Turning Dirty, Used Lead Wheel Weights Into Clean "Muffin" Ingots, Part 2 of 4
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- Опубликовано: 24 янв 2010
- Turning wheel weights into "muffin ingots", Part 2 of 4. Higher-quality version also available at www.sanfranciscoliberalwithagun.com.
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Hey man. I watched this video over a year ago and have since been following your method of mini muffins out of wheel weights. I've neglected to thank you for showing this. Thanks!!!
@zeusa111 Pure lead melts at a lower temperature (621 deg. F) than zinc (787 deg. F). Wheel weight alloy melts at an even lower temperature than pure lead. I generally do my melt at 600 deg. F., and both the zinc and steel weights rise to the top. These should be scooped off with a large slotted spoon or something similar.
It certainly doesn't hurt! Turns out the gunk on wheel weights (oil, paint, rubber, etc.) makes a pretty darned good flux and cleans the metal rather well. But sure, some sawdust or something similar also helps. I usually flux again while casting bullets, just to get whatever might be left.
We flux lead alloy for two reasons. First, it helps reduce some of the lead and tin oxides back into metallic form. That's good because we need all we can get (especially the tin--that's expensive). Second, it can react with some of the impurities in the pot or floating in the alloy. You can then skim off the burnt junk at the top and have a less "impure" alloy. Helps keep the weight and balance of the boolits consistent.
I got it from Tel-Tru. It's basically the same thermometer that Lyman and RCBS re-badge and sell for more money. I forget the specific model, but it's the one with the 5-inch stem and that goes from 200-1000 degrees F.
What happens is that zinc raises the surface tension of lead alloy so that it's much more difficult to get proper mould fill-out. What I would recommend is don't mix that batch of alloy with any other. You can still use it, but you may need to run it at a very high temperature (900+ degrees) to get the mould cavities to fill out. Basically, go ahead and make some fun plinkin' boolits with it, and learn from the boo-boo. Not the end of the world; it happens. :-)
You should have a fan blowing the lead vapors away from you VERY UNHEALTHY TO BREATHE!!
You can also get a small SS Colander to strain the top of the pot... and for the remaing specs on top move a magnet along the surface just above the lead to pull out any remaining remnants.
I found that the tin-plated ones are the most prone to sticking at first. This is because the hot alloy will melt the tin, which has a low melting point anyway. Tin and lead mix very well when molten, like alcohol and water. So, maybe that's what's happening. My "boolit" moulds are alumnium, and there's not a lot of sticking.
Try some soot from an open flame, or some Frankford Arsenal Drop-out, in your muffin pan for a little bit until the pan gets "broken in". That oughta help.
You're very welcome, and glad to hear it's helping out. Keep up the good work!
molten lead looks so pretty
Explained very well. Keep it up.
And it shoots even prettier! :-)
@devinandmissy Sorry for the late response on this. I can fit about 100 lb into my 5qt Dutch oven, after the lead's melted. However, usually I do about 75 lb at a time so there's space to stir and flux and such. Easier to ladle when it's 3/4 full, too.
Send me lead muffins? I send you pixie sticks.
i never see guys use a thermometer when they melt wheel weights. i always thought it would be easier to melt at lower temps instead of having to sort all the weights.. i'm just about to start casting for the first time so i'm always looking for better ways and tips. One dumb question, would the flames harm the thermometer?
@postcg Got it from Tel-Tru's Web site. It's their 200-1000 degree model with the 5" stem. $19 plus $6 or so shipping.
@phartattack You raise a good point. That's why I do all casting outside, with the wind to my back. Basically, Mother Nature is my "fan".
real cool man i have all my thing i need i make fishing sinkers and i have to two vid and i just got a ingot mold it is cool good work keep it up
when u said flux or wax where can i get that? can i use the small white candle?
where did you get your thermometer and what did it cost"
Make a simple table so you don't have to bend and less problems could happen
I've seen other videos using muffin tins, if they're allowed to cool to room temp, do they very much stick (maybe even "braze" to) the (aluminum) pan? Thanks for all the informative vids too; I'm strongly thinking of getting into casting due to scarcity of components around here.
hey man im new to this what is fluxing and why do you do it. thanks
What about all the tin still left in the lead?
how can you tell the difference between led and zinc?
does it have to be 600 degree or 400?
why is it a big big deal, ?so ya, i messed up and melted zinc into my lead, how do i get it out now ???
where did you buy that thermometer?
@insanejecke I used to get them from eBay. The going rate's about $1.00/lb, shipped. Now I've got a buddy who lets me have 'em for free.
You should always preheat then muffin pan before you pouring hot lead into it.
The56racecar no you don't unless they just came out of the refrigerator and don't say you do I have been doing it for 25 years
The zinc is melting as your talking
oh ok cool thanks man.
Neat
do you know the muffin man?
If only you knew....! :-)
DANG REPLY!!! If you move your mouse it dissapears and you loose everything you typed so, I'm posting my response...
Get your scrap lead from a tire shop or plumber offer them a couple bucks for their scrap or offer to make them some bullets or fishing weights as a BARTER.
**MZ**