Shaping a lead ballast keel

[Rainbow]

What would be a good tool to use to shape a lead ballast keel? I need to do do some work on the forward end of mine to make it more streamlined. Will a power plane work and if so, do I need a carbide cutter? Not looking to take a lot of metal off. Thanks.

[ 03-31-2005, 06:19 AM: Message edited by: Rainbow ]

[ssor]

There are files made for cutting lead, they have long curved teeth that don't clog. A power plane will work but will leave flat spots. The only cutters I can get for my power plane are double edge carbide. Why do you need to alter the profile of the keel? What do you expect to gain?

edit to add :link to, http://www.mcmaster.com/
Go to aluminum files

[ 03-30-2005, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: ssor ]

[Dick Pendergast]

I recently had a keel molded for my W23 (Joel White's double-ended day sailor). After busting it out of the concrete mold, I used a Stanley Surform plane to initally fair the surface. It cut the lead well and left a reasonable smooth surface that only needed a bit of sanding. I would caution you to wear gloves as the plane creates razor sharp edges and contact with lead is seldom a good thing.

[ssor]

CAUTION!!! if you are going to sand lead wear a respirator! Launder you clothes and bathe when you are through, To do otherwise might keep you from enjoying the fruits of your labor. :eek:

[John Meachen]

You can use an ordinary plane to trim lead.If all you are intending to do is flatten the top of the casting for fitting to the hull you should be fine.If you are proposing to attack the outboard faces of the keel,be aware that there is likely to be some sand embedded in the lead and it will play havoc with cutting edges.You probably would not choose to use particularly fine planes or family heirlooms for the job.

[Jay Greer]

Lead works well with hand tools if a bit of Antimony has been added to the pour. Simple tools such as iron bodied hand planes will work for shaping as well as will power planes. Carbide blades will last longer. But, all cutting edges can be eased with the addition of a bit of Kerosine.

[Rainbow]

Originally posted by ssor:
There are files made for cutting lead, they have long curved teeth that don't clog. A power plane will work but will leave flat spots. The only cutters I can get for my power plane are double edge carbide. Why do you need to alter the profile of the keel? What do you expect to gain?

Thanks or the advice. I have a Dickerson 35 with a full keel. The leading edge of the keel is about six inches wide and flat. I'm thinking about putting a better edge on it to reduce the turbulence it generates from the way it meets the water. Not intendinging to sharpen it to a point, but while I have it pout for painting, I'm trying to improve the performance a bit.

edit to add :link to, http://www.mcmaster.com/
Go to aluminum files

[Don Z.]

Having used it, I have to agree with the surform planer. It really does work...

[shadow99]

The type of file that works great is a PANZER file, or a body file. Large very aggressive teeth, make quick work of smoothing softer materials. Any local auto-body supplier should have them in stock. They don't clog like a surform file would.

Rick