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How to Melt Lead for Pinewood

Melting lead for your pinewood derby cars can increase their weight and make them roll faster, which is ideal when you're trying to race them against opponents. Molten lead is both extremely hot and toxic, which means you should not undertake the procedure lightly. However, once poured into the car, it will begin cooling and create a solid metal plug. Once weighted properly, your car can have and advantage in the race.

Things You'll Need

Melting pot
Gas mask
Goggles
Lead fishing lures or weight
Metal cooking spoon

Instructions

- 1
  Clear a work surface in a well-ventilated area and put on all safety measures. Working with lead can expose you and others to toxins that can cause birth defects and cancer. Do not work without a mask and goggles. Choose a work surface that will not be damaged by spattering lead.
- 2
  Turn on the melting pot and set it to at least 612 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting point of lead. Place the lead weights or sinkers in the pot and wait for it to heat up. Get the purest lead you can find.
- 3
  Drill a hole into the base of the pinewood derby car while you wait. This is where the lead will go, so choose an area that is out of the way and won't impact the aerodynamics of the car. The center of the vehicle is the ideal location for the weight.
- 4
  Scoop out any impurities from the surface of the lead in the pot. Even pure lead will have these impurities and they will rise to the surface. You can scoop them out with a spoon.
- 5
  Pour the lead weight into the pinewood car. Some melting pot units have a pour spout on the bottom, while others will require you to scoop the lead and pour it by hand into the bottom of the car. Leave the lead to cool.

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