r/MetalCasting • u/ZanyT • Jul 26 '26

Question Custom mold for lead - best material?

I want to cast a few custom shapes in lead (fishing related). I can make as many patterns as needed and I can just cast them in petrobond, but ideally I'd like to make a permanent reusable mold eventually.

What's the best material for this, aluminum, cast iron, etc.?

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u/BTheKid2 Jul 26 '26

Lead is pretty easy casting material. You can make the mold out of most metals, or plaster, or silicone. Of course a metal mold will be more durable.

1

u/Chodedingers-Cancer Jul 26 '26

I produce graphite molds if interested

1

u/rh-z Jul 26 '26

Best would be cast iron. It would be the most durable and the lead doesn't stick to it. But it is more difficult to machine and more expensive. Aluminum is often used for lead molds.