Hobbies And Interests
Casting Bullets
Lead bullets require the most precision when casting. It is imperative to the gun's accuracy for the weights of the bullets to be as uniform as possible. Bullet molds are made of two hinged pieces of cast iron with wood handles for use. Use a lead ladle to transfer the lead from the kettle to the mold. Allow the mold to cool before opening the hinges and removing the bullet or bullets. Weigh each bullet and return any not of the proper weight to the melting pot.
Casting Fishing Lures
Molds for fishing lures are also made of hinged cast iron with wooden handles. They differ in that jig molds have spaces for the insertion of a fish hook. The molten lead is then poured into a cavity to create the weighted head of the jig. Sinkers are cast after a swivel is placed in the cavity and molten lead is poured around it. The weights of fishing lures do not need to be as precise as the weights of bullets.
Casting Toys
Traditionally toy soldiers, and some other toys, were cast from lead. Due to concerns with lead poisoning in children, this is generally no longer done. Other metals, usually containing little or no lead, can be substituted. Some of these metals do have a higher melting point and will require more heat to achieve a molten state. Other techniques of casting, pouring the material into the mold and allowing it to cool, would remain the same.