Bronzefly Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Does a pour pot exist that doesn't drip? I have the 10lb and 20lb Lee pots and they both drip, excessively in my opinion. I'm realtively new to this game and perhaps I'm doing something wrong causing the lead to drip, but it is annoying, frustrating, and dangerous. I have to keep an empty tunafish can underneath to catch the drips, and move it periodically so that the lead doesn't pile up or splash when it drips. Any help or advice would be great! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Bait Co. Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I don't pour lead but I use lee's plastic pots. They will drip a little if I don't get the pour spout clean enough. You maybe having them same problem that tip is a mother to get cleaned out so I can imagen a lead one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagacious Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Do you melt-down scrap lead (tire weights, flashing, etc) in those pots, or do you melt ingots in them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronzefly Posted April 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I'm using ingots that are "clean" lead - although I do still have to skim the top as it starts to crud up a bit. Maybe there is an effective way to clean out the tip? I was looking at the RCBS melter and wonder if users have had the same problem with that one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I used the Lee pots for about 10 years, I had 6 or 7 of them, they all dripped. I then bought 2 RCBS pots, used them for 10 years and they dripped. I have a friend who uses a Lyman and he says it dosen't drip. I don't know. I don't know if I believe him. Maybe he never turns it on. I have cleaned, I have used grinding compound on the rod like on valves in an engine to make the rod seat better. This only works for a short period of time. (don't try this at home) Sometimes I get mad a smack the end of the rod, that usually ruins the Lee pots, hasn't hurt the RCBS yet, and only works for a short time. In these pots I have only used ingots. No wheel weights. I have always tried to use soft lead. I buy scrap and melt the ingots myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagacious Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Bronzefly, Do a search for "spout", and you'll find a several threads on dripping lead pots, and a bunch of remedies to your problem. Hope this helps, good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Bronzefly, I've had 4 Lee bottom pour pots, and they all dripped. I'm not an expert on this, but I've gone the route David has, and everything I've tried is only temporary. So now I put a small can under the pot to keep the splash of the drip contained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish devil Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I have a RCBS pot and it drips. I just put something under it to catch drippings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Speaking of Bottom Pouring Lead Pots. I have a lot more problems with a Lee than I had with the SACO that I used for many years (had 3 of them and got one of them overhauled once) Some where along the way while I was not pouring any, except a very few spinner baits, The SACO pot vanished from the market. Could some one bring me up to date ? I had 2 that were in need of repairs that I just trashed. Thanx JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turkeylegs1246 Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 (edited) I built a box out of plywood open in the front and with 6 inch sides and back to reduce lead splatters. Place a cookie sheet under you unit to help reduce splatters and the possibility of a spill. Place a container under the spout to catch drips. Empty it regularly to reduce splatters. The more lead builds up the greater the intensity of splatters. Wear your personal protection equipment, safety glasses, gloves, face shield, long sleeve shirt and apron, etc. Don't pour wearing shorts. I'd recommend wearing an apron also. Too much heat increases oxidation. So don't run your pot any higher than needed. Flux your unit regularly to reduce oxidation and remove impurities in your lead. Turn your pour rod with a screw driver regularly to keep it seated. That helps reduce the oxidation in the pour spout and reduces leakage. Regularly tuning your lead pot will reduce some of the drips. I haven't figured a way to eliminate them! Depending on your needs, it may be advantageous to get just a lead pot and do ladle pours. Edited April 29, 2008 by turkeylegs1246 grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAE73 Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 I have used a 10 pound and the 20 pound pot, the 10 pounder dripped all the time. I have since switched to the 20 it drips but not near as bad. When mine starts to drip on the 20, I use a screw driver and put it in the slot on the plunger and give it a couple turns and it stops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimcline Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 I finally gave up and screwed a small screw into pour hole on the spout and removed the rod and just use a ladle to pour with. No more drips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronzefly Posted April 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Some interesting replies so far - I've been pretty busy lately, but will be pouring some more over the weekend so I'll definitely try turning the pour rod with a screwdriver and I really like the sound of the open-ended box to reduce splatter. That dang tunafish can just isn't cutting it by itself. Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
