Beowolf
02-04-2002, 02:23 PM
Hey guys, I cast the lead weight into my centerboard last weekend, as I know that there are a few of us out there who are currently building or contemplating there first project, let me say a few things...
1- Thanks.
I ran a quick search and read all the threads on casting lead. I tried to follow as much advice as I could, as often is the case, some of it contricted others.
2- This was my first time at this and it scared the bejubus outta me. Especially as I kept reading all the warnings out lead spattering with moisture. Actually, with most new things, I found it not to be that bad. Actually makes me look forward to the next part, glassing the board and hull.
3- For those of you who are looking at doing this for the first time, here's what I did.
a- Grabbed a box (40 lbs) of discarded wheel weights from Discount Tire. They were really cool about this. Tell people that you're building a boat and they'll bend over backwards to help.
b- Cut a 6in x 6in hole in the centerboard. Screwed a doublelayer of 1/8th in hardboard over one side to act as the bottom. Tapped 2 in ring nails into the sides of hte hole.
c- Set up the board all nice and level and close to where I was heating the lead. Don't want to walk forever with that stuff.
d- Melted the lead in a 6in cast iron skillet on my Coleman stove. Tried using a blowtorch first, took forever and I couldn't keep the stuff melted.
e- Once it melts, I used a metal spoon to scoop all the clips and crap off the surface.
f- Poured it into the hole.
Safety Equip:
Full face mask - Hey, if you looked this good you'd want all the protection you could get. http://media5.hypernet.com/~dick/ubb/smile.gif
Respirator - Duh!
Heavy work gloves
Lots of layers of clothing
Whole job went off without a hitch. Poured the weight in four managable batches. The initial pour caused a little out-gassing in the hardboard that resulted in some cavities that had to be filled afterwards but that was it.
In regards to being safe. Buy a new pair of gloves before you do the job. Then do everything in your power to keep them looking new. That should do a lot to keep your hands out of where they shouldn't be.
Take Care.
Jeff.
1- Thanks.
I ran a quick search and read all the threads on casting lead. I tried to follow as much advice as I could, as often is the case, some of it contricted others.
2- This was my first time at this and it scared the bejubus outta me. Especially as I kept reading all the warnings out lead spattering with moisture. Actually, with most new things, I found it not to be that bad. Actually makes me look forward to the next part, glassing the board and hull.
3- For those of you who are looking at doing this for the first time, here's what I did.
a- Grabbed a box (40 lbs) of discarded wheel weights from Discount Tire. They were really cool about this. Tell people that you're building a boat and they'll bend over backwards to help.
b- Cut a 6in x 6in hole in the centerboard. Screwed a doublelayer of 1/8th in hardboard over one side to act as the bottom. Tapped 2 in ring nails into the sides of hte hole.
c- Set up the board all nice and level and close to where I was heating the lead. Don't want to walk forever with that stuff.
d- Melted the lead in a 6in cast iron skillet on my Coleman stove. Tried using a blowtorch first, took forever and I couldn't keep the stuff melted.
e- Once it melts, I used a metal spoon to scoop all the clips and crap off the surface.
f- Poured it into the hole.
Safety Equip:
Full face mask - Hey, if you looked this good you'd want all the protection you could get. http://media5.hypernet.com/~dick/ubb/smile.gif
Respirator - Duh!
Heavy work gloves
Lots of layers of clothing
Whole job went off without a hitch. Poured the weight in four managable batches. The initial pour caused a little out-gassing in the hardboard that resulted in some cavities that had to be filled afterwards but that was it.
In regards to being safe. Buy a new pair of gloves before you do the job. Then do everything in your power to keep them looking new. That should do a lot to keep your hands out of where they shouldn't be.
Take Care.
Jeff.