A 40 pound Magma will cure all your problems. If I cast to a half pot that's 20 pounds of alloy.
My RCBS "Pro Melt" Lead Pot Story...
- Thread starter seagiant
- Start date
A 40 pound Magma will cure all your problems. If I cast to a half pot that's 20 pounds of alloy.
Honestly, I see it much like bottom-pour v. ladle or PC v. traditional lube. I don't see either option in any of the three examples as being objectively better overall as much as suiting the user.
Either way works and most of us can manage either way - it's more a matter of what little details each of us chooses to favor. I personally do not employ a lot of "technology" at home, especially doing what I do for enjoyment. Technology is what I do for a living and I leave as much of that AT work as I can.
This is not to dismiss the important details of BP/ladle or PC/traditional. There are definitely advantages to either option in all three cases. What's "better" is is specific to a user.
There's a lot I like about PC, but I can't say it's better. I use both and lean more heavily to tumble-lube.
I ladled for many years and struggled with bottom-pour for a while, but now prefer it ALMOST across the board.
I CAN cast the old way, but a PID controller (in my world) is sort of the down and dirty way to control process heating and it's easy enough to implement.
NOW, if you want to be able to do a ramp-soak, like for PC'ing, and store "recipes" for various operations, the little controllers can do that for you, while you finish sweeping the garage, empty the tumbler, run to the can, etc. Those cost a few buck more, but there is still potential to exploit.
I actually make all my students design and build control systems using old-fashioned, hard-wired electro-mechanical devices (including antique pneumatic timers) before they go to the next class and emulate the same using a computer - a PLC. Makes a huge difference in their ability to master the technology when they've mastered the more manual aspects of it. So again - I use both.
KeithB
Resident Half Fast Machinist
It’s funny what people consider necessary vs what they can live without. I like PIDs because they help me enjoy my hobby. Some people don’t like them and are happier not messing with them, it detracts from their enjoyment of their hobby.
I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of handgun ammo on a single stage press and never felt the need for a progressive. I’ve entertained the idea of a turret press but never a progressive.
Some people love progressives, may actually need them. But I don’t need one to enjoy reloading.
But my reasons for liking PIDs and single stage presses might be exactly opposite someone else’s reasons.
Ain’t it nice to have a choice?
I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of handgun ammo on a single stage press and never felt the need for a progressive. I’ve entertained the idea of a turret press but never a progressive.
Some people love progressives, may actually need them. But I don’t need one to enjoy reloading.
But my reasons for liking PIDs and single stage presses might be exactly opposite someone else’s reasons.
Ain’t it nice to have a choice?
Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
To be clear, I’m not disparaging a PID temperature controller. I understand the advantage of being able to direct your attention elsewhere. If you follow aviation at all, there are clearly times when an autopilot can take the workload off a pilot while he/she deals with another problem. The ability to delegate some functions to automation in the short term so that your brain can focus on something far more pressing, can be critical to success.
However, maintaining the temperature in an electric melting pot probably doesn’t require a lot spare brain power.
I may build a PID controller someday, the equipment isn’t expensive, and it might be a fun project. I’m not sure it would improve my enjoyment of the hobby. I like to keep simple things simple.
However, maintaining the temperature in an electric melting pot probably doesn’t require a lot spare brain power.
I may build a PID controller someday, the equipment isn’t expensive, and it might be a fun project. I’m not sure it would improve my enjoyment of the hobby. I like to keep simple things simple.
seagiant
Member
Hi,
If I can build a PID anybody can!
Once you use one, you will see why they are so well liked!
This Gentleman has a LOT of good info and helped me.
Bret4207
At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
No. Mould temp is entirely controlled by the rate at which it is filled. Once your alloy is up to a pourable temp, the moulds temp depends on the guy pouring not farting around looking at the fresh castings or stopping to drink a soda, etc. You pour as fast as you can until you start getting good castings, and then you alter your rate of filling the mould to keep the temp where it need to be. If anything, a PID belongs ON THE MOULD, not the pot IMO. But who wants an electronic doohicky hanging off a mould?
seagiant
Member
Hi,
Well, I do agree about Casting Timing, sort of like feed rate on a Mill or Lathe, but...
Having the PID keep the Lead at a steady temp as the Lead is used HAS to help also, maybe even, very much?
As stated earlier above, depends on the Operators Goal and how fine he wants to draw the line.
Certainly wasn't my take. My comments were meant to complement yours.
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
Good show Old Man!
Was reading a long seriously following the posts. Learning but getting a bit drifted.
Then I saw your post, that was great timing. I am still chuckling from the mental image.
Thanks for the sense of humor!
Last edited:
I have the same NOE temperature probe setup but don't use it often. Most of my NOE moulds are undrilled and I haven't gotten around to drilling them for the probe. The concepts good but the execution leaves a bit to be desired.
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
Well if I decide to build one.
I am going to have to go full out.
Need a PID-casting control center. You know, maybe 2 independent PID's in one. One for the pot, the other for the hot plate.
Extra probe to switch from hot plate to toaster oven.
Phone charger, breaker oulets.Flashing LEDs to let me know it's on. Just because they are cool. Plus temperature alarms, blue tooth speaker, bottle opener, rectal thermometer. Well you get the Idea.
I am going to have to go full out.
Need a PID-casting control center. You know, maybe 2 independent PID's in one. One for the pot, the other for the hot plate.
Extra probe to switch from hot plate to toaster oven.
Phone charger, breaker oulets.Flashing LEDs to let me know it's on. Just because they are cool. Plus temperature alarms, blue tooth speaker, bottle opener, rectal thermometer. Well you get the Idea.
KeithB
Resident Half Fast Machinist
I drilled my molds because I wanted the data. At one point I thought about making some bullet molds and I wanted to be able to cast at a consistent temperature. I also wanted to see the heat fluctuations and compare various mold materials. Once i get started I generally take the TC off.
fiver
Well-Known Member
a big pot of lead alloy doesn't need a fancy temperature control.
it does all that for you through sheer mass.
the Magma pots also have the ability to have a single spout besides the dual, or a blank so the handle etc. can be removed for a ladle pour pot.
you can put on or take off any of them.
it does all that for you through sheer mass.
the Magma pots also have the ability to have a single spout besides the dual, or a blank so the handle etc. can be removed for a ladle pour pot.
you can put on or take off any of them.