Leads weights

[Andy2]

Made these today quite satisfying to see a shiny lead. But for reason they started to come out dull and brittle on the pouring spout. I did think the mould was getting hot so let it cooled down but the same result

 

[Wolf]

The only reason for it that I can see is the lead it's self start to cool down mate,hope you get it sorted

 

[Trampster]

Made these today quite satisfying to see a shiny lead. But for reason they started to come out dull and brittle on the pouring spout. I did think the mould was getting hot so let it cooled down but the same result View attachment 25144View attachment 25145

Nice work Andy! I wouldn't worry about them being a bit dull - they look great anyway. I've seen folk say on Youtube you should pre-heat the mould and keep it hot - help the Lead to flow I guess?

 

[chesilpete]

Yep definitely heat, chuck a torch on the throat of the moulds just before you pour if it bothers you...... but neptune gets them all in the end, shiny or dull he dont care.

 

[Beach]

As long as they do the job I shouldn't worry too much Andy as they will go dull after using them.

 

[Tournamag]

where/what did you sourced your Lead from? as ie Wheel weights have high bismuth content and other ingredients which can lead to being more brittle/harder as opposed to pure lead which will be not

 

[Andy2]

All lead was old leads except 2 x 1lb leads which did look a bit different i more concerned about the brittleness on taking weight out of mould the one on the right I could cut the waste off but the other one snapped off on taking it out of the mould

 

[Valleyboy]

All lead was old leads except 2 x 1lb leads which did look a bit different i more concerned about the brittleness on taking weight out of mould the one on the right I could cut the waste off but the other one snapped off on taking it out of the mould View attachment 25185

Looks a bit slaggy. Skim the top of the lead with a spoon

 

[Andy2]

Iv already made 20 weights before this lot and they seem to be ok. I also skim the lead

 

[flappy]

Lead is bendy and easily manipulated...the problem you have is brittle..unbendy.. metal..so you must have impurities within the metal.

 

[Andy2]

Just made some more with some old lead flashing and all is good I think the 2 leads I melted were crap lead

 

[Ianpick]

If they're brittle I wouldn't power cast with them, too risky.
That they are brittle and dull indicates to me that it's not pure lead therefore an alloy.
I've got some zinc which is dull and brittle. It's in 25mm wide stripes about 4mm thick, it just snaps when you bend it.
Zinc has a similar melting point to lead so I'm guessing they would mix easily enough.
Dangling them off a pier or boat or a gentle lob should be fine, the fish won't mind.

 

[Topwater]

Weigh them and you'll probably find quite a difference from pure lead

 

[Dustybin]

Lead piping is good to keep them shiny, also having the lead melting not too hot. Thanks Chris

 

[Trampster]

Lead piping is good to keep them shiny, also having the lead melting not too hot. Thanks Chris

Good to see you here Dusty - Welcome matey! ??

 

[Si-fly]

You may have tin added to your lead, that looks like yours.
It hardens the lead for production of pipe flanges etc.