Different metals for making your own jigs?

[iceman cometh]

I've been thinking of starting to make my own jigs, but I'm a little concerned about the cancer causing properties of the lead. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried using different metals to make jigs, such as aluminum, tin, tin foil, etc. I realize this might be a dumb question, but I'm unemployed right now so I have nothing better to do than sit around with my finger in my navel and dream up this stuff(LOL)!

[CrappiePappy]

my only concern with using "other" metals, would be at what temp they melt ... and thus, what equipment would be needed to melt/mold them.

http://www.auto-ware.com/techref/meltpoint.htm
(note: babbit is an alloy that contains lead)


And, as far as lead causing Cancer :

(excerpt from United Kingdom report)
"You are most likely to be exposed to lead if you work in the paint industry or make lead batteries. The Health and Safety Executive monitor workplace health in the UK. They say that lead cannot be absorbed through the skin. If you do have too much lead in your body, the likely results are headaches, sickness, tiredness and irritability. Long term lead exposure may cause problems with kidneys and nerves, not cancer."

(American Cancer Society article)
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/co...p?sitearea=PED


........... luck2ya in your quest ............ cp