Replies

1. 
   johneleeatlanta | Dec 28, 2011 05:52pm | #1

   source of lead weight

   Some stores that sell guns also sell lead shot of various sizes

2. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 28, 2011 06:03pm | #2

   lead shot

   You might try checking shotgun ranges in your area. Some make an effort to reclaim shot from the fall zones of the various stations for use by reloaders. Or, if they have a maintenance day when the range is closed to shooting, they might let you reclaim some yourself.

   Otherwise, a reloading supply, like Midway USA, is a possible source - about $43 for 25 pounds.

   http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2376134688/lawrence-magnum-lead-shot-8

3. 
   wdwerker | Dec 28, 2011 08:28pm | #3

   lead alternative

   I had to add some weight to the back of a pair of nightstands I built to keep the open drawer from tipping a shallow table. I used 1/2 dia steel rods from the home center .  A 2 1/2" long peice was 2 ounces. A 36 inch rod was about $7    I ended up using 18 pieces per table to make sure the open drawer with contents did not tip the table.  The tables were built for a specfic height width and depth of available space. Easy to install, I just drilled a hole with a dowel jig and cut the steel rod with a sawzall.

4. 
   Saville | Dec 29, 2011 09:58am | #4

   tire balancing lead?

   The classic answer is to get used tire balancing inserts which are made form lead. How one does that has always been a mystery to me.

1. 
   wdwerker | Dec 29, 2011 12:35pm | #5

   used tire weights?

   I would go to a tire store and ask for weights which are too damaged to be reused.  Then you have to either melt them and deal with the fumes or pound them into a shape to fit your project.

1. 
   user-64052 | Dec 29, 2011 02:14pm | #6

   lead is not the best

   thing to be lying around the house. I think that it has been banned from household items and paint material for health reasons, has it not.

   ron

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 30, 2011 11:24am | #8

   True, there are potential health concerns (real or perceived) with lead. As such, gold might be a safer alternative.  ;-)

1. 
   user-64052 | Dec 30, 2011 01:53pm | #9

   go for it

   the gold!

   ron

5. 
   Quickstep | Dec 29, 2011 08:46pm | #7

   I'd avoid using lead because of the perceived health hazard. How about bb's cast in epoxy?

6. 
   swenson | Dec 31, 2011 01:09am | #10

   I got a couple of bags of lead shot, the kind reloaders use for reloading shot shells, at a sporting goods store just because I got tired of opening up a perfectly good shotgun shell when I needed some shot for weight.  They were so  handy for holding things down and putting pressure on certain kinds of glue ups that the next time I needed some shot I didn't want to open up one of the bags I was using for weight.  So I got a third bag just for the lead and kept the first two for handy weights.

   Sand is cheap and kinda heavy, would that work?  I have a lathe bench with a hollow cross beam that I filled with sand and you can't lift the thing up off the floor.  It kills vibration.

   You can find lead at outdoor pistol ranges by digging in the berms.  Indoor ranges recycle lead and brass though, and get paid for it.

7. 
   Saville | Dec 31, 2011 10:08am | #11

   sinkers and split shot

   Depending upon how much lead you need, you can buy lead pyramid sinkers which run pretty large and/or split shot (fishing gear).  Then you melt them down.

   Melting lead is really very safe and simple. I have a 160,000 BTU  (overkill) propane burner (which I use for steam bending). When I need to cast lead for things lik chip log chips,  I fire that burner up outside, put the lead in a coffee can or small can with a spout bent in it, and melt the lead. Pick up the can with pliers and pour it into the mold. Doing it outside solves the lead fumes issue.