Shot for weight????
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I have done some of my own weights and have used molds that I baught off of ebay. These were a 4# and 12 #. The twelve pound one is a wrap-around type and with it filled to the top I get a weight that is 14.9#. I will have to play with the amount to pour in to get 12# ones which is what I wanted. What I have been using for lead has been gotten for free from the local tire shops. These were wheel weights that are taken off of tires when tires are rebalanced. Right now I have about three hundred pounds. To clean the lead up I have melted it in a large pot using a tiger torch and had to skim of the garbage that floats on the lead after it is melted. Then I would either pour a mold or make ingots, for these I used a mufin or tart pan I baught at the dollar store. By the time I'm done I should have pleanty of weights for myself and the dive club. So far it has cost me lead molds-$30.00, tank of propane-15.00, muffin pan-2.00, old pot and steel spoon -free, and some gas for the truck to get and haul the wheel weights.
I made my own soft weights about 10yrs ago and they are still working just fine. I used lead shot that was I believe copper plated and approx 3/32"dia. (don't remember what size shot). For bags, we bought some ripstop nylon at the fabric store. My wife sewed them into rectangles with a double row of stitching around the outside with the exception of about 1" at a corner. I turned them inside out, filled them with either 2#, 3#, or 5#, and then handstiched them closed. It only took about an hours work to make up the 25# of weights
I have yet to have one fail and they have been well used. They did exude a milky ooze for the first month or so, but they stabilized and have been fine ever since. I think at the time I figured the cost at about 50cents a pound.
Dennis
I have yet to have one fail and they have been well used. They did exude a milky ooze for the first month or so, but they stabilized and have been fine ever since. I think at the time I figured the cost at about 50cents a pound.
Dennis
JustinW
Contributor
I would think the easiest way to make a mold for pouring would be to take clay, form it as a negative of what you want and let it dry. Pour your lead and then break the mold. I would suggest letting the clay dry because I know in a kiln, if you fire clay that isn't dry, it explodes. So yeah, i don't reccomend exploding molten lead.
phoneman
Registered
How about copper BB's? Just a thought.
kilograms per cubic metre:phoneman:
copper 8930
gold 19320
lead 11340
So, lead is a bit more than 1 1/3 times the density of copper... and with the tiny size of BB's you get a lot less dense of a pack (more surface area per pound, more space between each item).
If you're looking for the ultimate, go for gold... nearly twice the density of lead!
XS Scuba
Contributor
For divers making their own soft weights, we offer Weight Pouches for you to fill yourself. These are tough nylon bags in four sizes; 2 lb, 3 lb, 4 lb & 5 lb. The opening closes with Velcro, then a flap folds over the Velcro opening securing the opening. They do a good job keeping the small lead shot within the bags even in rental use. You can view here http://xsscuba.com/weight_access.html
Also, the lead shot we use in our "filled" shot bag is #5 and is hardened with Antimony.
Also, the lead shot we use in our "filled" shot bag is #5 and is hardened with Antimony.
billtodive
Contributor
I did a search here on SB and learned more about the required cautions and environmental concerns melting/ casting lead; (most of it being contaminated). You may want to do the same.......In the end, I did mine outside with a 20" fan next to the melting pot and molds. Molds for my weight- integrated bc are much as some earlier posts.....small loaf pan makes a 10-lb weight about 1" thick. I made them in 4,6,8 and 10 lb. Cutting them in half gives me 2 lb increments. If you like, you can bend the full size ones to fit the curve of the weight compartments, and won't notice them on the hips at all.......A thin coat of fiberglass should seal them for a few years. Earlier posts expressed the danger of cooling the molten lead with water and having it "explode". Melted wax on the skin would feel quite comfy in comparison.
XS Scuba:
FWIW, I've found that the weights I've made to be more durable than the store bought lead ones that don't have antimony added. I used old tire weights, which have antimony added. They don't dent or deform anywhere near as easily as the pure lead weights. If you're buying some in the store (hard weights, that is), you can hear the difference. Those with antimony "clink" when touched together. The pure lead weights "thud."
Someone else mentioned "BB's," but I don't think that "BB's" are copper, merely copper plated steel, so even lighter, and would probably leave rust stains in your pockets/belt.
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