Lead Pot Question

[BucktailJiger]

Is it better to drain all the lead out of the pot when done pouring , and start fresh the next time you pour ?
Guess I'm looking at it as a safety precaution .

 

[Fatman]

You're going to get yes and no!!LOL Because I don't have a dedicated pouring area I have to clean up after pouring session, and I clean the pot every time. This is what works for me.

 

[Kdog]

I never do and Lee recommends leaving the pot about 1/4 full

 

[Bucko]

I never leave it empty. Usually leave half or so I guess. I've had to stop during a run and have left it totally full too a few times. Didn't seem to hurt it none?

 

[plateboater]

never leave empty....1/2 full

 

[hookup]

I never empty the pot unless I have problems & it needs a cleaning.

 

[LedHed]

Have always left full - doesn't rust as bad. Need to start leaving ~3/4 - the lead level shouldn't be higher then the heating coil. Reduce the risk of the plunger sticking open on heat up.
I drain and clean once in awhile - make sure there isn't any gunk hanging around the bottom - "refresh" my lead.

 

[tholmes]

I never empty the pot unless I have problems & it needs a cleaning.

This is what I've done for 40+ years of pouring jigs, sinkers and bullets. I'm still on the same pot with no problems.

Tom

 

[StumpHunter]

Leave my pot 3/4 full all the time and only drain it maybe every two months.

 

[Jay Wirth]

I make sure to pour enough to leave the pot about 1/2 full when I am done. I keep the ingot mold under during the heat up.

Picts of my dedicated pouring space:
View attachment 1
View attachment 2
View attachment 3
View attachment 4

 

[JSC]

Jay it looks like you have a collection of Ament custom molds.

 

[Jay Wirth]

Nope. The molds are from a back woods tool / die shop in the mid west. They are all from late 60s - mid 70s. I had a couple new ones made about 15 years ago. They all work great!!!!

 

[LedHed]

Wow - I would've called them Ament custom's too. Are they still around and is custom work they only molds they made?

 

[Fatman]

Nice Jay!!!!!!! Wish I had the space to have that!!!!!!!!

 

[plateboater]

Killerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr