just fyi i called a recycling place today and i can get 500# of cast iron for 25 bucks and 500# of lead for about 50 bucks. he has it in various weights and shapes. so i thought id pass it along if any of you were seeking some cheap weight. laters
alanp
(colorider)Join Date: Jun 2001
12-19-2003, 1:41 PM
Thanks for the tip, however I would really steer clear of cast iron because of the fact it rusts so easy. It will rust even if exposed to semi humid air and the rust will be very dirty on your hands or on the carpet and boat interior The lead is a great bargain!!!!
valid point on the iron and i think i am going to go the lead route but i think with a couple coats of paint iron can work. in fact ive used painted cast iron before and didnt have much of a problem but i was careful there werent any exposed areas on the metal.
alanp
(dcervenka)Join Date: Sep 2002
12-20-2003, 12:42 AM
Find a rural farm and tractor junkyard and buy the tractor weights, also known a suitcase weights that they hang on the front of tractors. Usually run 75-125 lbs each and have a handle built in. I took mine to Rhino Linings so the wouldn't rust or scratch the gelcoat.
I know a guy who went to a tire store and got buckets of those lead weights that are used to balance tires. He melted them down and put them in brick size forms with thin wire handle. They weigh 25 lbs each and are easily stackable. They just wrapped the things in duct tape
I bought some lead shot at a gun shop, melted it down and poured it into cake pans. when they solidified, I took them out, and use Rubberize-it to coat them with a nice soft, boat matching blue rubber coating. each brick weighs in at 45 lbs.
ie - How much do the tractor weights cost? How much does a gun shop charge you for lead shot? How much does the rubberizing compound cost?
Is this something that anyone can do? Even the melting down of the lead? Do you use your home oven or do you have some sort of ceramics oven in your garage? Thanks.
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