Casting lead nose weight
Here is how I cast my lead nose weight. Just one of the various methods available. It is possible to make molds out of different materials e.g. plaster of Paris etc. but I have found that traditional sand casting to be the quickest and simplest.
What you will need :
Measure how much lead you will need. Now add a small bit extra, sufficient to make up for any losses during the melting process.
Powder the inside of you models nose with the talc, (or you can line it with cling film). This will prevent the plasticine from sticking to the inside of the nose.
Push the plasticine firmly into the nose. Now gently pull it out, and you should be left with an impression of the inside of the model. Make sure the volume of the plasticine is greater the the volume of lead required.
Make sure the sand has is slightly moist so it can hold itself together. (Put it in a suitable bucket).
Now talc the plasticine "plug" again acting as a parting agent. Gently, as not to deform the plasticine, push the plug into the sand and build up the sand around it. Now gently remove the plug.
Melt the lead, keeping the room well ventilated and cover the melting pot. (Lead fumes are poisonous!) Also use safety heat proof gloves, if you burn your hands there no point in finishing off the model!!
Skim off the layer of oxide formed on the surface of the lead melt, and immediately pour the lead into the sand. Wait for it to cool and then fit it into the model. Check its size and weight and epoxy in place.
This method is really quick and easy. In the past I have recast the lead several times within an hour, as I was tight for room and wanted to get it just right.
What you will need :
- Plasticine
- Talc
- Builders sand
- Melting pot (I use a metal measuring pot designed for cooking)
- Lead
Measure how much lead you will need. Now add a small bit extra, sufficient to make up for any losses during the melting process.
Powder the inside of you models nose with the talc, (or you can line it with cling film). This will prevent the plasticine from sticking to the inside of the nose.
Push the plasticine firmly into the nose. Now gently pull it out, and you should be left with an impression of the inside of the model. Make sure the volume of the plasticine is greater the the volume of lead required.
Make sure the sand has is slightly moist so it can hold itself together. (Put it in a suitable bucket).
Now talc the plasticine "plug" again acting as a parting agent. Gently, as not to deform the plasticine, push the plug into the sand and build up the sand around it. Now gently remove the plug.
Melt the lead, keeping the room well ventilated and cover the melting pot. (Lead fumes are poisonous!) Also use safety heat proof gloves, if you burn your hands there no point in finishing off the model!!
Skim off the layer of oxide formed on the surface of the lead melt, and immediately pour the lead into the sand. Wait for it to cool and then fit it into the model. Check its size and weight and epoxy in place.
This method is really quick and easy. In the past I have recast the lead several times within an hour, as I was tight for room and wanted to get it just right.