New to Pouring jigs

**Predator861** · 01-07-2016, 08:42 AM

So I got my Lee smelting pot. I have used it a couple of times to make the ingots from old duck lead strap weights. However, the spout seems to be clogged or at least the molten lead does not flow as smoothly or as much. Is there anything I can do? I've tried cleaning, but not sure the best way to accomplish that. Should I scrap and get a new one. Also, I tried pouring egg sinkers but the lead didn't settle in the cavity before hardening. I tried heating the mold with heat gun prior but didn't work. Any help is appreciated

**STUMP HUNTER** · 01-07-2016, 09:09 AM

Most of use have this problem on most pours and we use a wire the size of the spout hole and run it into the spout to clean the lead. Do this with the lead hot of course and be careful. The wire should be bent into a 90 degree with the part that goes into the spout being around 1 1/2'' long and leave a long enough handle to hold onto. You don't have to preheat the pot just turn the heat to high (10) and wait until it get to pouring heat. If your pot is a 10 pound you will not be able to pour big sinkers without having cold spots in the lead. Not enough lead will come out of the spout. You should be able to pour them using a small ladle.

**Predator861** · 01-07-2016, 09:39 AM

Biggest egg sinkers I'd be pouring right now would be 1oz to 1.5oz. Most would be 3/4 or less. That too big?

**smoothlures** · 01-07-2016, 10:05 AM

I use the little Hot Pot 2 for bigger egg sinkers. Works great. I make up to 3 oz. Can also use cheaper/dirtier lead without worrying about clogging up anything (which could be your problem in your existing pot...did you clean it first?).

**Cray** · 01-07-2016, 10:59 AM

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/jig-t...ing-pot-clean/

Go here and go to post #5 Fatman gives really good instructions on cleaning and maintaining a melting pot. Sure saved me a lot of grief.

**canebreaker** · 01-07-2016, 11:03 AM

Stump Hunter said to use a piece of wire. A large paper clip is the ideal tool. Bend it out some and you'll have a section that's 90 degree and an handle on the other end.
I use a long tea spoon, when the lead gets hot add a pea size piece of wax and let it burn. Stir the lead slowly to mix it in. Scrape the sides and the spout rod and remove the crud. If you have a long casting session and add more lead, repeat these again.
I fill my pot with ingots and turn it on 10. When the pot is about half full of melt I turn it to 6. If zinc is in the mix it will fluff on the top when it is at a full melt. Spoon it off too.
I lay the mold on top of the pot when I start a melt. Turn it over a few times. Since you are casting egg sinkers run the mold a few times without the rod until you get a good cast. I use a paper towel with oil on it. Wipe the rod down every 3 to 5 castings so it will come out of the mold easier. As soon as you see the lead harden remove the rod from the mold. Oil the hinge about every 20 cast.
I see that your home lake is Barnett. There are a few bullet/sinker casters around Jackson that use the Lee 10 and 20 lb pots. You can find them at ms gun owners dot com.

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