Printable View
I am just getting started into pouring some jigs, got a lee bottom pour pot and havent used it yet. What is the best advice to get started you could give me? I have done some research but the best advice comes from those who do it. I bought 3 pounds of lead to get started, how do you clean your pot when you are done or do you leave the lead in the pot until next time? What does everyone use for fluxing and what is a good temp to get started? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.
One thing that may help you is to buy more lead. You tend to get a more even flow with more lead in your pot. Make sure to get plumbers lead and not just anything. It will usually run you about $2.50 or more if you buy it at a plumbers supply store.
You want to get it at a good hot temp but it will still take a while to melt your lead. You can back it off a little after it's melted. Do not let water, sweat get anywhere near the lead because it it touches it, it will explode. Make sure to never put any lead in the pot that has any moisture (same reason as before)
People have added pieces of lead that had a little bit of moisture inside and when it melted it exploded emptying the whole pot. A lead burn can be serious. A good idea to always wear eye protection. Do not let anyone near the lead while in use. I keep a cast iron cornpone under mine to catch the drippings. This includes when the pot has been emptied. It will take a while for it to cool down.
Adjust the depth by sticking your jig mold where it will just slide under the spout leaving about an 1/8 of an inch.
When I finish I empty the majority of the pot making lead cornpone nuggets that I store until next time. I do not completely empty mine each time.
For fluxing, I use candle wax which a small bit (less than 1/2 the size of a piece of chewed chewing gum) when dropped in will cause it to flame up. Do It Co. says this is to be expected but it will quickly go out and make it much more easier to scoop the crud off the top.
These are a few ideas but you need to read your instruction manual. I love making and using my own jigs but it can be dangerous if you make mistakes.
Warm your jigs up by pouring a few rounds without hooks. The warmer the jig the better off you'll be. Keep the lead hot. I wear a face shield of clear plastic, they aren't that expensive and could save a burn on you face. I use a slotted spoon to clear the slag off the top of the lead. Just use common sence and you'll be fine.
Thanks guys, can't wait to get started!
all the above is spot on. A hot mold will pour a nice jig, but a cool mold is a frustration til it gets hot. I sometimes forget to put the mold up top and get ready to pour and have to heat it. I lay the mold on it's side and pour the side panels once or twice each side to get it going, and let it sit a minute or two to absorb the heat. Take these and put them back into the pot and they re-melt right away. The hotter the mold, the easier the pour. Also, put candle smoke on all the cavities you plan to pour. It acts like grease to the hot lead, helping get the lead into smaller areas. Big difference in my molds.
Skeetbum, first time I've heard about the candle smoke. Look forward to trying it. Good tip! Thanks!