Name that Alloy?

Bob. · 11-03-2009, 05:56 PM

A friend gave me some lead, lino and 4 big ingots of unknown alloy.
Way to light for lead and very hard, it's real porous and makes a clanging sound like iron when handled together?
It was marked with a red marker on top "Die Cast"
I thought the mould markings might mean something to somebody?

Bob.

jbunny · 11-03-2009, 06:35 PM

i believe if u do a google of die cast it will say ZINC.
cheers
jb

Ricochet · 11-03-2009, 06:54 PM

I'd bet it's Zamak 3.

Bob. · 11-03-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricochet

I'd bet it's Zamak 3.

Thanks for the reply's guys,,

I hate to say it but you guys may be right?

It has an aluminum look to it.

Bob.

docone31 · 11-03-2009, 07:08 PM

I use an high zinc content in casting for paper patched loads.
Don't despair.

jbunny · 11-03-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docone31

I use an high zinc content in casting for paper patched loads.
Don't despair.

how do u get the zink to mix with pure lead??????
thanks
jb

docone31 · 11-03-2009, 07:41 PM

I cut it.
I start with a batch, then remove 3/4ths. This I make into ingots. I then add lead. I go with 3/4 roof lead, 1/4 wheel weight. Those I ingot.
I do this untill I get a batch that looks right.
I started doing this because I melted some mystery metal and had to do something as lead is getting hard to come by.
It worked!
No plugged nozzles, I use a bottom pour pot, good fillout, and reasonable weight. My load data is based on the mold specs, rather than actual weight.
Zinc blends easily with lead. The 2% ratio is the Lyman STABLE ratio. Once the heat is good, it blends in well.
If I hadn't done the mystery metal by accident, I never would have tried.
I have a paper on zinc castings. It is not unheard of.
Zinc does make a reasonable casting material when lead is not there.
No expansion however, or at least not much.

jbunny · 11-03-2009, 08:03 PM

i don't doubt you. i have the straight zinc casting down to a science. i would like
to alloy so it's not so hard and make the boolits a little heavyier. i just cannot get it to mix. have u tried adding ww to straight zinc. i can't remember where i read
that molten zinc is corosive and should not be used in there melting pots. have u been doing this long???
regards
jb
OBTW u got me looking for a paper cutter and cigarette roller.

11-03-2009, 05:56 PM	#1
Bob. Boolit Man Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 89	Name that Alloy? A friend gave me some lead, lino and 4 big ingots of unknown alloy. Way to light for lead and very hard, it's real porous and makes a clanging sound like iron when handled together? It was marked with a red marker on top "Die Cast" I thought the mould markings might mean something to somebody? Bob.

11-03-2009, 06:54 PM	#3
Ricochet Boolit Master Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bristol, Tennessee, USA Posts: 5,361	I'd bet it's Zamak 3. __________________ "A cheerful heart is good medicine."

11-03-2009, 06:35 PM	#2
jbunny Boolit Master Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: central bc, canada Posts: 336	i believe if u do a google of die cast it will say ZINC. cheers jb

11-03-2009, 07:08 PM	#5
docone31 Boolit Master Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,860	I use an high zinc content in casting for paper patched loads. Don't despair.

11-03-2009, 07:41 PM	#7
docone31 Boolit Master Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,860	I cut it. I start with a batch, then remove 3/4ths. This I make into ingots. I then add lead. I go with 3/4 roof lead, 1/4 wheel weight. Those I ingot. I do this untill I get a batch that looks right. I started doing this because I melted some mystery metal and had to do something as lead is getting hard to come by. It worked! No plugged nozzles, I use a bottom pour pot, good fillout, and reasonable weight. My load data is based on the mold specs, rather than actual weight. Zinc blends easily with lead. The 2% ratio is the Lyman STABLE ratio. Once the heat is good, it blends in well. If I hadn't done the mystery metal by accident, I never would have tried. I have a paper on zinc castings. It is not unheard of. Zinc does make a reasonable casting material when lead is not there. No expansion however, or at least not much.

11-03-2009, 08:03 PM	#8
jbunny Boolit Master Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: central bc, canada Posts: 336	i don't doubt you. i have the straight zinc casting down to a science. i would like to alloy so it's not so hard and make the boolits a little heavyier. i just cannot get it to mix. have u tried adding ww to straight zinc. i can't remember where i read that molten zinc is corosive and should not be used in there melting pots. have u been doing this long??? regards jb OBTW u got me looking for a paper cutter and cigarette roller.