Scuppers, Keels and Pouring Lead

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The last of the lead; I think. About 1200 pounds, a surprising amount went into the leading and trailing ends of the keels. On the leading edge it will do an excellent job of reinforcing the keel against collision damage. There is already a 2 inch solid round bar with a 1/2 inch by 5 inch wide flat bar behind that; but with the lead behind it as well, I don’t see that as a weak spot. Pouring lead is always an amazing thing to watch. I’m glad the new crew got to have the opportunity. Many thanks to George, Andy, Zach, Terry, Jack, Hugh and Bart for their work this past weekend. Good friends, good work, good food, and relaxing cool evenings beside a fire of old cribbing and pallets.

Betsy has been patching and prepping the dragons and this coming weekend is more dragon work. The weather is forecast to be warm and sunny. And we are looking forward to it. The solar tank is holding water and Betsy already has her inflatable chair out by the tub, just waiting for some sunny skies.

So if you can, I highly recommend getting out to your shop, shed, yard, or basement and build that thing you always wanted to build. Especially if it involves molten lead, making new friends, and ending the day with sore muscles in a warm tub of water, or beside a fire under the stars. –Doug

WARNING: Lead is extremely be hazardous to your heath. Most people don’t know how or why, but somebody important who had worked for the EPA, told them that was the case and assured them it had destroyed their uncle’s brain, turned his blood yellow and cause him to eat babies. Just looking at molten lead without a full class one hazmat suite will cause you brain damage. Consider yourself warned. It is now your duty to spread the fear to every neurotic recess of the internet.

Rational Precautions for Working with Lead
— It most dangerous to the developing brain, so women who may become pregnant and children are the most susceptible.
— Transfer is commonly through dust ingestion. So have no food or drink. And avoid cutting or grinding or other activity that will create dust.
— Do not smoke as it will vaporize any dust and lead vapor will easy be absorbed in the lungs.
— Keep the molten lead below 900F/482C. It melts just over 600F/315C so just turn off the heat once the last ingot is melted.
— Control the contaminated area so it does not spread to food, water or others.
— When done, remove your work cloths and bag them.
— Take a shower before you do anything else in the house.
— Wash your work cloths with no other items.

More About Lead: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/lead/gl_lead_4.php