Lead Melting And Moisture

[soopd]

I have a small hot pot 2" for melting lead. A friend used it and when he was done he sprayed it with a water hose to cool it down. There was still lead in the small pot and it got wet as well.

I am new to this and I know moisture and pouring lead don't go together. How long should I wait until the moisture problem is gone? Is it going to be safe to use this pot again?

[Siebert Outdoors]

Water and lead is dangerous. Melted lead will/can explode if water is introduced.

[Skeeterman225]

If the lead is solid, set it outside for a while and let dry off if it is still wet. If your friend sprayed while the lead was still melted, there could be the possibility of a water pocket in the lead. Unlikely, but possible. I would heat the lead back up outside and away from anything that it could cause harm to. After reheating and recooling all water should be gone.

As Siebert said....melted lead and water is a big NO NO. Even a drop of sweat can cause a major problem.

[smalljaw67]

I once had a single bead of sweat fall into the lead pot and thank God I had safety glasses on because it did explode and yes, it was a single bead of sweat. I would also tell you to never lend you friend anything again and I do mean anything, it takes a real rocket scientist to not only spray water on molten lead but on an electical device as well, that takes a real genius. If you have an outside outlet you I would advise you to use it and melt the lead outdoors and stay a good distance away, once it is melted leave it sit about 10 minutes and then unplug and wait until it cools it self, that way takes a long time but it is the only way to be sure the moisture is gone. I hope this isn't the case but you may end up having to get a new pot of at least a new element as there is a possibility the water may have damaged it, you aren't going to know until you plug it in but do so outside, because it there is a water pocket in the lead you don't want it inside when that lead melts, trust me, I saw what a bead of sweat can do, I could only imagine what a teaspoon of water would do. BE CAREFUL!!

[Jig Man]

If it is relatively dried out, you should be able to plug it in and heat it up. The moisture should evaoprate. Next time don't loan stuff to that guy.

[soopd]

I heated it up outside and so far nothing has exploded. However, it is not gettIng hot enough to melt what was left in the small pot. It melts some of the lead but it is hard as a rock in the center. I guess it will need replaced.

Thanks for all the replies

[Siebert Outdoors]

It probably cracked the element when he put water on it. Those elements are fragile especially when rapidly cooled.

[cadman]

Everyone here gave you excellent advice. Best of all don't loan your expensive stuff to people. No-one takes care of it as good as you do.

One thing you can also try. Is take a propane torch and aim it in the pot. The heat from the torch will dry out any water and will eveaporate as the lead starts to heat up. Just remember even with this process, always wear safety gear all of the time. Glasses, face shield, gloves. long sleeve shirt, long pants and shoes.

[00 mod]

Back when I raced cars, we were melting down lead to make weights for the race cars. We had gathered the lead from a shooting range and also a tire shop. When we got the lead from the tire shop it was in a 5 gallon bucket, and did not realize the the bottom of the bucket had a little water in it. When some of the lead from that batch was introduced it exploded and shot all over us and the garage door. We Stopped using that lead immediately and thank goodness we had safety glasses on. It really explodes. I will get a picture in the next couple days to show you how much it explodes!

Jeff