Weighted Base Box Build Process

25/9/2021

This is my set-up for casting. On the right is a few fire bricks (not the insulating type, which would probably be better, but at least they keep the flames away from the floor). The tongs came with the crucible. The bit of OSB on the left gives me somewhere to put the mould and the strips of plywood are just there to catch the worst of any lead that misses the mould.

With that all ready, there was nothing for it but to start cooking with the propane torch! It didn't take long for the lead to start to drop into the crucible and I could add the extra bits.

Once it was all melted, I used an old teaspoon to get rid of the worst of the scum that had floated on top:

I then poured the crucible out and again used the teaspoon to skim off a little bit of scum. Remarkably, this was the level after emptying the crucible, so I obviously judged the amount of lead just right.

It was then a case of leaving the box to cool.

Once it was cool, I put the box in the vice and used a hacksaw to cut through the welds on two of the corners:

I could then lever out the sides with a screwdriver...

... and pull the block out.

I was quite pleased with that as my first ever attempt at casting metal!

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