Lead hammer mold

[WisJim]

Years ago I picked up a mold and steel handle for making a lead hammer, plus an extra handle of a different size and brand. I've never tried using it to make a lead hammer and wonder if anyone has used one of these, how did it work, any hints or suggestions for me before I give it a try. Also I'd like to find another handle to fit my mold and trade my extra one for something. The mold is marked Chas. H. Field, Providence, R.I. The handle that fits is "Cook's Lead Hammer Service" and "130". The spare handle doesn't fit the mold and is marked "Lawrence H. Cook, E. Providence, R.I." The 4th pic with the folding rule is the spare handle.

 

[larry_g]

The above vid from Keith Rucker will help you..

lg
no neat sig line

 

[dutchgray]

You get some bits of lead and a torch, put the handle in and hold the cup part over the torch with the lead in and let it melt, you will need to add more lead as its melts until the cup is full, then gently tip it back so the lead flows into the mold, then you just wait until its cooled enough to get it out.

 

[steaks&anvils]

The Cook Hammer company is still in business. Try contacting them at the phone/email at the bottom of this page.

http://www.cookhammer.com/about.html

Also, maybe you can buy a vintage lead hammer and recast it using it's original handle?

I had not watched the above video before I posted (Sorry to repeat information). I see they say McMaster Carr and Cook's Hammer have handles.

FWIW, I think newer tire weights are zinc not lead.

 

[woody 73]

If you have an original handle you can make a lead hammer; if you want more then one hammer either you start looking on E bay for another handle or take the original handle to a machine shop and see if they can fab one up for you, (although it will be expensive).

You can try a cook handle but you might have to fill in any gaps with some kind of special putty in order to stop any lead from pouring out. By the way their handles ain't cheap ask me how I know...

Pouring lead hammers is fun, nothing beats having just made something like your own hammer. I made 4 of them; wish I had a kiln for melting brass man I would love to pour one of those babies.

 

[leg17]

The lead hammer head will prove to be expendable. No big deal.
Watch for sources of scrap lead to re-pour the head whenever necessary.
One shop I worked in used a piece of pipe for the handle.
It's just a 'basher' anyway.
But hard to 'beat' for getting a dead-******** done.

 

[woody 73]

Special tips:

Pick up a used camp stove that way you can heat the lead on one side and heat the mold on the other side, trust me been there and done that.

Every time you go to a garage sale (not during covid-19) start looking for lead scrap, you would be very surprised at all the lead out there. I found one old timer that was into making civil war items and I bought a ton of scrap from him for cheap.

Tire shops used to be the place to go for lead, but not any more with all the lead free metal but...(always a but) try junk yards they should have some old scrap laying around.

Be sure and pick up a dust mask, goggles and thick heavy welder gloves.

Candle wax and sawdust are your friends a pinch of dust or a bit of candle wax will help you skim out any dross build up.

Lead does not play well the air outside and it turns dark very fast so I use small jars to help it stay clean for a long while.

Hope that helps you out some.

 

[txvwnut]

Dad made one out of an old ratchet and a soup can. We used it for removing the wheel knockoffs from British made cars.

 

[4xdog]

Here's a lead hammer I've had for over 35 years. IIRC, we made these in the machine shop of the research institute where I started my career, casting the hammer over a section of heavy pipe. There may be a cross-piece in the head around which the lead was cast. Too long ago and not exactly my area to be sure of my recollections.

But the bottom line, one doesn't need an "official" handle. This has worked fine for years on all kinds of tasks.