Anyone making lead free jigs. I would like to start making my own but I can't use lead up here in ma. From what I gather most people use tin or a tin/bismuth alloy. If anyone has any experience doing this I would like to hear what the process is like

I can tell you that it is expensive for the bismuth. The pouring is easy, and the bismuth is very hard and sharp. Pm sent.

I've been using rotometals' bismuth/tin alloy since MA changed the lead regulations in 2012. Here is a link to this alloy:

 

http://www.rotometals.com/product-p/lowmeltingpoint281alloy1.htm

 

It was a big surprise that I couldn't get the finished jig out of the mold after my first pour. Then I learned that bismuth is one of very few metals found on our planet that expands as it cools. It is essential that you use mold release and you still want to pull the jig from the mold as soon as you can. Belated thanks to Jig Man and tholmes for mentioning this product in a similar post a couple years back:

 

http://www.barlowstackle.com/Casting-Release-Spray--P361C62.aspx

 

This alloy melts at approximately 281º F so I've been sticking with vinyl paint rather than risking a melt down with powder paint and the required heat to apply and cure. This winter I'll be trying CS Air Brush Paint which is an acrylic formulation.

 

 

Also new for the upcoming 2015 molding season will be a Lee Production Pot IV. One final detail for you, Mike, use nippers rather than the sprue cutting tool in the photo - this alloy is hard and brittle rather than malleable like lead.

 

The transition from lead to bismuth/tin is easy (and expensive). Have fun. Be safe.

Thanks for the replies

What kind of equipment would I need to start making these.

Great advice WW.