I have poured lead for a lot of years and have wondered why some people smoke a mold? What effect does it have in the pouring process? What flaws if any does this correct? Thank you in advance for the answers to these questions.
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I have poured lead for a lot of years and have wondered why some people smoke a mold? What effect does it have in the pouring process? What flaws if any does this correct? Thank you in advance for the answers to these questions.
Personally I don't do it but from what I've read people say it helps the molded head release better. I've never had that problem with my molds so couldn't tell you for sure.
If the mold is working fine, I would not smoke it. If there is an issue with poor fill or being difficult to open after pouring, then smoking the mold is one thing You can try to help it.CF
What CF said. I had some issues getting some molds to go complete. Smoking the molds eliminated the problem. I feel the lead flows faster, like putting grease on something not quite slick enough. My pro molds have smaller gates and work better since smoking them.
Smoking molds can help with flow and release. Smoking molds make them look ugly. Release agent do a good job. Try dusting mold with talcum powder, blow off excess and cast a half dozen. If mold works better and you are happier with the final product, smoking or a release agent may be helpful. Personally, I stick with talc every 100 or so casts.
If I have a problem with molds not filling out, I will use a candle and smoke the mold.......then wipe off with rag but not in the cavity where the lead flows........always helps with lead flow for me.