have begun smelting my own lead

Truly no offense intended but smelting is a real word that has a very specific definition. Just because a bunch of guys use it incorrectly when melting down a bunch of wheel weights doesn't make it right.

Besides, the word 'smelting' has all kinds of bad connotations that I wouldn't want the uninformed public to be hearing in conjunction with any activities taking place in my driveway.

Lots of people use the word 'bullet' when refering to a cartridge, people call bullets 'Leads' and 'Heads'. People talk about muzzle 'breaks' when they really mean 'brakes'....none of this is ok IMO.

Melting down wheelweights and separating the junk is not smelting, its...well...melting down wheelweights and separating the junk.

As for the original post, I'm sure he didn't need to be jumped on as he is likely just repeating the incorrect term he heard from others, but I'm sure the correction was made because it bugs that guy as much as it bugs me. I like to think we're smarter than this. What happened to literacy?

Thank you for pointing this out. I agree that we should use proper nomenclature whenever we can. An M1 Garand uses clips, most other guns like ARs and semi-auto pistols use magazines.
 
Yes, it is a must read for anyone getting into casting lead boolits. Great reference manual to have on hand.

Take Care

Bob

Highly recommended and the new Lyman casting handbook 4th edition just came out recently.
good not only for new casters but all casters. it has some new useful load information.
 
Nope, a counter weight for a cobalt machine in a cancer treatment center. I was the crane operator on a job for the removal of this machine. The tech said that it was all scrap and the it tested safe for radiation so it was mine for the taking :D
 
What and he gets away with thisH:S:

Not to worry mooseman1. Most of the guys here know who I am and what I've done. Anybody who posts something like that is pretty transparent and just needs to be ignored.


Nope, a counter weight for a cobalt machine in a cancer treatment center. I was the crane operator on a job for the removal of this machine. The tech said that it was all scrap and the it tested safe for radiation so it was mine for the taking :D

Oh man....NICE score. I'm curious how you're going to melt it down though. Just cut out chunks with a reciprocating saw I guess ? Melt of bits and pieces with a torch ? Turn your pet beaver loose on it ? LOL !!! Man, that's a big honking chunk of lead to deal with in one piece.
 
Oh man....NICE score. I'm curious how you're going to melt it down though. Just cut out chunks with a reciprocating saw I guess ? Melt of bits and pieces with a torch ? Turn your pet beaver loose on it ? LOL !!! Man, that's a big honking chunk of lead to deal with in one piece.

I haven't started to melt any of it yet. Thus far I have tried a circular saw, reciprocating saw, a chisel and a 1 inch drill bit. The drill is the best was so far but it takes for ever to get any out of it. I thought it would be a bit easier than this but I was proven wrong, lol. The reciprocating saw would be the best but I can't get a blade that two feet long to cut all the way across. I've almost tried my chainsaw but I don't want to mess up my blade on it.

It is a pain in the ass to deal with but it's a score of a life time so I couldn't pass it up.
 
I would try the chain saw. I'll bet it would go through that lead block like cheese.
The lead is MUCH softer than is Arizona iron wood and a chain saw cuts that.
 
I have used a chainsaw to cut lead. Years ago A sail boat washed up on the west coast of Vancouver island. We salvaged that keel with a saw.
 
I scored 1800 lbs of lead from a hospital that was being demolished. I also used a chainsaw but it clogs up quickly so just go slow and unclog it as it starts to bind. I cut the piece up into more manageable chunks and then I used an axe to cut the smaller chunks into ones that could be used in my big cast iron pot that I have.

Here is a neat setup. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=707

Great idea on how to make a big pot and some pouring molds.

I have a big ladle and a cast iron bread mold that I can pour 25 lb ingots for long term storage. If I need to break them down further then I melt the 25 lb ingots in the pot and I pour the lead into a smaller 5 lb ingot size that I use in my 20 lb casting pots.

I made some 2" x 1" x 10" long molds out of channel steel and welded steel on both ends that make 5lb ingots perfect for the pot. I used a dremel tool to engrave in the bottom of the steel channel L-lead, WW- wheel weights, 50/50- lead/WW or tin/lead and #2- Lyman #2 mix. Then when I have poured the lead into the mold I wait until it is hard and then simply pound flat the raised lettering that doesn't apply to the contents. So if I pour straight WW then I pound down the L, 50/50 and #2 so all that is left is WW and at a glance I can tell what it is.

My friend has a mill and he wants to try being more elaborate in the lettering so it is recessed more, when It is done I will post pictures of it after.
 
If the lead is pretty pure and doesn't have ugly inclusions in it it probably won't be too hard on the blade.

I have never used a chainsaw on lead but I would be worried about it grabbing. Go slow and careful.

Heck of a score! I'm jealous.
 
I'm all for good spelling and precise use of language. BTW - you have a bunch of spelling errors.

Anyways, as you well know, language evolves. In the bullet casting community, the word "smelting" has come to be understood as meaning something different from your accepted definition.

If you ever wander over to "Cast Boolits" http://castboolits.gunloads.com/ you'll get a well-earned rough ride if you try to correct or complain about: spelling; grammar; the accepted meaning of "smelting" in the context of bullet casting; and the use of the word "boolits".

If you want to call it "smelting" go ahead but if you say it too loudly or too long don't be surprised if someone wants to hold you to the regulations concerning "smelting".

In my opinion calling the melting of scrap lead "smelting" is not only inaccurate but is waving a red flag that should not be waved. If we do so we invite the heavy hand of regulators to interfere with us in yet another new and interesting way.

Castboolits is a US site, their regulatory reality is not necessarily the same as ours.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smelting

http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/SOR-91-155/page-1.html
 
so lead ww are they getting more and more scarce? im going to hit up few places and put them into storage for a future hobby

They're getting closer and closer to disappearing into history. I need another 500 lbs or so for my lifetime supply....then I'll have my "ton of lead" in the garage. Guess I had better get some of my contacts on the phone.
 
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