bassman843 Posted March 27, 2007 Report Share Posted March 27, 2007 I was reading on my new pot instructions and I read something about adding wax as a flux how many of you do this and what kind of wax do you use for this can I go to the dollar store and get unscented candles for this.is it important to do.thanks for any help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted March 27, 2007 Report Share Posted March 27, 2007 I use cheap wax (unscented) and only when melting hard dirty lead. Gotta be real careful when adding the wax to the hot lead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted March 27, 2007 Report Share Posted March 27, 2007 Yep I wax also. No it's not what you think. I use beeswax, with all my lead I pour. I got that info from TU when I joined. I have very minimal problems. Also I always use pure lead, so that helps...... Oh yeah like LedHed said it will flame up, and take your eyebrows off, so be careful.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted March 27, 2007 Report Share Posted March 27, 2007 I use parafin wax for my flux. every time I melt a new chunk of lead, dirty or clean it gets a peanut (out of shell) sized piece of wax. Just wait for the flames to go out before pouring. Mr B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsinyard Posted March 28, 2007 Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 I tried using bees wax but didn't like the way it turned out. So now I use very soft lead that has already been fluxed. By the way I have a 2lb block (I think) of bees wax that I would trade for some 2/0 spinnerbait hooks. If any one is interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassman843 Posted March 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 do you know when you need to add flux or do you just add when you pour to be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckslayer Posted March 28, 2007 Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 Flux every time you add new lead or if the lead is not filling in the mold cavity completely. I just use parafin wax. I have a 10 lb melting pot and add a PEA sized chunk each time I add new lead to it (I usually add about 5 lbs each time I add). Let the lead get good and hot, add the wax, wait for it to stop flaming, and then stir it up really well and skim it. After talking with a rep from LEE the biggest advantage is that it will help keep your pouring spout from clogging (assuming a bottom-pouring pot). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCCustom Posted March 28, 2007 Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 I pour a arky style jig to make my chatter Style baits, I use a lead that has a little tin in it. When I pour ball heads I have no problem, but when I pour the arky jigs I get a lot of unfilled cavity in the shank, sometimes only in one of the three sizes, other times two will pour ok and one want. I can't figure it out so I just pour and re-melt what doesn't work. Will adding wax help this out. Im new here and just started pouring these jigs. Thanks TCCustom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted March 28, 2007 Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 TTCustom....all molds don't fill the same. Tilt your mold to the left, right or up and down, find one that works, and write it down on your mold. If that doesn't work, cut a air hole where the problem is. This should solve your dilemma. Cutting the air hole would be my last resort. Also very soft lead will pour easier than hard lead. Adding wax can't hurt. By the way what kind of lead are you melting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCCustom Posted March 28, 2007 Report Share Posted March 28, 2007 I get It from a medical company it has a little Tin in it. I can pour 12 great then the nest 3 are bad. Then the next 5 are good and 6 bad, then 6 good and 2 bad. No rhyme or reason I have tired different angles and such. Can't figure it out. As soon as I think I do I pour some bad. not always in the same cavity. TCcustom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsinyard Posted March 29, 2007 Report Share Posted March 29, 2007 Two other things you could try. One is smoke your mold with a candle and the other is turn your mold upside down on your lead pot and let it get hot. I pour the poison tail jig and I had this same problem. I switched to a very soft lead, smoked my mold and turned my mold upside down on my lead pot and let it heat up before pouring. I don't have a problem anymore. Also I think practice has a lot to do with it as well. I have been pouring for over a year now and finally getting comfortable with what I am doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIGNPIG Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Holy cow you guys talk about adding wax to the hot lead. I tried that and almost burnt the house down! Haven't used wax since! Anyone that's new to pouring just be very careful when adding wax to hot lead. Have a fire extinguisher handy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 I pour a arky style jig to make my chatter Style baits, I use a lead that has a little tin in it. When I pour ball heads I have no problem, but when I pour the arky jigs I get a lot of unfilled cavity in the shank, sometimes only in one of the three sizes, other times two will pour ok and one want. I can't figure it out so I just pour and re-melt what doesn't work. Will adding wax help this out.Im new here and just started pouring these jigs. Thanks TCCustom I have had that same problem with a spinnerbait mold. For it to work properly, I have had to smoke the mold, and get the lead as hot as possible. Sometimes I have even had to heat the hook shank for a good pour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
