Monday, Jun 22, 2009 at 21:25
Four Dollars Fifty a sinker????? Holy Bat, Cowman!!!!
Used'ta do it all the time.. haven't done it for a while (I've got a good stock of lead ingots), but at $4.50 a sinker(!!!), my pile o' dead batteries has just got a whole lot more attractive (less ugly'-)), and I think I'll be hangin' on to my sinker molds for a while longer....
When I was "into" that sort of thing, I was even makin' my own shot (as in pellets for re-loading shotshells).. still have the shot-maker too.....
Once ya start meltin' down batteries, you'll soon find that it's a fair bit of work (and mess) for relatively little reward, but at $4.50 a sinker(!!!!),
well that puts a whole 'nother perspective on it;-))
Easiest way I found, if ya have access to an old 44gal. drum, cut the top out, punch it fulla holes, & a decent size hole in the bottom, bit of a trench under the drum, light a decent (hardwood) fire in the drum, and progressively throw in the batteries, one at a time, and the lead will melt & run out the hole in the bottom & (hopefully) into your pre-prepared trench.. make sure the batteries are
well drained (& dry) before chuckin' em in the fire, or you might get a few "surprises";-))
Depending on the amount of lead, the resultant "glob" which you'll (theoretically) have when it all cools down, can be cut into convenient size bits with an axe (or similar semi-sharp instrument;-) for further umm, processing ...
Much better (& easier) if ya have a mate (or 3) who are tyre fitters.. the wheel weights are much less of a hassle...
Oh yeah, and the bike spoke (mentioned above).. coat it occasionally with powdered graphite;-)
$4.50 a sinker...................... Wow......
(just goes to show how long it since I've paid for sinkers;-))
$4.50.... Geez
;-))
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AnswerID:
371405
Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Monday, Jun 22, 2009 at 21:30
Monday, Jun 22, 2009 at 21:30
Thanks Ed,
Never ever thought of powdered graphite on the bike spoke!
Bloody good idea!
Geoff
FollowupID:
638666
Follow Up By: Welldone WA - Tuesday, Jun 23, 2009 at 13:58
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2009 at 13:58
The spoke lubed with graphite is good but a tad grubby.
I use a small block of beeswax and just drag the warmed spoke through it once
every three or four casts and the sinkers slip without effort and without mess.
I haven't tried it but maybe the wax from an ordinary candle will also work.
FollowupID:
638730