Solder pot for making shot?? HELP

[Keith Parrish]

PLATO SP-101 is the mfg and model.

Posted from work and at the nice place I am employed, the Monkey's had the switch turned so that you could not see the temp HI or LOW. I got the baby home and with a lil adjustment after I removed the plate that covers the bottom to open the guts and a minute with the switch out to figure which way makes contact on the HI side. I through her back together and in less than 20 minutes baboom!! we got nice flowing HOT melted Lead.

Now off to get pointers and tips for what tools I might need. Also If anyone has pointers on how to keep my pot serviced. yes 2 lbs isn't much but If i can get 25 rounds from a full pot then I am happy with a box of shells to go ruin some crows and yotes day. I'm not looking at running a production line just some nice rounds to go and give a try. What is that site "trackthewolf" ?? something to that effect?

[Jeff Mayhew]

Originally Posted by Keith Parrish

What is that site "trackthewolf" ?? something to that effect?

Yup. www.trackofthewolf.com. They cater more to the muzzleloading crowd, but they do have shotgun-gauge "pumpkin ball" molds that are reasonably priced. I just received one of their 10 gauge (0.760" diam) ball molds; will post results after trying it out over the weekend.

For more conventional molds I recommend Midway. Get some spray-on mold release and some lead flux (basically, wax and some additives), and an ingot mold (you can substitute a steel muffin pan if you're careful). You'll also need a steel spoon or similar implement to skim off the dross (junk on top of the melt, particularly after fluxing). And a sturdy ladle for pouring the lead into the mold.

You can buy a top-melter with 10 times the capacity of your 2 lb unit for $52 plus shipping from Midway. If you're going to use wheel weights or other scavenged lead, a top-melter (rather than a bottom pour unit) is the way to go; the crud will clog the spot on a unit that dispenses from below.

You will want to be able to control the temperature of your lead. A thermometer is nice, but if you know what to look for you can turn the knob up or down until you get the right results. And always get that mold hot!