I’m finally getting into casting

tlawler · #51 08-08-2021, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyman50

Develop a safe method for smelting and casting. No smoking( if you do) and Make Sure NO BEVERAGES anywhere close to lead pots. Being in Florida I try to cast in winter( if you can call it that) in garage with door open and large box fan to the side of pot blowing Out. Have some protective clothing such as shop apron, gloves, ( nomex flight gloves are great)jeans, leather shoes ,clear face shield and hat/ cap. You do not want a visit from the “ tinsel fairy”. Been casting since late 70’s and keep Pb in metal ammo cans. I only size with RCBS sizer and dies since 70’s.

I’m still getting set up and have to do a little light construction before I start melting. I’m planning on building a small vent hood enclosure. I picked up a used range hood for $15 on craigslist. I’m going to build a plywood box with either plexiglass doors or a sliding window. That way, I can keep my garage cool while I cast.

tlawler · #52 09-11-2021, 07:48 PM

I wanted to bump this thread and update it.
I’ve got my garage organized a bit, so it affords me some area to work with. I’ve started building my fume hood enclosure. I managed to build it mostly from wood I had on hand. I did buy screws and the 3/4 maple ply for the base...$28 for a 24”x48” piece! Yow! I picked up the kitchen vent hood cheap off craigslist. The hood won’t be attached, I’ll just have a foam gasket to seal it and some wood strips to center it when set in place. With the vent hood off, I can stow the cabinet out of the way. I’m still figuring out what I’m going to do for the front access. I’ve got a couple pieces of plexiglass on hand and was thinking of either a vertical sliding panel, or hinged doors. I’m going to prime it tomorrow and figure out what color to paint it. I’m thinking battleship grey...my daughter painted her room that color and I’ve got like a gallon left. I’ll update and post more pictures. It’s turning into kind of a fun project; I haven’t done any woodworking in a while.

Johnrh · #53 09-12-2021, 10:43 AM

I think you're over thinking this casting thing. Set a table near your garage door and put a fan near your pot blowing out. Done it for years and no problems.

tlawler · #54 09-12-2021, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnrh

I think you're over thinking this casting thing. Set a table near your garage door and put a fan near your pot blowing out. Done it for years and no problems.

Lol...that’s what my wife says about all my projects

I keep my garage air conditioned while I’m working out there. With a way to vent the fumes, I can keep my garage cool.

Johnrh · #55 09-12-2021, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlawler

Lol...that’s what my wife says about all my projects

I keep my garage air conditioned while I’m working out there. With a way to vent the fumes, I can keep my garage cool.

Got ya. When I lived in FL I did all my casting in the winter. Please don't tell my you heat your garage in the winter.

vinn · #56 09-12-2021, 11:17 PM

I use a plumbers melt pot. it runs on kerosene and its fast.

tlawler · #57 09-14-2021, 07:38 PM

I ran out of screws Sunday, so I picked up some more yesterday and finished up the front and got a coat of primer on it. Just finished up on the second coat this evening. Unfortunately, none of my plexiglass scraps were big enough, so I picked up a 24”x30” piece for my sliding window. I found some track for the slider from McMaster-Carr and ordered it. It’s all coming together

tlawler · #58 09-19-2021, 01:09 PM

I finished painting it. I used a flat white enamel with the idea that I can also use it as a photo box. Installed the window track and window. I’ve got some adjustable butterfly vents coming from amazon today, hopefully. I’m trying to come up with a way I can lock the window in place at different heights. I’ll just use some small bungee cords for now. I went with the slider so I could lift it to work and still have it as a safety shield for my upper body and face. Apologies for the crude carpentry; I’m no woodworker...I build things sturdy, utilitarian and usually ugly

bruce381 · #59 09-21-2021, 01:29 AM

looks too nice will be full of lead splater after a hour so may not be best for photo box. Nice job.

tlawler · #60 11-06-2021, 07:46 PM

I’ve been busy the past few weekends, but I finally got around to running the duct for the exhaust. It was nice and cool this morning, so I got up in the attic and ran the duct over to the roof pitch pan. I have hip roof construction, with no option of going out through a gable. I’m limited for space, so it alternates places with the Dillon 550 and Lee bullet sizer on my bench. I put together a wire shelf cart to store it on with some other tools and stuff. I’ve got everything in my garage on swivel casters so I can easily move it around and maximize space. Stay tuned…I’m hoping to start melting soon.