Lead Melting Tools
Items made of lead are often hard to find or expensive to buy in a store, such as vehicle parts. Creating the parts by using lead melting tools cuts down the expense of buying name brand items. Melting lead can be a dangerous project, therefore finding the correct tools for the job is an essential step. Much research and practice is needed in safely when you create any item out of melted lead.
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Safety Equipment
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Always wear the proper safety equipment when working on projects. Lead is a low-level poisonous substance, which, when absorbed into the body, can cause brain damage and multiple other internal harm. Wear thick gloves, an apron that is made for working with lead, a breathing mask and hard shoes. When working with any melting metal, this equipment will provide protection from burns and inhalation of the fumes. If the thick gloves impede progress, find some thinner leather gloves that are easily taken off in case of an emergency.
Torch, Burner or Furnace
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For lead, as it is a low-melting metal, a hand held torch will work fine. The melting point for lead is merely 621 degrees Fahrenheit whereas iron is melted at 2802 degrees Fahrenheit. A burner is a plate much like a camping stove that can heat the crucible, but it will take much longer than a direct flame from a torch. A furnace is usually used for melting higher level metals such as copper or gold, however it will work for melting lead.
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Crucible
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The crucible is a metal or ceramic, depending upon the metal being melted, cup with a pouring spout on one or both sides. The crucible is held with tongs and does not have a handle unless it is specifically made for a certain set of tongs. The crucible used for melting lead can be simple steel but most crucibles are made of cast iron. As iron has such a high melting point, it is used for many lead melting tools.
Tongs
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The crucible tongs are built specifically for metal work. The tongs are also often made of cast iron. Melting lead tools such as the tongs are made specifically for the forge in which they are used. The tongs appear much like salad tongs from the kitchen other than the weight and the ends are different. The crucible tongs are heavy for a better hold. The weight helps to keep the workers arms steady when pouring the crucible. The ends are curved in a way to allow for picking up the crucible and turning it over without bending the arms in an awkward way.
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References
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