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pot detritus
nemesisenforcer
Member Posts: 10,513 ✭✭✭
So when I melt down my WW, I flux, stir, and skim the clips off obviously. I periodically flux and stir like I'm supposed to, but if I go for an extended session, "dirt" for lack of a better term turns up on the surface of of the alloy and won't flux or mix back in.
I just got back from putting my pot up after letting it cool down and it was on top and just dumped out.. It's the consistency of mildly sandy dirt and has flakes of yellow in it.
What is it and what should I do with it?
I just got back from putting my pot up after letting it cool down and it was on top and just dumped out.. It's the consistency of mildly sandy dirt and has flakes of yellow in it.
What is it and what should I do with it?
Comments
Scoop it off and dispose of it outside.
If you are seeing a yellow deposit it could be arsenic coming out of your alloy, use some caution with it. Fluxing is helpful to remove dirt and impurities, the dirt floating on top of your melt is a good sign that you are fluxing well. [:D]
Scoop it off and dispose of it outside.
Aresenic? Awesome.
And if it's black it's probably the antimony. Lead alloys are not true "alloys" at all and the components seperate quite easily.
It's black to gray, but dry and the texture of dirt. it seems to be most prevalent when I melt down a batch and when it's been cooking for awhile, but the melt is relatively clear and clean after and before those stages.
I keep my Lee 10lb. bottom pour pot at 5.5-7 so I don't think it's getting too hot and separating out everything.
quote:Originally posted by XXCross
And if it's black it's probably the antimony. Lead alloys are not true "alloys" at all and the components seperate quite easily.
It's black to gray, but dry and the texture of dirt. it seems to be most prevalent when I melt down a batch and when it's been cooking for awhile, but the melt is relatively clear and clean after and before those stages.
I keep my Lee 10lb. bottom pour pot at 5.5-7 so I don't think it's getting too hot and separating out everything.
Arsenic is good in bullet alloy, it helps bind the alloy together and adds hardness. If you have a pyrometer you might want to check your temps. It sounds like you might be a bit on the hot side.