Lead Weight Mould - How?

[lordoftweedhead]

My advice would be to buy the weights already made.

I made lead weights for the dive shops for just over a year. I wore a chemical mask, wore heavy clothes, gloves, worked in a very well ventilated area (outside) the whole lot.

I started getting pains in my sides, headaches, loss of energy pains in my joints and chest . The first blood test I had showed a rise in my blood/ lead level by .6 and im due to have another in 2 months time.

I did everything by the book and Ive still damaged my health.
ITS NOT WORTH YOUR HEALTH!!!!!

Sorry if I sound like im preaching and im sure there will be a few guys that come on and say theyve had no ill effects but its just not worth your health.

wow scott that is shocking , im so very sorry for you and for everyone else that has recieved lead poisoning this way but how amazing it was that you got it but you wore the whole ppe dealio.
thankyou very much Scott as this is a revilation to me and everyone else
thanx

 

[lpojibwa]

In reply to Scottwillson's comment; not to say someone will not acquire lead poisoning handling lead; however, I have been handling lead since 1965 without taking anywhere near the precautions that have been described (i.e. chemical mask, etc.) and I have suffered no ill affects. Someone I knew, never handled lead to anywhere near the the extent that I did (i.e. never melted one ounce) did acquire lead poisoning. So whose to say how it was acquired. Sorry to learn of another persons situation.

 

[Mainsailman]

I am trying to find a decent supply for scrap lead...anyone have any ideas ?

 

[lpojibwa]

I am trying to find a decent supply for scrap lead...anyone have any ideas ?

There are a number of sources. The best are tire shops who balance wheels. The lead content is about 90% and is what most divers go for.
Independant plumbers is another source. If there are old homes in your area that have been renovated lately, there may be some old lead plumbing available.
Roofers also come across lead flashing. These two sources (i.e. plumbers and roofers) provide very high content as do electricians who work on lead sheathing.
Old storage batteries provide about 8 pounds each, but are a lot of work to recover and it can be more dangerous than working with lead (the acid).
Fishing areas are another source if you dive them when there are no fishermen there at the time.
Good Luck

 

[Mainsailman]

Thank you for the valuable info!