H
Hobby87
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #1
Hey all, going to attempt to make my own lead pucks this weekend using a camping stove and muffin pan. I have a bucket of wheel weights that have been sitting in dry storage for some time, shouldn't have an issue with moisture, but curious of two things. Will the metal clips in the weights "float" to the top, or do i need to fish them out while lead is liquid? Also, should I be concerned with dirt/debris from the wheel weights? Other than good ventilation, anything else I should pay mind to?
Thanks, Matt
P
Petty Race Engines
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #2
Melt the lead in a cast iron deep skillet or pot, all the contaminants will float to the top, and skim that junk off then carefully pour them into a warm muffin pan
flattop1
Dawg 89
- Jul 7, 2023
- #3
The will settle to the bottom clips .
Eye shield and good leather gloves .
R
racinnut15xm
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #4
To keep the lead from sticking to the spoon you have to leave it down in the molten lead for a few seconds to get it hot then you can skim all the crap and get the steel out.
L
Loren Bartle
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #5
The clips are lighter than the lead so they float. Just use a magnet to pick them out. It take about 650 degrees to melt so a camping stove is not going to be hot enough. I have always used an acetylene torch to heat it in an iron pot then pour into a bread pan or a muffin pan.
Ksfastman
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #6
I've used a Coleman stove for years to melt lead. Also drop a little wax in it to get the dross floating and skim it off.
Last edited:
C
Chuck_Sloggett
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #7
Coleman stove worked for me (liquid fuel type) . Use plenty of ventilation, preferably outside. -- Chuck
Kj26
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #8
I also use a camping stove, melted close to 1000# over the years. I use a pair of stainless kitchen tongs to pull whatever I need out and to skim the top. The hot lead won’t stick to the tongs.
Eric85629
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #9
I melted a couple hundred pounds in the winter using an old refrigerant can I modified and a camp fire. Modern wheel weights are a royal pain, hardly any are lead. I suggest sorting out the non lead ones that are usually stamped with FE & MG before putting them in the fire. I used a long head bolt welded to a flap of steel with holes cut out to scoop the steel & junk out of the melted lead. Get some car intake / exhaust valves to lay in the muffin pan before you pour. This will save you from having to drill the pucks, just make sure to center them. If your muffin pan is warped on the bottom the valves will float so watch out for that headache. Only melt the amount you can easily lift and pour. I did one batch that I couldn't hardly lift. Good luck
ABR #69
Member
- Jul 7, 2023
- #10
Even doing this outside with a fan, you run a VERY real risk of getting sick. I suggest a respirator, the effects of breathing lead fumes are real and slow and long term. I know we breath a lot of things in while doing tires and this and that and racing. But, the more I've read on lead exposure, the long term effects are definitely worth protecting yourself from. Use some good heavy duty welding gloves while transferring the hot lead into the mold. Don't wear sandals, one little mistake and lead will fly everywhere and it's not a pretty sight what it will do to you. Have a very steady base where you will be melting, and pouring the lead to and from. Having it as low as possible to whatever surface you're on to avoid long drops and splashing of lead will really go a long way.
If you're going to do it, use a something to melt roughly what you need, 5/10lbs at a time. Use Map gas, propane, or similar hand torch to melt it all, and a way to keep the pan hot so it doesn't solidify. Then when you get it all melted and skimmed pour it into the mold.
K
Ksfastman
Member
- Jul 8, 2023
- #11
Another thing about the Coleman stoves, is that they will run fine on pump gas, old two stroke gas etc. If you drain the fuel out of your lawnmower, snow blower, chainsaw, generator etc etc...save it to run your Coleman stove.
C
Chris Rhein
Member
- Jul 8, 2023
- #12
I use a old propane grill.
