2

What materials can I use to make a cast for melting lead?
And how would I make the cast?

Improve this question
1

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

Most household pans work fine for melting lead. Make sure they are thick enough, don't have plastic parts, and don't have Teflon or similar coatings (Teflon and lead share their melting points, apparently). It's best to use a metal handle (I've used those aluminum camping pan grippers in the past, which are very practical, but I only melted relatively small batches).
Cast iron and steel pans and pots are all okay.
The Dutch oven and a cut-in-half propane tank seem to be fan favourites for melting lead.

Lead melts at the relatively low 327°C (621°F). High heat settings on stoves can reach up to 343°C (650°F). This means all household pans should be up to the task.

You can use aluminum bakeware for casts (like muffin pans, or those disposable oven dishes which can be shaped easily by hand if you don't care too much for detail).

You're probably aware of this, but please be careful when melting lead: the toxic gases can lead (heh) to lead poisoning. Preferably work outside and definitely use a respirator (rated N-100, R-100, or P-100/HEPA; and opt for a reusable one ('half face') as they have superior face seal), eye protection, and protective clothing (in case of splashes).

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    Excellent answer. I suggest mentioning and clarifying a couple of points: 1) Can you use a pan with a nonstick coating? 2) I assume (but would like to see it confirmed or not) that a pan used for melting lead should not be later returned to use for cooking food.
    – csk
    May 30, 2021 at 16:57
  • @csk Added, thank you. As for #2, I simply wouldn't risk it (see here for comments :).
    – Joachim ♦
    May 31, 2021 at 19:26
  • You can often pick up stainless steel pans cheap second hand in charity shops (and presumably thrift stores in other countries). That would seem a reasonable way to get a dedicated pan
    – Chris H
    Jun 1, 2021 at 15:38
2

By "cast," think they are trying to say mold. The beginning technology would be silica sand with a binder. Silica is common beige beach or "play" sand; the binder could be water (damp sand), but will have no strength when it dries. I am thinking something like white wood glue diluted with water. Or, look up "how to make a simple sand mold" on the net. As answered, any kitchen pan could work, but I would not use aluminum because its strength is seriously compromised before 650 F. Industrial lead pots are cast iron (no coatings); I think that is a good hint. Although more expensive, I suggest pewter (mostly tin) or a solder like 50/50 lead/tin for beginning efforts. This is not rocket science; before video games, most kids I knew melted lead toy soldiers for something or other using a kitchen pan.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    There are internet sites for "sand casting pewter" that give more info. Just replace "pewter" with lead and you will need about 100 f higher temperatures but everything is very similar.
    – blacksmith37
    Jun 1, 2021 at 18:44

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .