Lead weight question

[vett0111]

I like to hear from some of the lead weight pouring gurus.

I just started pouring my own weights. I am trying to figure out why some come out with cracks or not full.

I thought it was cause the mold was not hot enough at first. Don't think it now cause it also happens when mold is hot.

Lead need to be hotter? I can adjust temp. I don't have on highest temp. In the middle of heat setting.

Seems to be cooling in mold faster than lead pours in. Though if I just pour lead with on pin in it it will come looking good.

Think pin is drooping temp of lead that fast? I put pins in WD40 in between pours to keep them lubricated. Again doesn't happen all the time. Just wondering if it's something I'm doing wrong.

Doesn't happen all the time either.

41828

[jackiekennedyfishingguide.com]

not a sure fired cure but add some candle wax to the lead pot from time to time, it acts as a flux. I also rub the candle on the molds when they are hot. Also skim off the slag or floating impurities from the pot regularly
Yep the mold needs to be hot when pouring and just put the poured weights back in the pot. A redo.
In time things will improve and come together. Those fish don't look at the weights for cracks and say I'm not biting that hook because it has an ugly weight. That would be like Gilbert turning a Taco down because the tortilla was torn a dab.

[Gentleben]

thye look good to me !!!!!!!!

[Dutch]

I used to pour weights a lot, mostly egg sinkers. Mold and lead not hot enough. Pour faster to keep the mold hot. I used to put the mold over a Coleman stove to heat it up to start with, and the lead very hot. I also bolted wood dowels on the handles of the mold to handle it without burning my hands.

[jeremy86360]

Yep....mold and lead need to be hotter. If any oil migrates into the cavity, you will get wrinkles too. A trick for bulletmakers is to cut a foot of lead free solder and put It in the melting pot. It lowers the surface tension of the molten lead. Helps fill out bullet molds. I cast for .257. 72 grain. Helps a lot. But Too $ for doing that with fishing weights.

[Gentleben]

Thanks for teh sinkers marcos i get you lead next time ............

[vett0111]

Thanks guys.

No prob Ben.

[jackiekennedyfishingguide.com]

I'll send some lead Houston way by putting it in the Trinity River.

[GILBERT G]

I like to hear from some of the lead weight pouring gurus.

I just started pouring my own weights. I am trying to figure out why some come out with cracks or not full.

I thought it was cause the mold was not hot enough at first. Don't think it now cause it also happens when mold is hot.

Lead need to be hotter? I can adjust temp. I don't have on highest temp. In the middle of heat setting.

Seems to be cooling in mold faster than lead pours in. Though if I just pour lead with on pin in it it will come looking good.

Think pin is drooping temp of lead that fast? I put pins in WD40 in between pours to keep them lubricated. Again doesn't happen all the time. Just wondering if it's something I'm doing wrong.

Doesn't happen all the time either.

41828

yeah i'm afraid fish won't jump on the line if the weight looks like that...lol

[vett0111]

Too funny Gil.