wow scott that is shockingMy 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.
thankyou very much Scott as this is a revilation to me and everyone else
thanx