Lead melts around 620 degrees. Powdercoating doesn't need to get that hot. I don't mean anything personal against you, Sinner, but I'm getting a little frustrated at the people who post speculation or hearsay on the HAMB. Speculation and hearsay are commonplace on other boards, while the first-hand experience of HAMBers is one of the things that makes this place special. End of my rant. School is not a verb. Sorry. --Matt
Thanks Matt, thats why I asked. I wanted to know for sure, cause I can give a pretty dam good hearsay on my own.. thanks again, dan
Depending on the powder manufacturer, curing, or bake time in generally 375-400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. As Duce Rails has said, the melting point for lead is about 620 degrees (which is correct). The key to a good powder coat is the prep. Make sure they clean your part of any oils, dirt, rust, mill scale, etc, AND they do a proper pre-treatment, usually a phosphate conversion coat.
The melting temperature of "Lead" can vary depending on what it was alloyed with,if anything. Different types of Powder coat require different temperatures, the highest temperature I've come across is 450F. There are metalized body fillers available that will stand up to this temperature.
OK, based on actual experience, I used JB weld as filler before powder coating. It was recommended by the powder coater and it all turned out fine. Mike
True. But even if it's half tin (or whatever) it can survive 450 degrees F. To take this back to reality, what are you trying to powder coat, Dan?
\ We have tried lots of methods at the shop. Lead, special fillers.......etc. None have worked out. You ALWAYS see where the work was done afterwards. I did talk to a powdercoating place in Calificornia. They use ALVIN PRODUCTS LAB METAL. They swore by it. I have some and havent tried yet but will soon. Eastwood sells the stuff if you cant find it local.
When we did use lead, the stuff "outg***ed" that is, is created pinholes in the powder from what I ***ume is a reaction to near melting point heat levels.
According to Terry Cowan's book, some body lead melts at a much lower temp than others. Better make darn sure the powder coating place you use can tell you exactly what temp they stoke their ovens to, and what the estimated temp of the metal becomes.
I don't see why not. as long as you can sent an electrical feild through it it should work. I don't see any problems with it melting because power coating is ussually done at 400 degrees for 15-20min. I would say go for it. Hell every thing I could fit in the oven off of my engine got coated and it looks great.
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