How do you guys clean the gunk/residue from lead molds. I was given a bunch of lead that works great except it has a good bit of brownish like junk after all the lead has been poured. Some of it wants to stick to the bottom of the pot. Thanks.
How do you guys clean the gunk/residue from lead molds. I was given a bunch of lead that works great except it has a good bit of brownish like junk after all the lead has been poured. Some of it wants to stick to the bottom of the pot. Thanks.
When I get enough lead, I melt it, skim off as much crud from the surface as I can. Then I flux it and skim again. When it's cleaned up, I pour ingots for later use. When the pot is empty, scrape the sides and bottom with a spoon to loosen up the junk while the pot is cooling. If there's still gunk stuck to it, a small brass "toothbrush" will usually take care of it. For the really tough stuff, a brass brush on a drill gets it done.
Just as a "heads-up"- NEVER rinse dirty lead then try to melt it down. A small amount of water in molten lead will cause it to blow out of the pot.
If you've never fluxed, all it takes is a couple small pieces of wax put into the melted lead. Do it outside and in a ventilated area as it smokes heavily and will flame for a minute or so. Wait until the flame dies out and give it a stir. I have a fan next to the pot.
I only pour jigs with this cleaned lead.
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