mikel7@mac.com Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 I'm having trouble pouring some of my small jigs. I think i need some soft lead but i can't find any except the local hardware store and they want $5 a #. where can i get it ? The lead i am using is so contaminated it will rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLT Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go to all the Dentist in your area, the Vet, anywhere they take x-rays. I get a couple pounds each trip to different dentist. The small x-rays from the dentist have a thin peel of lead they pull off. It's not enough for a production pourer to live on, but for small jigs for yourself, would be plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maltrout Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 You can buy some from Bass Pro Shops if you cant get it anywhere else. Its like $21 for 5 pounds but it is real soft and works well on small jigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go to your local Firestone, Goodyear, whatever, and ask for some used tire weights. Messy to melt the first time, but I have no problems with it pouring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted February 22, 2008 Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 Don't know where you are, but there's gotta be a junk yard within driving distance where they buy & sell metals scrap? If not theres usually multiple soft lead auctions at any time on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJT Posted February 22, 2008 Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 Your local scrap yard is a good bet. The current price is $.85 per pound. I picked up some real nice soft lead a couple days ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailchaser Posted February 22, 2008 Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 You might try melting the lead you have in another pot and "skimming" off the impurities... I use mostly old tire weights, before i use them i melt them down in another pot, skim off all the junk, then pour them into "Mini cupcake pans" and make little ingots for use later... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikel7@mac.com Posted February 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 Thanks guys, a fellow told me to use bee's wax and that did wonders for the lead. ( smokes to beat h#@%*& L ) the lead i have came from ebay i figure it is wheel wieght's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted February 22, 2008 Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 Thanks guys, a fellow told me to use bee's wax and that did wonders for the lead. ( smokes to beat h#@%*& L ) the lead i have came from ebay i figure it is wheel wieght's. I used to use candle wax, and switched to pure bees wax. You have to watch what candle wax you use. Some of it ignites in the pot, and others just smoke. I found out the hard way. You're right bees wax seems to work better for me also, just got to have the door open. It sure does smoke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
