From Epoxy to Paint

After moving the lead pigs around from place to place, and my hands getting grungy every time I touch them, I decided to coat them with something. I think this will help to keep the bilge cleaner too. I'm not sure what happens when lead comes in contact with water, but now I won't have to find out.

I took a wire brush and cleaned the lead pigs, then gave them four coats of Plasti Dip. It comes in two forms. You can dip or spray. I think it would be difficult to "dip" 30 pounds of lead, so I chose the spray.

Covering pretty wood with paint just seemed wrong today. But, I know the cabin has to be painted. This will make it lighter and seem bigger. I'm using Glidden Porch & Floor Polyurethane Oil Gloss paint in an off-white color. I've used this before and it holds up well. Besides, I had a half gallon left from the last boat.

The plumbing at the water tanks has been designed, and hopefully this weekend, will be installed. We don't have a pump yet, but that will sit behind bulkhead #4. I can go ahead and get everything done at the water tanks now. Be looking for that post next week.

Pig Pens

Have you priced silicon bronze bolts lately? Jamestown Distributors had a hand-held radio on sale this past weekend. I decided to buy it, and since I need silicon bronze bolts for the risers of the "pig pens", I thought I would get them from Jamestown Distributors also. WOW, they are very proud of them. Dale told me to look at the McMaster website, they have hardware. Sure enough, they are cheaper from McMaster.

These pigs are 2"x3"x12" and 30 pounds each.

The paradox plans call for 400 pounds of ballast. I don't know if we will need that much, but I have built space for that much. We can always take some out if we decide that we need less.

In order to use a short and cheaper bolt, I needed to raise the height of the chine log. So I did. Now I can use the same bolt for the covers of all the "pens". The foam that I am using is cut from a camping pad. Less than $6 and I can cut it easily and any shape.

Today, I will put another coat of epoxy on the added risers and the ply that covers the insulation. I am putting at least 2 coats on everything, and 3 or 4 on surfaces that will get wet.

Pouring the Lead Pigs

This morning, the wind was calm, so I decided to pour some of the lead pigs. I made the forms out of 1/2 inch ply for the sides and bottom and 3/4 inch solid lumber for the ends. I made two 8 inch long (20 pound pig) and two that are 12 inch long (30 pound pig).

I took the lead ingots that were made from wheel weights, placed them in my 10 inch Dutch oven and started heating them up. In order to hold the pot with both hands, I clamped vice grip pliers on the back rim. This is necessary, because the pot wants to tilt uncontrollably with 20 or 30 pounds of liquid sloshing around.

The first pouring in each of the forms, was very bubbly. I assume the moisture in the wood caused this. The second pouring was not as bubbly and the pigs came out looking cleaner. The forms are not holding up very well. They are very dry and cracked... okay, charred would be a better word. I hope they hold up for 2 more pouring. But, it's doubtful.

After the pigs cooled off, I took a file and cleaned up the edges. I now have 4- 20 pound pigs and 4- 30 pound pigs. Not bad for my first try at making lead pigs.

Lead Quest: Day Two

I sat down at the computer and opened the Google page. Maybe I am not searching the correct words, because all I am finding is expensive lead. Let's see... what about "lead ingots"... jackpot! I discovered the world of the reloader. After surfing for about 30 minutes, I found IT! The most beautiful shiny metal I've ever seen. At that moment I felt a little like Gollum, "We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious". I quickly shot off an email asking if it was still available. A "yes" reply came within five minutes, giving a phone number to call. I called and talked to Rick. And the lead is MINE. All I have to do is go get it. Okay, I have to drive an hour and a half to get it, but it's worth it. Even figuring in the cost of gas, it's still a bargain.

When Dale got home from work, we climbed in the Jeep and took off. Upon arrival, we find Rick weighing the lead, to make sure of the total pounds. About half of the wheel weights have already been melted into ingots. The other half, that will be my job.

I will still need more weight, but this is a good start. I can continue work on the rudder, and I can build the supports for the ballast pigs. Meanwhile, I will keep my eye out for more lead.

Lead Quest: Day One

I couldn't put it off any longer... I need lead. The forms for the lead pigs have been built. I decided to make 20# and 30# pigs, with a total weight of 400 pounds.

There has been a lot of talk on the forums that I read about where lead can be found. Used wheel weights. That sounds like an easy thing to find, so I jump in my Jeep and head out. My first stop was at a chain tire store. They send their used weights back to the company they buy them from... no lead for me there. I decide to just drive down the road and check with every store I see with tires laying around, they must have used lead weights. I stop at the next store, I am told they re-use their weights. Okay, so I drive down a little farther. The phone number is painted on the side of the next tire store I come across, so I decide to just call. It was a little hard to understand him, as I don't speak Spanish, but I think he said he does sell the used wheel weights, but he doesn't have any. Maybe in two weeks. By this time, I'm getting a little discouraged. As I drive on down that road the next two do not sell their lead weights.

Now, I'm real discouraged and about that time I drive past a recycle center. They buy scrap metal, maybe I can get some there. Parked outside the fence, I dial the number painted on the fence. It rings... I can hear it on the loud speaker in the yard... kinda' eerie. I am told they do not sell to the public. Where to look now? I remember seeing wrecked and rotting boats in this yard near a marina I used to frequent. Maybe I can find an old keel? So, off I go.

The place with the boat parts has since been cleaned and I was out of luck there. But, across the street, is the Boaters' Resale Shop of Texas. That place is like a magnet, of course I had to go in! It is a wonderful place. You can look for hours and not see everything. I came across a swing out electronics bracket, which we need, and now have, and at a good price. The drive was not a total loss. But, I still need LEAD

On my way home, I decided to call Lead Products Company and find out how much they get for their lead bars. $1.93 per pound. After quickly doing the math in my head, I realized I HAVE to find scrap lead. But, another day. I would go home and regroup.