Model Boat Mayhem

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length.
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Lead Ballast  (Read 3143 times)

DavidHale

  • Guest
Lead Ballast
« on: May 03, 2007, 08:49:55 am »
Just out of curiosity I'd like some opinions.

I have a friend who is a regular 'skip diver' and collects metals for re-cycling, typically half a ton every couple of months ( :o).  He gets a fair amount of lead flashing and other lead items, which I think would be ideal for model boat use when melted down and re-moulded.

What I was wondering is how much ballast do you use on average?  And would it be worth me setting up some sort of regular supply?  I am thinking along the lines of £5 per kilo including post and packing.  Is this too much?  Too little?  What do you think?
Logged

DickyD

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9,423
  • www.srcmbc.org.uk
  • Location: Southampton UK
    • SRCMBC
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2007, 08:54:58 am »
Melting lead down is not the healthiest of occupations.

Richard ;)
Logged
Richard Solent Radio Controlled Model Boat Club http://www.srcmbc.org.uk

DavidHale

  • Guest
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2007, 08:56:45 am »
Quote from: DickyD on May 03, 2007, 08:54:58 am
Melting lead down is not the healthiest of occupations.

Richard ;)

Sorry, should have said "when melted down and re-moulded using all relevant safety precautions"  ;D
Logged

kninghtsy

  • Shipmate
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 14
  • Model Bioat Mayhem Forum is theBest!
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2007, 08:59:32 am »
Hi David
I use as little lead as possible.  If i need to add lead then I add as many batteries as possible first - more running time.  I try to use lead for trimming only.  And Richard is correct - nor generally handling it.

Regards Trevor
Logged

RickF

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 917
  • Black, white and buff - not grey!
  • Location: Norfolk UK
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2007, 09:20:00 am »
I would agree with all the above.

Batteries should be the primary ballasting agent - at least they perform a useful purpose and can be moved from one model to another.

Melting and moulding lead is best left to the professionals, but flashing can be cut, folded and hammered into shape very easily. I am still using the scrap flashing I inherited when I moved into my present house 28 years ago!

Rick
Logged

DavidHale

  • Guest
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2007, 09:22:10 am »
Okydoky, scrub the moulding bit  ;)

Who would be interested in a supply of hammered and folded lead flashing at about £5 per kilo (2.2lb in old money) including postage?
Logged

Capt Jack

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 219
  • Location: Southampton
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2007, 10:27:03 am »
Bit dear David i think, i bought 10 kilo's in half kilo's blocks for £10 about 2 months ago.
Dont think you would make a living out of it.  Just depends how much people want i guess
Logged

westcoaster

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 185
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2007, 08:07:36 pm »
Royal Mail website quotes £3.85 postage for a 1kg parcel -- but maybe you already know that.
Best wishes
Westcoaster
Logged

DavidHale

  • Guest
Re: Lead Ballast
« Reply #8 on: May 03, 2007, 10:52:11 pm »
Quote from: westcoaster on May 03, 2007, 08:07:36 pm
Royal Mail website quotes £3.85 postage for a 1kg parcel -- but maybe you already know that.
Best wishes
Westcoaster
Yes I know. 

I wasn't doing this for the money, just trying to help out those that can't get hold of small quantities lead without having to buy masses of the stuff.  If I can help out a few folk for the price of a pint then I'd be happy.

Sooooo, anybody want some lead sheet at £5 per kilo inc. postage?
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »
 

Page created in 0.601 seconds with 17 queries.