few questions for the lads that make weights

[tonynufc]

I've been thinking about making my own weights for a while now and my work has just started selling lead flashing.

Is lead flashing ok to use?
I can get a 7kg roll for about £14 with my staff discount which should get me 40 6oz weights which works out at about 34p a weight.

What's the best option for melting? Would a camping cooker be ok to use?

Don't worry lads I won't damage your profits as I'll only be making them for me.

Any views or comments on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[nodrog]

weights

tony might be stating the obvious but your mould will get very hot with the temptation to put it in cold water to cool it. unless you dry it compleatly any moisture inside it will cause an explosion next lead you try to pour! be carefull

[KeithB]

Have a look here Tony:

http://www.nesa.co.uk/forums/boat-fishing/28728-team-slinky-lesson-metallurgy-2.html

[KeithB]

Flashing is the best option, old pipe can be dangerous as the splatter on shed roof illustrates

£2 per kilo is a bit pricey, haven't bought any lead from scrapyards for awhile but it's usually between £1 & £1.20.

Don't forget you'll need to add about 10p - 20p per sinker to the cost for loops, grip wires, rollers & gas.

[Mad as a fish]

=tonynufc;348030]I've been thinking about making my own weights for a while now and my work has just started selling lead flashing.

Is lead flashing ok to use?

Yes its clean lead

What's the best option for melting? Would a camping cooker be ok to use?

can work out exspensive if making lots,

Any views or comments on this would be greatly appreciated

Be very carefull.

[tonynufc]

I have made weights before but it was years ago. The main reason I want to use the flashing is because its nice clean lead so there won't be any crap coming off it.

Do you think its worth the hassle/cost or should I just buy them ready made?

[Mad as a fish]

I have made weights before but it was years ago. The main reason I want to use the flashing is because its nice clean lead so there won't be any crap coming off it.

Do you think its worth the hassle/cost or should I just buy them ready made?

Even though flashing is clean you still get a bit of crap on the top of the melt.
If your saving by DIY its worth it.

[Rocker]

I make my leads using flashing on a camping stove, using a small aluminum pan. I find I can make 60 6oz leads to one tin of gas! The key is to be organized. I use a blowtorch to quickly melt down any new lead I add to the pan. And clamp the mould in a workmate. Keep the mould hot with the blowtorch and handle it with a t-towel..

[lingking]

safety goggles hat gloves and work in an area that is WELL ventilated

[canman]

I make my leads using flashing on a camping stove, using a small aluminum pan. I find I can make 60 6oz leads to one tin of gas! The key is to be organized. I use a blowtorch to quickly melt down any new lead I add to the pan. And clamp the mould in a workmate. Keep the mould hot with the blowtorch and handle it with a t-towel..

Make sure it's a DRY tea towel, a wet one transfers heat very quickly

[wheres the fish?]

Hello class and welcome to health and saftey 101.


Spot on advice lads, the only advice I have that is not mentioned is not to cool your mould, the lead will set and you will not fill the weight cavity and end up with stumpy deformed weights

[Davey-m]

thick welding gloves to handle hot moulds.

[tonynufc]

Thanks for all the comments/advice lads, I'm gonna go for it. The lead might not be the cheapest but its clean and I can get as much as I need. Thanks again ;-)

[big sid]

Tony, you can pick up lead flashing off cuts and part rolls from the scrapyards its fairly clean and it might save you a few quid, and as a well known supermarket says "every little helps".

I make mine in the kitchen on the hob, but I have to take a few precautions to safe guard the worktops and kitchen unit's. Window/s wide open, Back door wide open, extractor fan on, Heat resistant gloves, mask, and thats before I start. Trying to keep the melted lead and the mould at a constent temprature, Moulds can be damaged if allowed to get to hot, I find mould clamps a great help, warm up the mould prior to the first cast, put a kink in the wire loops if there left straight they can pull out of a made lead. Finally stand back and admire the gleaming shine from your new leads.

[leeskinner007]

lead flashing is good stuff tho it melts to next to nowt i have a roofer mate who GAVE me 40 kilos of it as the lads have said be careful with moisture on it i had a nasty experience a few years back but yeah its worthwhile making your own mate just make sure your mould is hot oh and its fun making them