Smelting lead

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Archeryrob

    Undecided on a great many things
    Mar 7, 2013
    3,064
    Washington Co. - Fairplay
    What is this crap that does not separate well? It is old plumbing lead
     

    Attachments

    • 8CE3BE59-D66C-45BE-B950-E71EDACEA950.jpg
      8CE3BE59-D66C-45BE-B950-E71EDACEA950.jpg
      114.1 KB · Views: 242

    K31

    "Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 15, 2006
    35,632
    AA county
    Lead oxides and impurities you need to skim off.

    Careful handling those because they are more toxic than just lead.
     

    Archeryrob

    Undecided on a great many things
    Mar 7, 2013
    3,064
    Washington Co. - Fairplay
    It got better over time and I mean a half hour, but I can stir and stir and it seems to keep coming. 10lb and I feel like 2lb was skimmed already.

    I am not touching any of it and just skimmed off and ditched in to fireash pan to be ditched.

    SO just stir boy, stir, right?
     

    K31

    "Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 15, 2006
    35,632
    AA county
    It got better over time and I mean a half hour, but I can stir and stir and it seems to keep coming. 10lb and I feel like 2lb was skimmed already.

    I am not touching any of it and just skimmed off and ditched in to fireash pan to be ditched.

    SO just stir boy, stir, right?

    Skim, then stir to see if more comes to the top. You don't want to try to mix impurities down into the metal like it's unmelted bits.
     

    Archeryrob

    Undecided on a great many things
    Mar 7, 2013
    3,064
    Washington Co. - Fairplay
    I feel like is a 50/50 volume but not weight, I was stirring does that mean I am wasting lead in the trash?
     

    Attachments

    • 92C154A5-A825-4EFB-9A11-BCDC2AA65DBD.jpg
      92C154A5-A825-4EFB-9A11-BCDC2AA65DBD.jpg
      120.7 KB · Views: 204
    • 813AA39A-4B96-4B6E-AB91-04FA1B2C407A.jpg
      813AA39A-4B96-4B6E-AB91-04FA1B2C407A.jpg
      145 KB · Views: 214

    iH8DemLibz

    When All Else Fails.
    Apr 1, 2013
    25,396
    Libtardistan
    It looks like you have all kinds of trash/contaminates in that lead.

    Re-melt it, throw in some fine saw dust, throw in some bee's wax, skim that burnt crap off, and re-pour.

    It should be shiny when you're done.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    You will always get oxidation where the lead on top hits the air. First, if you are only melting soft lead, try to set the temp to @700 degrees. After the first skimming, where all the chunks come out, then drop some bees wax or fluxing powder and skim again. If the lead is now shiny, then it is good to go.
     

    j8064

    Garrett Co Hooligan #1
    Feb 23, 2008
    11,635
    Deep Creek
    OP

    You've been given spot on advice already. You would be amazed at the impurities that will begin to float in your melt pot. Especially from wheel weight and range lead. Flux like democraps vote: early and often...

    ;)
     

    zoostation

    , ,
    Moderator
    Jan 28, 2007
    22,857
    Abingdon
    Lead oxides and impurities you need to skim off.

    Careful handling those because they are more toxic than just lead.

    Yep, if it were me I'd be wearing a respirator too. That's some nasty shit. And once lead gets in your body it don't leave.
     

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    Flux first.

    Some of that stuff is good stuff, and when you flux, with go back in.

    Then skim off all the junk that does not recombine with the lead when you flux.
     

    K31

    "Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 15, 2006
    35,632
    AA county
    Yep, if it were me I'd be wearing a respirator too. That's some nasty shit. And once lead gets in your body it don't leave.

    The neighbors already have the deer-in-the-headlights look because I'm on my deck in a workshop apron, goggles, face mask and gloves to cut fiberglass tubing.
     

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,931
    Messages
    7,259,490
    Members
    33,350
    Latest member
    Rotorboater

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom