Thread: Lead Wedges

Indeed, most anything can and has been used for making wedges. The 'beauty' of using lead was, and still is, the stuff can be used to make a wedge, hanging out as pinned up, clipped off, scraped and tapped in, and filed, sanded close and even because it is a softer material than the scales. Especially nice for those ornate shaped ends!

Originally Posted by MattCB

Sorry about that

No problem
Saw it comin

Originally Posted by Neckbone

I worked repairing industrial batteries (3,000 lb sizes) for several years. Terminals were drilled, torched, filed, hammered and my annual blood tests came out fine.
Both eyes don't seem to line up quite right, but I'm getting along well. LOL

I imagine that it's safe to assume that your work site had safety procedures in place, as well as the required safety equipment?

Dzanda.... The lead police! Truly, it is a dangerous substance and I am aware you know all about it medically.
I, for one, appreciate your concerns.
So, get a look on like Harrywally's avatar, don some disposable gloves, work over plastic sheeting, toss the filters from the respirator and the gloves onto the sheet. Tie it up into a plastic bag. Give it to Dexter. He will dispose of it! Then, a 45 minute shower. Wait! The lead is now everywhere! What do you guys know about lead? I think it is made by smelting. IS there a substitute which is being used in fishing weights? I feel that there is not a substitute for bullets or shot which would be remotely cost-effective . Steel shot sure sucks!
Finally, my daughter is going on a Mission trip to Leadville Colorado this summer. Wonder what used to be THERE?

[QUOTE=sharptonn;1353782]Dzanda.... The lead police! Truly, it is a dangerous substance and I am aware you know all about it medically.

Wait! The lead i I feel that there is not a substitute for bullets or shot which would be remotely cost-effective . Steel shot sure sucks!

Than you have Bismuth shot,spendy but great stuff.

What have you done with my quote, Pixel? YEAH! could not think of that! Bismuth! Could a wedge be made of that? Is IT safe? Certainly there are levels of lead naturally occurring or is it all man made? I have no idea how many lead shot I have spit out as eating doves, squirrels, and quails, etc in my life! It was cooked in the food and no telling how many split-shot I have clamped with my teeth! Busted lots of tires as young and pried, hammered, and cut lots of lead weights.
I feel dizzy. Must lay down now!

Well Fellas
I threw caution to the wind, hammered out a new wedge from a tire weight and then realized the reason the original wedge was kinda small was because the scales were a little small for the big blade. Back to square one, re-used the old wedge which fit better than first thought as the pins were not tight enough. Voila!
Here she is,
Still needs a bit more polish and hone out the chips but this is basically how it'll stay with me,
Mike

Originally Posted by sharptonn

What have you done with my quote, Pixel? YEAH! could not think of that! Bismuth! Could a wedge be made of that? Is IT safe? Certainly there are levels of lead naturally occurring or is it all man made? I have no idea how many lead shot I have spit out as eating doves, squirrels, and quails, etc in my life! It was cooked in the food and no telling how many split-shot I have clamped with my teeth! Busted lots of tires as young and pried, hammered, and cut lots of lead weights.
I feel dizzy. Must lay down now!

Sure you can make a wedge out of Bismuth,or for that matter cerrobend (melts in hot water, 160degs)
Than again Bismuth can effect Erictile tissues,dangerous world we live in
As a side note, a 6 pack of Heinkens beer contains more cancer causing nitrates than a lb of bacon,but you knew that

Originally Posted by sharptonn

IS there a substitute which is being used in fishing weights? I feel that there is not a substitute for bullets or shot which would be remotely cost-effective . Steel shot sure sucks!

For Fishing Zinc is used for shot. In Britain, lead shot and weights have been banned for years now and if the fishing police catch you using it they fine you pretty heavily. Im pretty sure though that allot of people do still make their own weights from lead.

I don't know about shot for guns though

Everything these days is toxic. I try to minimize my exposure, as I am sure all members here do. I depends on the project and how bad you want it. How far will each of us walk into harms way? Common sense is not so common these days but previous posters have all shown different ways to minimize the risk in the form they choose. Simple answer . Pick a method ,get good at it, only use it when you have to, use it just enough to stay competent with it.