Any cheap source for tin?

[bearhunter]

Hey fellows: Many thanks for all the great ideas so far. This is one of the great benefits of a forum like this. In the meantime, I did a bit of research and found that babbitt metal is a good source of tin also. Often heavy industry uses babbitt for casting bearings and saw guides....while digging through my stash, I happily found an old ingot of babbitt that was given to me years ago...don't you just love these treasure hunts? Thanks again...much appreciated...

Babbitt is still used by some industries but not nearly as much as it used to be and it is also different from in makeup from what it used to be. The automotive industry still uses it for crankshaft bearings as precast and machined shells. You might be able to source it at a facility that rebuilds engines.

 

[BattleRife]

I work for a welding consumable supplier in Edmonton and we always have #2 Babbitt in stock, 89% Sn with antimony and a little copper. It comes as 1/8" diameter wire on 33lbs spools. It makes a very handy way to add to the melt, you can measure it out by length and the weight will be consistent.

Retail price is under $18/lb, I would sell a spool to the casters on this site for probably $15/lb.

 

[c.t.smith]

Well good for you, why even bother posting to this thread which is about people who DO bother with tin.

I was simply trying to state I get excellent results without the use of tin. That is why i bothered to post, to suggest the OP try without and save the expense.

I possibly could have worded my post different.

SORRY

 

[Canuck44]

I go to a local rad shop. The slag on the floor they sweep up is mostly 50 - 5- solder. I pick it up every so often as needed. The local guy here is happy to get rid of it. I smelt it own and add to pot as needed.

Take Care

Bob

 

[kjohn]

I was simply trying to state I get excellent results without the use of tin. That is why i bothered to post, to suggest the OP try without and save the expense.

I possibly could have worded my post different.

SORRY

Gotta be careful. Somebody will come along and bite your head off. I told a fellow he had a "fine example" of a certain rifle......phwew! Did I get a dressing down!

 

[yomomma]

Ahhh that was just a nibble. Guess I could have worded my response differently too

Gotta be careful. Somebody will come along and bite your head off. I told a fellow he had a "fine example" of a certain rifle......phwew! Did I get a dressing down!