Weights Get Lost in the Mail... but there's an upside

[gpraceman]

Some time back I read about someone bolting two 2x4's together, drilling a set of 3/8" holes down the middle. Pour in the lead, let cool and then unbolt to remove the slugs.

[rpcarpe]

Thanks Randy!
I think I'll try that. Gotta be easier than drill holes and then splitting apart the wood to get the slugs... trashes the wood.

I'd lose interest in lead, but it's cheap, it recycles and many parents don't see the benefit of 'investing' $20 in tungsten for x years of use.

RP

[goldrush]

I can't remember where I found the picture of it, but it does work pretty well with the 2 angle irons bolted together, and drill a series of holes in the split.

I did find it works best when warmed (unfortunately my shop was -20C when I was doing it) to fill the cavities completely. And there was a lot of slag on top. I then tore the slugs apart, and made a shear to hold the slug, and cut off the jagged top.

I drilled the holes in the angle irons to 23/64" I think, so a normal 3/8" brad point bit could be used for drilling across the body, and the slugs could be slid in and wood filler covering the ends.

I will be out there later today, I will take some pics and try to figure out how to post them.

[rpcarpe]

I tried a basic set-up last night, no angle iron involved. Just bolted together two pieces, drilled 3/8 holes. Worked pretty well. Will make another mold tonight. The large 7lb bars don't produce much, if any, slag. Previous slag skimmed off from recycled tire weights. 3/8 size slugs fit fine in 25/64 drilled weight pockets.