Plaster Of Paris Lead Mold?

[StrykerLures]

Does anyone know if you can use Plaster of Paris as a Lead mold? or will it break or catch on fire when the lead hits it? hah. What do you guys use as a lead mold? (besides buying the metal molds) Thanks a lot. - Bryan

[Peterjay]

Plaster will work for pouring metal, but it usually isn't used for anything that requires a lot of detail or anything that you'd want to mass produce. There are durability issues, and you have to make absolutely sure that your mold is completely dry or you'll have a mess on your hands when the metal hits the mold. A lot of guys around here use RTV silicone molds for pouring sinkers, jigs, etc., and it works very well once you get the hang of making molds. The downside is that it isn't cheap. I've been using silicone mold putty, and after I wrecked a few molds getting started, it's done a pretty good job. Still, plaster may do the job for you, and you certainly can't beat the price. You just have to be aware of its limitations.

[Husky]

Does anyone know if you can use Plaster of Paris as a Lead mold? or will it break or catch on fire when the lead hits it? hah. What do you guys use as a lead mold? (besides buying the metal molds) Thanks a lot. - Bryan

Brian,

POP is not your best choice. It can be dangerous and breaks down, quickly. The best is Dow Corning 3120 RTV silicone. It's a bit expensive but will work very well.

Better than POP is Bondo Body Filler mixed with Bondo resin, until it is the consistency of Honey. It stinks so do it where there is good ventilation, or outdoors. It sets in under 1/2 hour and doesn't have the "exploding" issues POP can as there is no water. It will stand up well for short runs. I've done many molds that way. Search Bondo, on TU.