hey guys i was just wondering is it toxic to pour the jigs with lead and where would you get the lead for pouring?

i want to start making my own but if its dangerous i would rather just make skirts and buy pre made jig heads

thanks!

You need to take some precautions, but it is generally safe. I pour all of my jigs, shakey heads, stand-up jigs, etc.

For me it's a great winter time hobby.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

where would you get the lead? and are the fumes toxic from heating the lead?

mbassin,

I pour all year long, and you need good ventilation more than anything along with eye, face, hand and leg protection. Another words do not pour with a short sleeve shirt, shorts and sandals. Lead is extremely hot and if you get burned, well it isn't pretty. Be very careful and pay attention to what you are doing. Do not have any kids, pets or anyone around you to distract you. Finally do not eat, smoke or drink any kind of liquid when pouring. Lead contamination is usually induced via mouth. Other than that it is safe. I'm not trying to scare you but you need to put all of your concentration on what you are doing so nothing tragic happens. If you want to PM me your e-mail, I will send you some tutorials on lead pouring, painting jigs and so on.

As far as getting lead, you can buy it in bulk from Roto- Metals, or you can get it from a plumber, use wheel weights from a tire store, scrap yard, or anyone else that will give it to you free. Be very careful about lead pipes that were used for water or diver weights that have been submerged in water. Water and lead do not mix and will explode if you don't take pre-caution.

Fumes are not toxic. The only thing that becomes toxic is if you boil the lead and you start inhaling the vapors, however the melting pots will not get that high to boil the lead.

I will second what cadman said about safety. Wear protective clothing; be wide awake; do not get distracted.

It's a good hobby but dangerous if you're careless.

The main thing about lead pouring to consider health wise is do not smoke while you are pouring and be sure to wash your hands well before you eat or drink anything.

Be careful where you get your lead from. A lot of wheel weights aren't lead anymore (some states actually outlaw lead wheel weights). Other sources may not be 100% lead and may contain other metals and/or chemicals. If you're using scrap, look for stamps on materials or know what they were used for to give you a better idea. It's getting harder and harder to find free/cheap scrap metal since the prices skyrocketed but it's out there.

I get my lead from Rotometals. You can get a high percentage of pure lead very reasonable.

I get my lead from Rotometals. You can get a high percentage of pure lead very reasonable.

x2

mbassin,

I pour all year long, and you need good ventilation more than anything along with eye, face, hand and leg protection. Another words do not pour with a short sleeve shirt, shorts and sandals. Lead is extremely hot and if you get burned, well it isn't pretty. Be very careful and pay attention to what you are doing. Do not have any kids, pets or anyone around you to distract you. Finally do not eat, smoke or drink any kind of liquid when pouring. Lead contamination is usually induced via mouth. Other than that it is safe. I'm not trying to scare you but you need to put all of your concentration on what you are doing so nothing tragic happens. If you want to PM me your e-mail, I will send you some tutorials on lead pouring, painting jigs and so on.

As far as getting lead, you can buy it in bulk from Roto- Metals, or you can get it from a plumber, use wheel weights from a tire store, scrap yard, or anyone else that will give it to you free. Be very careful about lead pipes that were used for water or diver weights that have been submerged in water. Water and lead do not mix and will explode if you don't take pre-caution.

Fumes are not toxic. The only thing that becomes toxic is if you boil the lead and you start inhaling the vapors, however the melting pots will not get that high to boil the lead.

X2 Cadman is showing his experience

Rodney.

I went to a place that services fork lifts, they also repair batteries and batteries that are scrapped they take the lead out and boil it down and sell it clean. I pick my own pieces and usually throw them a few bucks. I think I pay around a buck a pound