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Li'l Mac Molds is an Alpine Industrial Manfufacturing company
Info and Pouring Techniques
Pure, virgin lead is the best for casting all sinkers and lures (especially small cavity jig molds) because it flows more smoothly into the mold cavities. However, it is also the most expensive to buy - found at hardware stores and metal dealers.
Scrap lead can save you money. Used plumbing lead and flashing, lead telephone and electrical sheathing are good sources of economical soft lead. You will find this resource at a local scrap yard. Some examples of harder scrap lead are wheel weights, battery lead, and printers’ type. Hard lead can create casting problems in all but the large cavity molds. It flows poorly and freezes quickly as it enters the mold cavity, sometimes causing incomplete castings. The following is a list of various types of lead and there approximate percentage of tin and antimony:
|
Lead Type |
% Lead |
% Tin |
% Antimony |
|
Commercial Pig Lead |
99.6 |
-------- |
----------- |
|
Cable Sheathing |
98.5 |
-------- |
----------- |
|
Battery Lead |
90.0 |
-------- |
10.0 |
|
Plumbers Solder |
67.0 |
33.00 |
----------- |
|
Wheel Weights |
90.0 |
1.0 |
9.0 |
|
Type Metal |
82.0 |
3.0 |
15.0 |
Soft lead will begin to exhibit the same characteristics as hard lead after repeated heating and cooling; that is, it will flow poorly and may fail to fill out the cavities completely.
Proper Pouring temperature will insure casting success. The melting point of lead is 327 degrees C (621 degrees F) and the lead should be heated well above the melting point for best results - to 700 degree+. Electric melting pots are designed to do this, but how do you know when you have achieved the correct pouring temperature using an iron pot and an open flame heat source? Here is a trick that you can use. Test for pouring temperature by inserting a wooden splinter (other end of a wooden fireplace match) into the molten lead. Wait 7-8 seconds (use a watch or clock with a second hand). If, at the end of that time, the splinter ignites, the lead is approximately at pouring temperature.
Warm the mold that you will be using by pouring several times without inserts. When beginning to cast with a cool mold, the lead may tend to set up before the cavities are completely filled, or wrinkles may appear on the casting surface. Do not preheat your mold over an open flame as this is likely to damage the mold.
Pouring technique. Lead from a hand held ladle should be poured into the cavities in a fine, steady stream. Intermittent pouring will result in an incomplete casting. It may be advantageous to file a notch in the lip of the ladle to make pouring easier.
Avoid spilling lead on the hinge area of the mold. But, if this should accidentally happen, remove the lead with pliers, side cutter, etc. before opening the mold. Never try to force the lead from the hinges by opening the mold. This would put great stress on the hinges and a broken mold could result.
Flashing problems are frustrating! Our precision molds are guaranteed to give an absolute minimum of flash. However, with use, lead specks may have a tendency to build up on the face of the mold. The build up might be no larger than this small period (.) or it may be as large as this zero (0) - but since the color will match the color of the aluminum, the lead deposit will be hard to detect. Also, the closing of the mold will flatten the lead deposit to the thickness of a sheet of paper. These deposits will not allow the mold to close completely, and may cause your mold to flash or leak lead. If you have a flashing problem, lead specks are the first thing to look for. They are easily removed by scraping very lightly with a sharp knife. If you are unable to solve a flashing problem, let us know and we will be glad to help.
Mold maintenance is simple and easy, and will extend the life of your mold. Just remember to oil the mold hinges after you are through casting for the day. This will insure continued ease of mold operation.
Lead begins to oxidize almost immediately after being poured – under humid conditions, in as little as 2 days. If you plan to paint your jigs, the paint will adhere best to freshly cast lead. If casting a large quantity of jig heads for future completion, it would be wise to prime them before they are set aside. Once primed, oxidation stops, and the jig may be stored indefinitely before they are finished.
Limited warranty. Our molds carry a warranty for one year against defective workmanship and /or material when used for the purpose intended, under normal conditions, and provided they have received proper care. All molds covered under this warranty should be returned to the dealer. The dealer will return the product to us for determination whether a repair, replacement, or credit is in order. The warranty provided herein is in lieu of all express warranties. Any implied warranties, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the first twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. All obligations of liabilities, including liability for consequential damages, are hereby excluded.
The warranty is void if mold was altered, disassembled or otherwise modified; if mold was preheated over an open flame; if mold was forced open when lead was poured into the hinged area; if mold was abused by being dropped or handled in a reckless manner.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Molds returned must be sent prepaid.
Be safety conscious! Do your casting in a well ventilated area. Water coming into contact with molten lead will cause it to pop and spatter violently – so keep the two separate.
Happy to help. We hope these suggestions and tips will help you enjoy making your own sinkers and lures. Good fishing always!