lead ideal temp for casting

[loiner1965]

is it a suck it and see time or is they an ideal temp etc.... i have a digital thermometer with a thermocouple probe ( bit of wire i think ) and a temp range up to 760c....can i dip the probe in or use a conductor in the lead then take it off that etc

[termin8R]

The ideal temp will be the one that is just enough to get the job done! Lead (pure) melts at about 330C. Make absolutely certain that the mould (or mold if you are American :D) is dry as a bone and not of a shape that will trap pockets of air - I've made one or two ;) mistakes like this. If possible, heat the mould before pouring.

The lead temperature will vary from job to job. It will need to be hot enough to pour and to not solidify when it meets the cooler mould, so it really depends on the exact process you intend to follow, and how big and hot the mould is before pouring!

Play safe - wear eye protection!

Doug

[loiner1965]

The ideal temp will be the one that is just enough to get the job done! Lead (pure) melts at about 330C. Make absolutely certain that the mould (or mold if you are American :D) is dry as a bone and not of a shape that will trap pockets of air - I've made one or two ;) mistakes like this. If possible, heat the mould before pouring.

The lead temperature will vary from job to job. It will need to be hot enough to pour and to not solidify when it meets the cooler mould, so it really depends on the exact process you intend to follow, and how big and hot the mould is before pouring!

Play safe - wear eye protection!

Doug

cheers doug,,,made lots of bullets before but just wondered if they was an ideal temp rather than wrinkled / frosted bullets etc

[termin8R]

cheers doug,,,made lots of bullets before but just wondered if they was an ideal temp rather than wrinkled / frosted bullets etc

Well, I'd say that the wrinkles show the lead is too cold, whilst the frosting shows that you're chilling the filled mould too quickly - I'd guess that you are pouring, rather than using a pincers type mould that you dip in the melting pot?

Cheers,
Doug

[robinghewitt]

just wondered if they was an ideal temp rather than wrinkled / frosted bullets etc

Wrinkled means the lead is setting when it hits the mould, just dump them back in the pot, keep pouring and dumping until the mould warms up.

If the lead is to hot your balls will take on a golden sheen.

If the mould is too hot the ball falls apart when you open the mould and the lead drops out the middle :D

[termin8R]

If the lead is to hot your balls will take on a golden sheen.


:eek::eek::eek:

... You can get the same effect from sunbathing without your shorts.

Doug :D:D:D

[loiner1965]

:eek::eek::eek:

... You can get the same effect from sunbathing without your shorts.

Doug :D:D:D

best ask mad mark about this :D