Besides thinking that I actually got my pure lead to its boiling point today, what would you think of getting pure lead bubbling?

Are there any downsides to getting the lead that hot while just making ingots?

Obviously, I would never cast with it that hot, actually I turned the heat down once I saw it, while pouring ingots.

Thanks!

Vaporized lead seems like it wouldnt' be too heathy to suck into your lungs...hottter it gets, the more that vaporizes...probably a real good idea not to get it that hot.

Not good at all. Lead starts vapourizing at about 1100°F, and it's poisonous. I kind of doubt if it was actually boiling, as the boiling point is 3171°F, which is higher than the melting point of iron (2777°F). Your pot should have collapsed first. I'm inclined to think that it was some contaminant that was stuck to the bottom of the pot. Incidentally, the antimony is far more dangerous than lead and it's boiling point is 2516°F.

There's seldom any need to get bullet metal over 800°F.

Get a good lead thermometer. I got mine from Mr. Bill Ferguson.
http://www.theantimonyman.com/thermometry.htm

Bye
Jack