Re: Is there anything that keeps molten lead from sticking to metal?

On 1/8/2025 9:00 AM, Clyde wrote:

I have successfully used a light dusting of flour for large scuba weights and fishing jigs. I don't use it for bullets or anything with precision tolerances though
 

Graphite spray if you just need a mold release, but typically lead doesn't stick to most common mold alloys anyway.  Tin, pewter, and some other common casting alloys can stick.
Flour is a new one for me, but it could work as well as talcum powder. The advantage these are used for is not as a mold release, but because the fine particles break up the surface tension of the molten metal and allow it to flow out better.  Talcum powder often works so well that a mold that was experience incomplete pours starts to flash a little if the tolerances aren't good.  I guess flower shouldn't a surprise.  I have had one customer tell me they use corn starch for the same purpose.
Now, if you mean for soldering applications, I think I would mask, spray with graphite, and then remove masking before carefully applying flux, but that's a little beyond my skill/knowledge set.
Yes, I am aware this is a twenty year old ZOMBIE THREAD.
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Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
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