Wheel weights

cubby102 · #1 02-08-2014, 11:01 PM

Has anybody made their own wheel weights? I was thinking of somehow making a 1 sided mold of my ih weights but making them with lead as I have around 300 lbs of it total just kind of laying around between old wheel balance weights and old underground piping. Just curious if anyone has any ideas on how t o make a mold or materials to make it out of. I was thinking of using plaster but dont know how it would react to the heat of molten lead

Thanks in advance for any and all ideas. Im not trying to make em to sale so they dont need to be perfect but would like a close enough look when painted

Shrewcub · #2 02-08-2014, 11:07 PM

I DON'T speak from experience, but don't see why it wouldn't work. Make sure your plaster is good and dry!!

1811woody · #3 02-08-2014, 11:24 PM

In the foundry they would make a sand mold just like they showed us in high school. I bet they have a video on youtube. Let us know how it turns out when you get it all figured out.

cubby102 · #4 02-09-2014, 12:08 AM

I will definatly let yall know I just need a figure out a way to make a good reusable mold that wont explode on contact. I think it should work out pretty well and be heavier then the originals

Jeff in Pa · #5 02-09-2014, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby102

I will definatly let yall know I just need a figure out a way to make a good reusable mold that wont explode on contact. I think it should work out pretty well and be heavier then the originals

If you do a sand mold, reusing it doesn't matter.

~~~~~~~~~~

When I purchased my pontoon boat which is set up for trolling, the older gentleman included a down rigger mold for trolling. He was extremely adamant in making sure I knew it was important to melt lead outside and always stay up wind of the melting pot.

Lead fumes can mess you up bad.

Sam Mac · #6 02-09-2014, 08:29 AM

If your playing with lead be careful of the fumes, very bad stuff.

ACecil · #7 02-09-2014, 10:37 AM

Sounds like a plan! Please keep us updated.

riesedesperado6170 · #8 02-09-2014, 04:03 PM

I just put some metal tubes for the bolts to go though and weld washer in the middle of them so once you pour them the washer don't let the tubes move. I have a set a guy made but the tubes loosened up and move can make it a pain taking on and off.

cubby102 · #9 02-09-2014, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the concern Sam I'evade stinkers with my dad for the better part of my life I always melt outside. Gonna flux it two or three times to try and clean it up. Im thinking about doing a lost wax to part setup

DoubleO7 · #10 02-16-2014, 08:42 PM

You can also use rtv silicone for the mold.
To keep cost down, use an inch or two of rtv between the weight and a box of sand.
I would see how a bed of very dry sand would work as support under the rtv.
Once the lead has cooled, you peel the silicone off and use it again.
You should be able to re-use the silicone several times.