Tool Talk

Blacksmith and Metal Working Forum => Blacksmith and Metalworking Forum => Topic started by: oldgoaly on April 14, 2017, 02:43:09 PM

Title: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: oldgoaly on April 14, 2017, 02:43:09 PM

Had some problems with the old lp tank, it's been replaced with a new to me 1997 lp tank.
We melted a couple of hundred pounds of lead last weekend. Made 8 6# and 10 3# hammers.
Well also a few ingots and toy lead soldiers.  Used 1/2 pipe for the handles packed some foundry sand in the pipe, that is why there is blue painters masking tape on the ends.

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: Northwoods on April 14, 2017, 02:50:04 PM

Why the sand?

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: oldgoaly on April 14, 2017, 03:11:59 PM

Experience!
<grin>

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: Plyerman on April 15, 2017, 09:40:34 AM

Ah, that makes sense now! :grin:


Nice looking hammers by the way.

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: john k on April 15, 2017, 12:39:01 PM

When blacksmithing anything with a pipe involved, we plug the pipe.  Newspaper, wood, clay, whatever is at hand.   When you place a heated pipe in the water tank, very hot steam comes blasting out the other end, up your arm, in your face,  is a lesson learned very quickly.  Got a market for the hammers?

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: oldgoaly on April 15, 2017, 01:17:40 PM

Just replacing my worn out 2# lead hammers I had made 20-25 years ago. I picked up the 6# mold a few years ago. Been wanting / needing to make them but wanted my son here to learn how and help, he has been in college. Oh have them in various places so I don't have to walk too far to find one.

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: turnnut on April 15, 2017, 09:03:25 PM

  that brings back memories of 1968 at work,  we had a machinist course and one of the 1st projects  was to make &  pour lead hammers.
  the shop used many on the machine line to tap fixtures in place.

  you have an interesting shop.

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: oldgoaly on April 15, 2017, 10:21:24 PM

a lead hammer is the only one to use on a lathe or mill, 2-3# ones are good there, and 2 are in that part of the shop. I've got 2 sheds dedicated workshops, I moved the hot stuff out 20 yrs ago it was getting crowded and flammables were too close. So made the move. If I ever get the scrap aluminum pile into ingots I'll have room. I make parts for old tools, old toys, old stuff! I'm just falling apart with bad knees and shoulders.

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: Catch22! on April 17, 2017, 11:29:14 PM

I know a number of british car owners that would be interested in your hammers. We use them on our knock off wire wheels

Title: Re: Using old molds to make new lead hammers
Post by: oldgoaly on April 17, 2017, 11:59:30 PM

There is a really nice copper face hammer by Thor that lots of LBC owners like.
 Just might have a couple of LBC's around here even a motorbike or 2.
One old 2# lead hammer popped up in the sheet metal shop, it will be melted next time.