Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Lead balls

Started by Deano 1, Aug 10 2011 07:21 PM

Please log in to reply

7 replies to this topic

#1 Deano 1

Pyro Forum Regular

UKPS Members
412 posts

Posted 10 August 2011 - 07:21 PM

I,ve been making these for catapult enthusiast for a while now and recently put them on ebay, then it occured to me why I originally bought the mould, for my own ball mill, which I still use. I thought I'd put the link up just in case anyone is having trouble getting them for their mill, I also cast a 22mm ball, I use a mixture of both in my mill with great results. If anyone's interestd in the 22mm balls PM me and I'll have to work something out as I haven't sold any of them before.

http://www.ebay.co.u...8&_qi=RTM742988

Our saviours : In the ninth century, a team of Chinese alchemists trying to synthesize an "elixir of immortality" from saltpeter, sulfur, realgar, and dried honey instead invented gunpowder.

Back to top

#2 megabusa

Pyro Forum Regular

General Public Members
280 posts

Posted 10 August 2011 - 09:53 PM

This is what I use. 20mm balls I cast using a fishing weight mould.

I have noticed lately that my balls are shrinking !!!!!

I have confirmed this by weighing before & after milling, which means my comps have a percentage of lead in them.

Have you noticed this ?

Phil.

Back to top

#3 dan100

Member

General Public Members
84 posts

Posted 11 August 2011 - 07:33 AM

ball mill media should ideally use lead hardened with antimony to reduce deformation, shrinkage and contamination,
from what i understand lead contamination in bp shouldn't hinder performance too much.

dan.

Back to top

#4 megabusa

Pyro Forum Regular

General Public Members
280 posts

Posted 11 August 2011 - 12:46 PM

I've not noticed any performance issues, but then I haven't used anything else.

I can't remember what it was now, but I made a 300g batch of star comp & when it had come out of the mill it was about 16g heavier than when it went in, so that's around 5% contamination !!! I think this was a batch I left running longer than I intended.

For BP I run a 500g batch for 6 hours & it's fast enough.

Back to top

#5 Deano 1

Pyro Forum Regular

UKPS Members
412 posts

Posted 12 August 2011 - 08:42 PM

I've found that offcuts from new roofing lead is already hardened with something and it also needs more heat to melt it. I've just bought 70 kilo of roofing lead for 60 quid, so i've got a few balls to make.

""I have noticed lately that my balls are shrinking !!!!!"" quoted by Megabusa, you need to see a doctor my friend Posted Image

Our saviours : In the ninth century, a team of Chinese alchemists trying to synthesize an "elixir of immortality" from saltpeter, sulfur, realgar, and dried honey instead invented gunpowder.