Hey Pards,

What's the cure for sprues sticking to the sprue plate? Had no problems with this when the moulds were new but now there appears to be some burnt carbon on the sprue plates and sometimes the sprues stick to the plate. I have to pull them off with pliers. Grrr, sure breaks up my timing when this happens. Thanks to any and all replies. :)

Have you got a little burr or somethig for the metal to hang onto? A cotton swab might help you find it?

Cheezywan

That carbon is probably flux, which may be sticky. I would remove it. If it resists, try liquid paint stripper. Avoid caustic oven cleaner if the sprue plate is aluminum. That would eat it up. Deburring is a good call. You could also rub some graphite or moly powder into the cleaned plate. Anything sold as bullet casting mold release should work. I think Midway has one in a spray. NEI sells it in a bottle.

Marshal, drop me an email. mark@fire-iron.biz

Midway has a mould spray that works real well.

There is a product made for specifically for this task, it's called "Bullplate", made by Bullshop. The stuff is pure magic. It is a product that is applied VERY sparingly to the top of the mould, and underside and top of sprueplate. Not only will no sprues stick in the countersunk holes, but it eliminates the chance of smearing lead on the top of the mould, if/when you cut the sprues too soon. You can literally cut the sprues before the alloy solidifies on the sprue trough, and no smearing will occur. This eliminates waiting too long, and ripping your sprues out of the bullet bases, (makes for a nice cleanly cut bases). It also should be applied to the locator pins, pins to the handles, and sprue swivel screw, as it lubes everything nicely, and doesn't burn off. If you are casting without it, you MUST try it. It is $2.50 a bottle (That will last a lifetime), and is made/sold by a fellow shooter. Go to Castboolit.com to find the link, and see what all the veteran casters have to say about it! The Bullshop also sells a lube called "Speedgreen", which contains the above mentioned product, mixed with beeswax (I think?). It is now my favorite lube, by far. Good shootin'!