I've got the 10# pot that is at least 40 years old. Probably melted 300 pounds of wheel weights, never fluxed or cleaned before or during the melt. Just scraped stuff off the top after melting. I poured bullets and bass jigs.
Cleaned it about 3 years ago and started fluxing the lead. When it starts to drip, I just use a screwdriver and turn the pour rod.
I now mix pure lead and the wheel weight lead to get the softness I want for what I'm pouring.
If it quit today, I'd order another just like it.
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