how does one cast figures in lead?

Question

I wish to know the process for castings in lead. What temperature melts lead? What must a mold be made of? How long before the lead sets in the mold?

Answer 1

Plumbers use lead to seal cast iron drain pipes. They'd use a propane or mapp torch, and a steel ladle to pour around the joint. Lead melts at 622 degrees. If one wanted to cast figurines, mix up some plaster of Paris, and pour some halfway into a 4 inch deep box. Coat your figure with a thin coat of vaselene, K-Y, or some other release agent, and place it lengthwise about halfway into the plaster.
Determine where the lead is going to be poured into the mold halves, usually put a piece of wood doweling [sprue] leading from the figure's base [bottom] out to the edge of the mold. Let it dry completely, leave the figure and dowel in place, then coat them and the exposed face [top] of the mold with more "release agent", so the poured halves can be separated before the casting of the piece. Then carefully fill up the box with some more plaster. let dry a day or 2 before attempting to open the halves. I would not suggest puting it into a kiln to do this, just a dry shelf. After the mold is dry, cut open the box, separate the halves, and remove both the figure and the dowel. When you go to pour the lead, secure the halves together with steel wire, and place the mold so the dowel hole is upright. CAUTION* Do not wear and synthetic clothing while doing the pour. Cotton jeans and t-shirts are recommended protection, and will stop a hot glob of lead, as do leather gloves. Synthetic clothes will melt [burn] into the skin with the lead.
When the mold has cooled to the touch, undo the wire and inspect your work. Cut off the sprue, and file the rough edges so the new piece will stand up. Wash with dish soap to remove release agent, and paint to suit.

Answer 2

Well when I used to make my own sinkers as a teenager, I melted the lead in an iron ladle using a torch. and when the lead was melted poured it in to steel molds. I let it cool for a few hours and opened the mold and dropped the sinkers into water for they were still warm. You can find the melting point of lead on a google search. it was no big deal. the sinkers came out just right all the time. Just thought I would help here I usually on answer numismatic questions. Good luck and have fun. Seems painting then would be more of a problem at least for me.