S
ScarfaceF1
Member
- Jul 8, 2023
- #13
ABR #69 said:
Even doing this outside with a fan, you run a VERY real risk of getting sick. I suggest a respirator, the effects of breathing lead fumes are real and slow and long term. I know we breath a lot of things in while doing tires and this and that and racing. But, the more I've read on lead exposure, the long term effects are definitely worth protecting yourself from. Use some good heavy duty welding gloves while transferring the hot lead into the mold. Don't wear sandals, one little mistake and lead will fly everywhere and it's not a pretty sight what it will do to you. Have a very steady base where you will be melting, and pouring the lead to and from. Having it as low as possible to whatever surface you're on to avoid long drops and splashing of lead will really go a long way.
If you're going to do it, use a something to melt roughly what you need, 5/10lbs at a time. Use Map gas, propane, or similar hand torch to melt it all, and a way to keep the pan hot so it doesn't solidify. Then when you get it all melted and skimmed pour it into the mold.
I'm shocked that lead is the "go to" material for weights in karting especially with so many young kids racing. Lead is deadly. I understand that it is heavier per size than steel due to density, but the risks are so high!
9
95 shaw
Site Supporter
- Jul 8, 2023
- #14
Hobby87 said:
Hey all, going to attempt to make my own lead pucks this weekend using a camping stove and muffin pan. I have a bucket of wheel weights that have been sitting in dry storage for some time, shouldn't have an issue with moisture, but curious of two things. Will the metal clips in the weights "float" to the top, or do i need to fish them out while lead is liquid? Also, should I be concerned with dirt/debris from the wheel weights? Other than good ventilation, anything else I should pay mind to?
Thanks, Matt
Keep in mind, more wheel weights are zinc than lead these days. Fumes from either are not good, because they stay in your lungs. Nothing your body does can expel these elements from you lungs.
Add this to the risks, along with tire preps.
Maybe being on the track is the least risky thing associated with karting?
J
johnelliott
Member
- Jul 8, 2023
- #15
Do it outside and avoid ALL moisture.
C
CNY RACER
Member
- Jul 8, 2023
- #16
ScarfaceF1 said:
I'm shocked that lead is the "go to" material for weights in karting especially with so many young kids racing. Lead is deadly. I understand that it is heavier per size than steel due to density, but the risks are so high!
With the proper PPE and some common sense it's fine. We also paint them when done to help make handling safer.
H
Hobby87
Member
- Jul 11, 2023
- #17
Understanding the melting points between zinc and lead is different (622F vs 787F), it would seem I can melt the two metals together without issue. Although, I am starting to question being able to get a cast iron pan to 787F via a gas burner.... may need to incorporate a handheld torch to melt.. guess we'll see!!
Thanks for all the comments /suggestions! Will be sure to properly ventilate, wear safety gear and try to keep the pans/burner as low to the ground as possible.
"J'-remy
Member
- Jul 11, 2023
- #18
i melt lead with a $20 electric hot plate from amazon and a cheap pan from walmart. its easier than you think. i have melted lead shot directly into the muffin tin using a small propane torch pointed from above as well.
flattop1
Dawg 89
- Jul 11, 2023
- #19
Hobby87 said:
Understanding the melting points between zinc and lead is different (622F vs 787F), it would seem I can melt the two metals together without issue. Although, I am starting to question being able to get a cast iron pan to 787F via a gas burner.... may need to incorporate a handheld torch to melt.. guess we'll see!!
Thanks for all the comments /suggestions! Will be sure to properly ventilate, wear safety gear and try to keep the pans/burner as low to the ground as possible.
I used a big weed burner .
Could use camp stove with propane boost .
1fasttiller
Member
- Jul 20, 2023
- #20
ScarfaceF1 said:
I'm shocked that lead is the "go to" material for weights in karting especially with so many young kids racing. Lead is deadly. I understand that it is heavier per size than steel due to density, but the risks are so high!
Not to make this political but don't always believe what they tell ya 
Lead is bad when exposed to it for a VERY LONG TIME. You aren't ingesting it or inhaling it daily, melting a little down and using it for ballast is just fine and won't hurt nothing. I invite you to really read and research this topic, not just believe what you're told by the masses...
You must log in or register to reply here.
