Mold Temp - Pot/Alloy temp

[Ian]

When I cut "spruces" I'm mainly concerned with them not falling on my house, YMMV

(actually, there are no spruce trees within miles of where I live, possibly entire states)

 

[Brad]

Damn auto correct.

 

[Ian]

Your Apple devices and the hilarious auto-incorrects they comes up with sometimes have kept me entertained for years, don't change!

 

[Brad]

my moulds get dirty from time to time, I like to spruce them up on occaision.

 

[Cherokee]

I like to cut the sprue as soon as it solidifies (dull looking) and take my time dumping the bullet.

 

[358156hp]

I was always cutting the spruce (timber!) too early and tearing small divots out of the bases. This was when I started cooling the sprues before cutting.

 

[Pistolero]

Brad,
Your point that new casters need to understand that casting tempo controls mold temp more than
pot temp is an excellent point, and stated clearly. Often this is "talked around" and not just stated
directly when discussing this topic.

 

[358156hp]

So, what is everybody using to track mould temps? NOE has the barbeque thermometer type set up, you could build a similar set up with a multi-meter and thermocouple, but these require drilling and tapping the moulds. Is anybody using the IR heat scanners? They're getting really inexpensive now.

 

[Pistolero]

Also, I hope the lemonade reference is in jest, since the primary way to get lead
in your blood is through ingestion, like eating, smoking or drinking around the
casting area.

 

[358156hp]

It was a metaphor, of course.

 

[Brad]

A drink isn't bad if it is away from the casting area and after a good hand washing.

 

[Bryan]

I am new to casting and thinking about getting a thermometer. Any suggestions. By the way thanks for all the helpful comments and discussions

 

[Rick]

RCBS, Lyman or Tru-Tel. They're all pretty much the same and made by Tru-Tel regardless of the name on them.

 

[Ian]

Tel-Tru, actually, highly recommended. I got one from Al Nelson of NOE a few years ago for something like 25 bucks, shipped free with a mould, not sure if he still sells them or not. Works the same as my old RCBS thermometer.

 

[Brad]

Mine is from Roto-metals, got it same time as the Rowell ladle.

 

[Rick]

Tel-Tru, actually, highly recommended. I got one from Al Nelson of NOE a few years ago for something like 25 bucks, shipped free with a mould, not sure if he still sells them or not. Works the same as my old RCBS thermometer.

Tel-Tru. Yeah silly me seems I got it backwards. Oh well, got the point across.

 

[Winelover]

I have a Lyman thermometer......of course I never use it unless Rick comes over when I'm casting!

 

[Brad]

I have a Lyman thermometer......of course I never use it unless Rick comes over when I'm casting!

Yikes.
I picture Rick over your shoulder critiquisizing your casting routine.
Does he refer to you as "sonny" when he comments?

 

[Rick]

Yikes.
I picture Rick over your shoulder critiquisizing your casting routine.
Does he refer to you as "sonny" when he comments?

Actually no, John casts a right fine bullet. Nope, not Sonny, he's old enough to be your father Sonny.

 

[Winelover]

Calls me Young Whipper Snapper.