other companies that sale by the pound. There was some on ebay that I thought about bidding on 2 days ago. The price was right but still taking bids. Some yahoos are trying to sell tin bullion. Which it is worth money but silver and gold is easier to trade or sale. Just my thought about that. Tin melts at a cooler temp. than lead. I run my pot on 4 and lead in the same style of pot is on 6. Which varies on outside air temps. Tin is going up in price because of China. But all metals are going up. The Jig weights are about 1/4 to 1/3 lighter than lead. I like the larger head size for the fact that you get the same weight but a larger vibration and visual effect so the crappie can see and feel the jig better in all water conditions.
I just searched for tin. I guess I need to make a bullion mold and quit making jigs. LOL. Here is about the cheapest I could find in a hurry. It'll be about $15.50 a pound delivered.
Hay Fish 4 All. What did Washington State decide on the lead ban on the selected lakes they were still discussing last year (2010). I have not talked to my sources since they proposed the national E.P.A. ban.
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,3219.html
TT