How to melt lead for ballast/winter traction

[Gifford]

I want to build a receiver hitch mounted weight like the one idea mentioned here previously, but I want to use a steel pipe and fill it with lead. How does one safely melt large pieces/quantitys of lead flashing? (I have access to lots of free lead as my HVAC contractor gives me all his scraps) What I want to do is to melt the sheet lead (4lb) and pour it into the steel pipe.

 

[BRobertson]

When we have a large batch of scrap lead to melt for casting bullets, we have always rented a plumbers furnace. Check with tool rental shops.

Bob

 

[WadePatton]

I'd try one of those outdoor fish/turkey fryer deals. Be careful of the fumes and use common sense.



I have melted smallish quantities on the kitchen range.

 

[Idaho CTD]

Do it outside on a camping stove with a junker frying pan. That's what we did to make decoy weights.

 

[illflem]

I've melted it a cast iron pot with a blower on a coal fire. Charcoal would also work but will burn up faster. Be careful, lead fumes will make you permanently stupid. Always do it outside, wear a respirator approved for lead or work with at fan at your back at all times.



I had a fertilizer spreader truck that was too light in the front. Filled a 4"x 7' pipe with melted lead for a front bumper, it ended up weighing 600 lbs. This was fine for me with a fork lft, but may not be for you, don't get carried away.

 

[jrobinson2]

My father in law uses a propane weed burner to melt lead for wire rope sockets.



Jared