[finlander]

Now it doesn't have to be in the shape of a cannonball since they tend to occilate. I would like a thinner shape. I have 2 fish shape weights to use off the riggers, but would like to make some spares. Molds are priced out of this world. I have the lead and a hotpot. Just need some ideas for a thinner shape. Wood has burned for me in the past, just making thin weights with a screw eye in the top. I would like to make two, with fins off the back. I would like them to be around 9 lbs. Would a coffee can stand up to the heat??? Pack sand around it. I would like to have a pancake shape, thinner to cut thru the water easier. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. da Finn

[cheesehead]

You can use plaster for a mold if you are only making a few. The main thing is that it must be thoroughly dry or it will explode when you pour your first one.

[fish_rman2000]

Why not try using two small shallow pie plates clamped together to make a thin weight to cut through the water. bill

[finlander]

Thanks. Hadn't thought of that one. I have a Lee's hotpot with a spigot (?) so the mold has to be shallow. Not much room to put a mold under there. Pie pans would have to lay on the side. Hole would have to be drilled for the lead to go thru. Somewhere else a man said he poured one 8 inches across. Coffee cans, at least the one i have, is 6 inches. I have melted all the extra lead I have. Almost filled the hotpot up. Dont know how many pounds that equals. Will try tonight. Thanks again!

[fish_rman2000]

You may be able to unscrew the base and turn it around then clamp it on the edge of your work bench then you will have lots of room to put a mold under the spout. You probably have about 10 lbs of lead in the pot.
Bill

[finlander]

I have poured Dels plastic into plaster molds and lead into wood, but it makes me nervous pouring hot lead into plaster. What is the temp of liquid lead??

[fish_rman2000]

I believe it is around 700-800 degrees maybe a liitle bit less.

[BLT]

Have seen several sites have the number, but they all vary somewhat, but the melting point of "pure" lead is between 600-630 degrees. I have my RCBS pot set at 800-850. Don't know if thats what the lead really is, but that's where it's set lol.

[Vodkaman]

My thoughts are to cook the plaster mold in the oven for 20 mins before use, to eliminate any moisture. Keeping the mold in an airing cupboard or on a radiator when not in use would probably do the trick. This subject has been through my mind a lot recently, as I plan to mold the lead onto the hangar wire, for consistancy of manufacture.

[finlander]

I will try to form the plaster around a fish shape cannonball I own now. I dont remember when I tried this before with a lure. If I fill a container with plaster, and put the weight half way in, I would have to support the weight somehow. Otherwise it would settle. Do I coat the weight with something, a release agent?? Also. I have an old plaster mold that I am not going to use anymore. Can I break it up and use it so I wont have to mix up as much of the new plaster?? Should I bury the mold in sand when I am ready to pour the hot lead??? Thanks again, da Finn.