Author Topic: Smoke'n mould (molds). (Read 1101 times)

Pigeonroost Slim · « **on:** March 07, 2003, 04:18:13 AM »

Ain't got nuff'n t' do with rolling papers!

Casting molds (moulds if yer a bit archaic) will usually drop bullets better if they are very clean, free of oil and covered with a dry soot. The soot is where smoke comes in. Black Jack brought this up in another post where he mentioned his technique witrh candle smoke. I have used the smoke of a dry wood splint, a butane lighter, a choked off propane torch and even paper. Most reloading books advise against candles on the premis that the oily smoke may do more harm than good. But if it works, go fer it. Don't always work. Have not tried the commercial release stuff, yet; but have some to try now.

prs

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2003, 12:08:09 PM »

Let us know how well it werks!

I've dun the candle thing once...major disaster! Now I jist use a match or butane lighter. They both seem ta do the job fine.

Goatlips · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2003, 05:48:30 PM »

Tried matches, butane, candles and splints, but am gonna try cheap white spray paint on me mo(u)lds next time. They use it on the steel targets at my cowboy shoots, and my cast boolets have an exceeding aversion to 'em!

Goatlips

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2003, 05:58:07 AM »

Been using the Midway mold release spray for a number of years. A light coat is all that is needed and cleans right out (if you want to do this) with alcohol.

Gatofeo · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2003, 05:19:37 PM »

When I first began casting bullets in 1971, I used a candle stub to smoke moulds.
I got away from the candle stub, but can't remember if I found it objectionable.
I bought a box of 12" long fireplace matches after Christmas for dirt-cheap, and began using them.
The long, wooden stem burns a long time, plenty of time to smoke both halves of the mould.
This is what I use today, with good success.
Moulds are like firearms: each one seems to be an individual with peculiar likes and dislikes.
I have some moulds that cast fine without smoking, and others that absolutely will NOT produce a good bullet unless they're smoked.
I think the gods on high are having a bit of fun at my expense. :roll:
Anyway, smoking a mould benefits some moulds yet doesn't others.
Could it be that ALL bullet moulds are female? That would explain a LOT!

Rifled Slug · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2003, 03:13:54 AM »

I agree about some do and some don't like to be smoked ( molds that is ) :oops: . I use an acetylene torch with the gas tuned down so it makes a lot of smoke .

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2003, 05:18:29 AM »

Really?! I've use several molds - all Lee molds - and they've all worked fine with candle smoke.

Is it possible you fellers got some wax in the mold cavity - not just soot?

Aside from impurities, soot is soot. It's carbon. Once the wax burns, it breaks down cleanly into water and CO2. But when you hold the mold close enough, it doesn't burn completely, leaving soot. But the soot is no longer wax.

Are you guys blowing out the candle and then smoking it?

Pigeonroost Slim · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2003, 02:03:38 AM »

I didna try the candles at all, jest followed directions like a sheep gong t' slaughter! Have to admit, that's a bit out of character fer me.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2003, 06:24:35 AM »

PRS,

Don't interpret my last question as advise. If you try smoking a mold with a candle, keep the candle lit. Smoking a mold with the smoke that comes from a freshly blown out candle could cause problems.

Hold the mold in the tip of the flame, not above it, but IN it. This creates incomplete combustion and soots up the mold really good.