Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I have an offbeat project, not shooting related, that will require some lead disks about 2 or 3 inches diameter and .25-.50 inches thick. Dimensions don’t have to be precise. I was thinking of just taking a kiln dried board and a Forstner bit to make a single use mould for the disks. Moisture and molten lead are always a concern so I’ll make sure the wood is plenty dry before pouring. The mould will be single use, as it is easy enough to make more if needed. I figured with all the bullet casters on the Wire, somebody might have good ideas or advice. As always, the Wire’s help is much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devlin McBride Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Interesting project. I think wood would work for this. The wood chosen for the mould is going to make a big difference. If you choose a resinous soft wood like pine your are going to get a fire during the casting. I think a better choice would be a hardwood like red oak. You'll get some charring of course. From a safety standpoint, I would have a quenching bucket handy at minimum. If you want to immediately reuse the mould and not get it wet, a sealed metal box (ammo can?) to oxygen starve any combustion. Mold construction could be simple or complicated. A plain ingot style with the full surface open to the air would be the simplest but any flash or overfill would have to be manually cleaned up after the fact. Devlin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 How about using modelling clay to make a circular dam around a sheet of steel? Or a metal can lid with clay filling in the threads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ya Big Tree Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 How about a muffin pan or a soft plug from a car engine. You could also line the wood mold with aluminum foil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flinthills Dawg Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 I've used a 2x10 to make duck decoy anchors before. It works it does char and it became deformed after repeated use due to the charring. So go ahead and do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackalope Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Maybe a soup can or similar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cholla Bob Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 1 hour ago, Warden Callaway said: How about using modelling clay to make a circular dam around a sheet of steel? Or a metal can lid with clay filling in the threads? +1 on this unless you make the wooden mold in two pieces it will be hard to get your casting out without damaging it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHOOTIN FOX Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Make your mold from plaster of paris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cusz M. Dutch SASS Life 55326 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 1 hour ago, SHOOTIN FOX said: Make your mold from plaster of paris. my thoughts also look up lost wax casting if you need bunch the same size Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branchwater Jack SASS #88854 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 What about a sand mold? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 If aesthetics is not important, make an impression in the dirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Use a muffin tin and don't fill them up all the way. Easy and repeatable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 You could probably make them out of scrap aluminum bar stock. Use the same Forster bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 If you could get by with leaving it on, a Ball jar ring would work. If you could live with a steel outer skin, fill the metal lid off a pickel jar or something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Gun Cole Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 We drilled holes in a 4x4 post then ran it thru a band saw to make a mold for duck decoy weights. And used # 12 copper wire to make the loops for the rope. The weight are still good 35 years later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy B.SASS#26902 Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 I've done this to make counter weights for a wheel of fortune, The hardwood will work just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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