Ash_carp already mentioned below and I'll reiterate Hot mould and ensure they are totally, totally dry.
The expansion rate of steam is phenominal, the slightest miosture left in a mould can see your molden lead spraying out.
I know from experience and still have the burns on the kitchen floor. I was lucky with gardening gloves on the splashes on my hand were fortunately not injurous.
Do not even consider cooling moulds with water. At least leave them for 30 mins.
Stay safe fellas
Probably already been mentioned but..... remember to make sure the moulds are nice and hot as well before pouring the molten lead into them
The expansion rate of steam is phenominal, the slightest miosture left in a mould can see your molden lead spraying out.
I know from experience and still have the burns on the kitchen floor. I was lucky with gardening gloves on the splashes on my hand were fortunately not injurous.
Do not even consider cooling moulds with water. At least leave them for 30 mins.
Stay safe fellas
Probably already been mentioned but..... remember to make sure the moulds are nice and hot as well before pouring the molten lead into them
In reply to Post #1160
water expands by 1600x at atmospheric pressure when boiled.. so yeah make sure it is totally dry. The key with lead is not to let it boil, even a small amount when i've done lead welding will explode when boiled and i would hate to see what a 4oz lead would react like!
water expands by 1600x at atmospheric pressure when boiled.. so yeah make sure it is totally dry. The key with lead is not to let it boil, even a small amount when i've done lead welding will explode when boiled and i would hate to see what a 4oz lead would react like!