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  • Re: Is there anything that keeps molten lead from sticking to metal?

    From Clyde@21:1/5 to All on Wed Jan 8 16:00:03 2025
    I have successfully used a light dusting of flour for large scuba weights and fishing jigs. I don't use it for bullets or anything with precision tolerances though

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  • From Bob La Londe@21:1/5 to Clyde on Wed Jan 8 12:35:31 2025
    On 1/8/2025 9:00 AM, Clyde wrote:
    I have successfully used a light dusting of flour for large scuba
    weights and fishing jigs. I don't use it for bullets or anything with precision tolerances though


    Graphite spray if you just need a mold release, but typically lead
    doesn't stick to most common mold alloys anyway. Tin, pewter, and some
    other common casting alloys can stick.

    Flour is a new one for me, but it could work as well as talcum powder.
    The advantage these are used for is not as a mold release, but because
    the fine particles break up the surface tension of the molten metal and
    allow it to flow out better. Talcum powder often works so well that a
    mold that was experience incomplete pours starts to flash a little if
    the tolerances aren't good. I guess flower shouldn't a surprise. I
    have had one customer tell me they use corn starch for the same purpose.

    Now, if you mean for soldering applications, I think I would mask, spray
    with graphite, and then remove masking before carefully applying flux,
    but that's a little beyond my skill/knowledge set.

    Yes, I am aware this is a twenty year old ZOMBIE THREAD.

    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff

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  • From Gerry@21:1/5 to All on Wed Jan 8 23:47:30 2025
    On Wed, 8 Jan 2025 12:35:31 -0700, Bob La Londe <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    On 1/8/2025 9:00 AM, Clyde wrote:
    I have successfully used a light dusting of flour for large scuba
    weights and fishing jigs. I don't use it for bullets or anything with
    precision tolerances though


    Graphite spray if you just need a mold release, but typically lead
    doesn't stick to most common mold alloys anyway. Tin, pewter, and some
    other common casting alloys can stick.

    Flour is a new one for me, but it could work as well as talcum powder.
    The advantage these are used for is not as a mold release, but because
    the fine particles break up the surface tension of the molten metal and
    allow it to flow out better. Talcum powder often works so well that a
    mold that was experience incomplete pours starts to flash a little if
    the tolerances aren't good. I guess flower shouldn't a surprise. I
    have had one customer tell me they use corn starch for the same purpose.

    Now, if you mean for soldering applications, I think I would mask, spray
    with graphite, and then remove masking before carefully applying flux,
    but that's a little beyond my skill/knowledge set.

    Yes, I am aware this is a twenty year old ZOMBIE THREAD.

    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    I use correction fluid to prevent the flow of silver solder into areas
    where I don't want it - ie the threaded ring of a female hose
    connection - just paint it on and work it into joint.

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  • From Evie Rosie@21:1/5 to All on Wed Mar 12 12:00:04 2025
    You can use graphite, soot (from a candle or acetylene flame), or high-temp mold release spray to prevent the lead from sticking. A light coat of oil or silicone spray might also help, but ensure it can handle the heat safely.

    --
    For full context, visit https://www.polytechforum.com/metalworking/is-there-anything-that-keeps-molten-lead-from-sticking-to-me-388193-.htm

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  • From Peter Fairbrother@21:1/5 to Evie Rosie on Sat Mar 15 13:32:40 2025
    On 12/03/2025 12:00, Evie Rosie wrote:
    You can use graphite, soot (from a candle or acetylene flame), or
    high-temp mold release spray to prevent the lead from sticking. A light
    coat of oil or silicone spray might also help, but ensure it can handle
    the heat safely.

    Solder resist aka solder mask. Remove with methylene chloride aka dichloromethane or paint stripper. You can also get peelable aka
    temporary resist.

    Peter Fairbrother
    aka

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