lead

[ocf]

i getting into jighead making, i have everything i need except the lead and the melting pouring thing, where do i get lead or another alternative. it would be great if i could get some info on this.

[rushing]

We get ours from junk yards. Tire weights. You have to melt it down to clean it and remove the steel but it works just fine. Its a dirty job though. You can also go to recycling places and get it as well. Again you'll have to melt it down to clean it before using it. We poured 70lbs of lead the other day.

[DEADhead]

If you don't mind paying for it, go to cabelas, or order their free tacklecraft catalog (when available) and they sell lead and the pots.pretty much everything you would need to start making your own jigs.

[ocf]

i dont know that much about metals and stuff so i think im going to buy for a cost or get it from a recylcling center, anything about alternatives?

[freddie]

Plumbing supply stores have it, tire shops, art supply. Might wanna think about other metals. Lead may be legislated away for jigs soon.

[ocf]

ya thats why i was thinkin about alternatives like tungsten

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Gander mountain sells the melting pots, molds, and pencil lead for melting down.

[Northlander]

If you get into melting down lead make sure you do it in a very well ventilated area.

[Trumar]

Most places that you can sell scrap iron to also sell lead,Plumbers lead is about the best or medical lead from xray,s is the best of all .. Not sure about up there but done here in Rochester it cost upwards of .60 a pound now,but for 20 bucks you can pour alot of jigs..The problems with wheel weights is that there is alot of waste and sometimes hard to pour when making very small jigs, as it cools quicker due to the content of bi-metals in it. I have found that using plumbers lead I produce a better jig and it flows real well and can pour as small as 1/80 oz jigs with ease.

Like others have stated MELT LEAD IN A VERY WELL VENTALATED AREA.. THE FUMES ARE TOXIC AND ALWAYS WASH HANDS VERY WELL AFTER HANDLING LEAD... AND DO NOT SMOKE WHILE DOING SUCH AS YOU WILL INHALE THE FUMES THROUGH YOUR CIGGY

Good luck on your new adventure

if you have any other questions about pouring jigs feel free to ask away.........Jeff

[ocf]

thanks for the info guys im going to buy a melting pot from do it molds and i already have the molds(got em free!!!) ill look around for lead, do you think ace hardware, menards or home depot would have them, i have lots of time so it will be fun being able to do something that has to do with fishing another question is it better to melt in like a garage or inside?

[Northlander]

Outside or in a garage with doors and windows open.

[ocf]

got it, i guess ill be doin it in the garage

[rushing]

I picnic table in the back yard would even be better. ventilation is a must. Remeber if you decide to use recycled lead from a scrap yard or what ever its a good idea to melt it down in another pot to clean it before you start pouring.

[ktjig]

I have approximately 300+ pounds of lead that I have been looking to get rid of. What I don't know is the quality or type of lead. They are in four bricks at about 70+ pounds per brick. They are used as counter weights in filing cabinets so they don't tip over when open. I work in Plymouth and would be glad to bring them in if someone would like to look at them.