How to Melt Lead
Set up your vessel and heating source., Put the lead into the vessel., Heat the lead until it melts., Pour the molten lead into its mold., Let the lead return to a safe temperature., Clean up any spills.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Set up your vessel and heating source.
Lead should be melted in a well ventilated, fire safe area, as it can create dangerous fumes and present a fire hazard if not handled properly.
The best heating source is a hand held oxygen-acetaline torch for melting amounts of lead.
As a vessel, you will need to use a heavy metal container.
Do not use a pot used for food preparation. -
Step 2: Put the lead into the vessel.
Add more lead to the vessel than you think you will need, as some of it will re-solidify onto the sides of the vessel when pouring. , Turn on your heat source and adjust the heat to its highest setting, if applicable.
Apply the heat as directly to the lead as possible.
Lead melts at a temperature of 328 degrees Celsius (621 degrees Fahrenheit), so it will take time to melt a large amount of lead.
Since most lead you use will not be pure, you will have impurities ('dross') float to the top.
Use a metal spoon, preferably aluminum, to scrape off dross, and place dross in a separate container.
To purify the molten lead, drop it a small amount of wax (old candle pieces) to 'flux'
- be aware you may have some flames but just let them burn off.
Stir pot and scrape sides and bottom to get all impurities to rise to the surface
- flux again before pouring lead into mold. , Once the lead has melted, turn off the heat source and prepare to pour it into whatever mold you have prepared.
You will have to work quickly because the lead will cool and solidify quickly.
Pick up your vessel with heat-resistant gloves, swirling it gently to keep air bubbles from forming in the lead.
Pour the lead into the mold.
Be careful to avoid placing your hands directly above the vessel, as hot gases will be escaping and present a burn risk. , After pouring the lead, do not disturb it for at least 10 minutes.
This will ensure that the metal is cool enough to handle safely. , If the lead has spilled or overflowed, it will harden onto the surface it spilled on.
It will not form a very strong bond, however, so you can dislodge it with a chisel or a flat-head screwdriver. -
Step 3: Heat the lead until it melts.
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Step 4: Pour the molten lead into its mold.
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Step 5: Let the lead return to a safe temperature.
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Step 6: Clean up any spills.
Detailed Guide
Lead should be melted in a well ventilated, fire safe area, as it can create dangerous fumes and present a fire hazard if not handled properly.
The best heating source is a hand held oxygen-acetaline torch for melting amounts of lead.
As a vessel, you will need to use a heavy metal container.
Do not use a pot used for food preparation.
Add more lead to the vessel than you think you will need, as some of it will re-solidify onto the sides of the vessel when pouring. , Turn on your heat source and adjust the heat to its highest setting, if applicable.
Apply the heat as directly to the lead as possible.
Lead melts at a temperature of 328 degrees Celsius (621 degrees Fahrenheit), so it will take time to melt a large amount of lead.
Since most lead you use will not be pure, you will have impurities ('dross') float to the top.
Use a metal spoon, preferably aluminum, to scrape off dross, and place dross in a separate container.
To purify the molten lead, drop it a small amount of wax (old candle pieces) to 'flux'
- be aware you may have some flames but just let them burn off.
Stir pot and scrape sides and bottom to get all impurities to rise to the surface
- flux again before pouring lead into mold. , Once the lead has melted, turn off the heat source and prepare to pour it into whatever mold you have prepared.
You will have to work quickly because the lead will cool and solidify quickly.
Pick up your vessel with heat-resistant gloves, swirling it gently to keep air bubbles from forming in the lead.
Pour the lead into the mold.
Be careful to avoid placing your hands directly above the vessel, as hot gases will be escaping and present a burn risk. , After pouring the lead, do not disturb it for at least 10 minutes.
This will ensure that the metal is cool enough to handle safely. , If the lead has spilled or overflowed, it will harden onto the surface it spilled on.
It will not form a very strong bond, however, so you can dislodge it with a chisel or a flat-head screwdriver.
About the Author
Kyle Morales
Committed to making cooking accessible and understandable for everyone.
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