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Been looking at melting pots hard lately so I can get things ready to fire up my jig making this fall/winter. I have been looking at the Lee 10Lb Lead Melting Pot 110 Volt pot. I have read mixed reviews with most of the complaints being that Lee pots are cheap and leak. Is this a major problem or not. Should I just bite the bullet and upgrade to a Lymon or will this pot suit my needs?
I have both the production pot IV and the pro 4-20, The production pot IV was bought in 1977 and has seen use 50 - 60 days every year since. Yes it drips when I get a little sloppy with cleaning metal and not cleaning the pot. I solved the dripping by drilling a 5/8 hole thru the base below the spot and made a wooden frame to act as a riser I slide a small baking pan under the stand to catch the drips.
The Pro 4-20 dripped as well but I corrected this by adding extra weight to the counter weight, I use the pro 4-20 for melting tin and other lead free alloys and after adding weight have not had an issue. For the money, they are hard to beat.
When I cast bullets with the pro IV, I rarely have an issue with drips, probably because bullets require more lead and longer pours, thus nozzle stays clean longer.
Just pay attention to what you are doing, wear appropriate clothing, keep work area clean and well organized and make some shields for around your pot to contain any spatter (A good idea no matter what pot you have).
Good luck and hope you save money for what really matters........ using your jigs.........
BTW this place is a good source for furnaces
Reloading Lead Bullet Casting
I have had a lot of luck dealing with them and if you watch closely, the ocassionally offer free shipping.
Also, get a bottom pour furnace.. saves a lot of grief.
I have 2 of the LEE IV (10 lbs.) and really like them. My first 2 lasted 20 plus years and it was my fault they had to be replaced but LEE gave me the 1/2 price replacement program and I got 2 new ones. They work great for my pouring needs. Know several folks who have the RCBS melter and love it.
DrNip I have one of the lee bottom pours here at the shop, your more than welcome to come pour some up and test it out! Sorry I don't remember the size, or actual model . I can go look and repost if it is important to you.
I'm at Broken Bow lake until Wednesday. I'll get with you Thursday or Friday and try to come by one of those days.
DRNip,
The Lee 10# production pot has served me very well. Keep a Slotted Screwdriver handy and if you start to drip, simply rotate the pouring rod a bit and that will generally stop the leak. I also recommend using the cleanest lead you can find. If you need help in how to get the lead the cleanest just let me know and I will walk you through it. You are also welcome to swing by here and use my Production pot and see how you like it.
Thanks,
Bobo
Will do Bobo. Ordered the 20lb Lee and a 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz mold from Jacobs last week. Ordered some lead online for $1.00 lb but found a place locally in the city that has it for $0.80 a lb. Going to start collecting my supplies to get my shop up and running.
Give me a call and I will tell you how to make that lead shine.
Bobo