Sixgun Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Hi all. I'm new here. I've learned alot just reading. I'm going to get started pouring my own jig heads. I've read all I can on here and elsewhere about lead safety and such. My question is..Will a 1000 watt single "burner" heating element heat a cast iron vessel to the temperature I need to melt wheel weights? I'm not doing large volume. Just a hundred or so for myself and friends. I found a 1000 watt "stove" at the local Dollar General. It's sturdy enough to support the weight of my cast iron skillet and lead. It looks like it could also do double duty heating plastics for jig worms. I appreciate the help. Thanks, Ray P.S. My back up plan is to use a MAPP or Propane torch...I know that'll work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Sixgun "Bite the bullet" - buy a bottom pour. Get the Lee IV for small stuff or the 4-20 for big stuff. You pour 50 or 60 jigs with it - almost pays for itself. Way less problems... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old man in the boat Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Sixgun"Bite the bullet" - buy a bottom pour. Get the Lee IV for small stuff or the 4-20 for big stuff. You pour 50 or 60 jigs with it - almost pays for itself. Way less problems... forget the cost........SAFER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Sixgun, Take my advice, and listen to the two posts above mine. I have a Lee IV bottom pour pot, for about $50 it is the best money you will ever spend if you want to start pouring. Safety definitely #1 and the ease of use #2. I guarantee you won't be sorry with this choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psv Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 LedHed, Are you talking about this pot ? I'm looking for new one too. Thank you, in advance. http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=1526&CATID=59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 psv These are the ones at Barlow's 453015-110V (IV holds up to 4lbs.) or 453039 (4-20 holds up to 20lbs.). Sixgun Another advantage to the pots is that it accelerates the process. You can find pots on ebay and parts (heating elements) are available. "I'm not doing large volume. Just a hundred or so for myself and friends." That's how it starts................................. Next thing you know - it's just one more mold and I'll quit. Or - I don't need to pour, I can quit anytime I want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dayooper Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Sixgun, I would suggest melting wheel weights in a different pot other than your bottom pour pot. Wheel weights have alot of crap in them. I use a turkey fryer and a little cast iron pot to melt the wheel weights down. I then take a magnet and pull all the metal clips out. Use a littl ladel to skim the slag off the top then pour into ingots. This gets most of the crap off. Then use the ingots in your bottom pour. This keeps the crap from clogging up the spout and causing it to drip. I agree with LedHed. Once you start pouring jigs, you just can't quit. Wait til you start to paint them!!!! Thanks, Benjamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psv Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 That's how it starts................................. Next thing you know - it's just one more mold and I'll quit. Or - I don't need to pour, I can quit anytime I want to. Wait til you start to paint them!!!! So True!!!!!!!!!!!!! One things to another........................ Regards, PSV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
