lead melting

[Fergus]

I usually melt down scrap lead in a cast iron pot about the size of a jam pan over a Calor camp stove.

For casting I use the resulting ingots in a Lee lead melter (sold for casting bullets) when I'm turning out weights or 1oz slugs for a friend who loads his own PSG ammo.

 

[Perry Owens]

I have been casting lead bullets for 30 years. I heartily endorse all the warnings about moisture, protective clothing etc. A cast iron lead pot is safer than an old saucepan as it is less likely to tip over on a gas ring.When the lead is melted stir in a knob of beewax to flux it and bring all the slag to the top. If you want to do it properly you can buy lead pots, dippers, even electric lead melters from www.midwayuk.com

 

[Pete.]

I grew up on Anglesea and the rocky coastline caused me to lose so many fishing weights I turned to using spark plugs. Course, most motors use the small plugs nowadays so it might not be so easy to find the heavy ones anymore.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I'd advise any such practice done outside unless you have a proper air fed fume mask. I got lead shavings from lead loading bodywork land on a paraffin stove in the garage and the fumes almost killed me. They came so fast (in a flash) I struggled to get to the door before collapsing. Made me ill for weeks and severe telling off from hospital / doctors about lead poisoning.

Paul H

 

[KemppiFrog]

I have done some relativly large amounts for ballast in boats. Used an old gas bottle and a 23kw gas burner (ex water heater) But I was very carefull about fumes and over heating. Would never do it inside. A friend has a 'birth mark' on his cheek from DIY galvanising with some damp involved...
But for fishing weights, no big deal. Except for the damp. Minimum protection would be eye goggles.
KF