Lead Problems

[Desert Jay]

Hi Everyone,
I'm almost ready to begin my "P-ship", plans are here and wood should arrive in the next week. I'm moving from the bliss of fantasy to the terror of reality! But I have some lead pouring issues. Apparently, since Jan, 2010, the state of California has stopped the use of lead in the state so I'm having some problems locating enough. I bought a bucket of dirty, lead weights from a used tire shop but it's not quite 100 lbs. My question is, since the weights all have metal clips on them where they attached to the wheels and these clips are not made of lead (and I assume have a much higher melting point than lead)- what happens to these clips when I attempt to melt the lead? Am I missing something or just needlessly fretting. Any feedback from you experienced boatbuilders or amateur alchemists would be appreciated.

Jay

[Wood_Ogre]

All that crap is going to float to the surface and is skimmed off. Google - melting lead wheel weights. You will find a whole bunch of videos on you tube. Watch them all and you will become an expert in no time. Hurry up and finish your P-ship before California bans home built sailboats !!

Hi Everyone,
I'm almost ready to begin my "P-ship", plans are here and wood should arrive in the next week. I'm moving from the bliss of fantasy to the terror of reality! But I have some lead pouring issues. Apparently, since Jan, 2010, the state of California has stopped the use of lead in the state so I'm having some problems locating enough. I bought a bucket of dirty, lead weights from a used tire shop but it's not quite 100 lbs. My question is, since the weights all have metal clips on them where they attached to the wheels and these clips are not made of lead (and I assume have a much higher melting point than lead)- what happens to these clips when I attempt to melt the lead? Am I missing something or just needlessly fretting. Any feedback from you experienced boatbuilders or amateur alchemists would be appreciated.

Jay

[decurtis]

I used a cast iron kettle for melting my lead and found out you don't have to bother skimming off all the floating crap; just pour the melted lead through the spout and the spout traps all the non-melted stuff. Then just dump out the junk and start your next batch. You will need a good pair of welders gloves or similar to hold the hot pot.

Details and photos are here:

http://pocketshipadventure.blogspot.com/2009/04/get-lead-out.html

[Desert Jay]

Thanks guys. I did You Tube it and my confidence level is up. The wood arrived today so I guess all my stalling excuses are exhausted.

Jay

[Wood_Ogre]

I really want to see pictures of your build! Lots and lots of pictures. Would like to see some close ups of the keel build !! Thanks. Wood_Ogre