sinker making

[getthenet]

Hey fisherpeople,

I borrowed a sinker mould off a mate and have a heap of roof lead, was just wondering if anyone does this and how they melt it down and pour it in, I dont really want to buy a special tool or anything, any ideas?

[Swagger]

Best to get say a single burner stove or 3 burner portable barbeque. Use a pot that can withstand extreme temperatures. If your using roof lead it would be best to cut it into smaller pieces, 7cmx7cm roughly using some sort of secatures (ones that can cut lead). If your just making them for yourself usually a pot that is used to make black coffee/tea is ideal as they have a longer handle and can pour perfectly into the mould. The mould obviously needs a wire in it to make the holes, so get some wire to fit with the shape of the mould (you can use the wire from the spokes of an old bike wheel). Make sure the lead is completely melted down and should be a shiny watery sliver when melted.

Also note this is extremely dangerous, lead can explode if it has impurities in it. Always wear heatproof gloves, safety goggles and some sort of mask for filtering of breathing (lead is poisonous obviously). Work in a well ventilated area aswell. Hope this helps

[Death Ray]

Great post Bravo Boy,

Always good to take a bit of care when melting lead. Also srcape the slag (dirty lead) of the top of the pot before pouring into molds. Make for much neater job.

Enjoy

[noname]

TIP; if you can get the mould quite hot before you pour,, hot lead into a cold mould = bubbles

[getthenet]

Thanks heaps, trying to save $$$ like everyone else but not at the expense of burnt bits, all great advice.