[jbpmidas]

I got my first batch of wheel weights today. I got about a gallon from Amory Wal-Mart. When I got home I separated them. How do you separate them? Or, do you put them all in the pot and let chemistry separate it for you? If you separate it, what do you do with the steel weights?

I'm going for more tomorrow. SGMJody said when I have 5 gallons, we'll get started. I can't believe I am getting into this!

 

[captain-03]

I actually do very little separating -- just cull the stick-on weights and any steel that I see along with the trash. When you melt them, the heat will do the rest ... I am sure the SGM will verse you on melting them to avoid melting any zinc weights that may be in there ...

 

[jbpmidas]

So, the stick ons are no good? How can you tell the zinc weights? I saw some with ZN on them. What happens if the zinc is melted in?

 

[SubGunFan]

The stick-ons are pure lead plus they have that glue on them. They are still good for some one looking for pure lead. SAVE THEM.

Melting zinc in the smelt can plug up the spout of your casting pot. All is not lost, but just a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A**.........

It is easy to find and remove the zinc and steel WWs. You just have to pay attention.............

.

 

[captain-03]

Like SGF said ... most of the stick-ons are pure lead -- little too soft for most boolit applications. If mixed in any weight/number, will cause your boolits to cast "heavy" and possibly "soft" depending on amount in the mix. Best to just remove them. Many black powder shooters would love to have them!

Zinc can make your mix sluggish and grainy .... as SGF said .. can gum up your pour spout ... also, zinc does not cast very well and can attribute to poor boolit fill out in the mould.

When you get ready to melt them all down .. holler back and we can help you avoid melting the zinc ones into your mix -- BTW: Not all zinc wheel weights are marked ZN!!

 

[jbpmidas]

I was told, "The lettering on steel weights is inset while the lead weight lettering sticks out." Is this an accurate way to separate?

 

[captain-03]

I was told, "The lettering on steel weights is inset while the lead weight lettering sticks out." Is this an accurate way to separate?

Don't worry at all about the steel / iron ones -- they will NOT melt .... when melting, they will float to the top and you will just skim 'em off!!

 

[jbpmidas]

That's what I was wondering! So, what do you do with the weights you can't use?

 

[captain-03]

That's what I was wondering! So, what do you do with the weights you can't use?

The steel/iron I trash .. the stick-on and zinc I use to make fishing weights ...

 

[encoreman]

I am surprised you could get them from wally world. I have a friend that is a manager at a wally world and I can't get any. She said that they had a contract with someone to get them.

 

[jbpmidas]

Sshhhhh! Who you know!

 

[msredneck]

Most places recycle their WW, by trading in the old ones when they get new ones.

In a few years they will not be making lead WW any more...

Then when O'Bama signs that UN treaty banning all ammunition...well the pooch will be screwed then

Best find you a supply...get em...be happy and keep your mouth shut

Cap is giving you the straight skinny on the "refining" process...skim off what floats...flux it good several times...when its nice and shiny like a mirror you are ready to pour ingots

 

[jbpmidas]

I got a good mentor, so I will be sure to learn it right.

 

[jbpmidas]

Got some more today! I've got over 5 gallons now!

Tomorrow we start! I'll post a full report on the day.

I'm looking forward to it SGMJody! Remember what I told you, "Stick with me and you'll learn something!" :lol3:

 

[SubGunFan]

Share your "overflow" with your BUDDIES................

.

 

[captain-03]

Share your "overflow" with your BUDDIES................

.

.....Yea -- ALL your buddies!!!!! :lol:

 

[jbpmidas]

Don't know how much overflow there will be between SGMJody and myself! BUT, if there is any, I'll be sure to share. Of course, I would expect to be shared with also!

 

[msredneck]

Well it sounds like you are about to go on the great adventure....

It is a rather involved "process" from start to finish

Much more dangerous than reloading...so be extra cautious for a while

 

[jbpmidas]

Safety is always first! I like to arrive back home just the same way I left it!

This is also why I like to learn from someone with lots of experience. They can tell me about their mistakes, and I don't have to make them!

 

[captain-03]

Safety is always first! I like to arrive back home just the same way I left it!

.... you got that right!! Like 'neck said - I consider casting more dangerous than reloading. The tinsel fairy is BAD news when she decides to pay you an unexpected visit!!

Molten lead burns hot, deep and long!!