Straightening lead rod
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 11:24 am
We purchase lead rod, 3/8" by about 5 1/2" for our workshops from our friends at Hodges Hobby house. Each rod weighs close to 4 ounces. Leads density, ease of cutting, and Hodges $1.75 per rod makes it very attractive for use in the workshops.
I am the only one that touches the lead rod. OK, the rods are not perfectly straight but because of Hodges price and the benefits of lead there is no alternative. I have access to a 5" vice. I put the rod in the vice and leave just enough stick out that I can hold the rod. I tighten the vice very gently (rod is very soft) back off the handle just enough to release the rod, turn the rod a bit, tighten vice, turn the rod a bit, etc. The vice will straighten the rod very quickly and any section of the rod will fit in a 25/64" hole. We Bondo the holes, cut the Bondo when it reaches its "spongy" stage, scuff it lightly with 80 grit paper and hand it to the scout. The scout then advances to another station.
We are expecting 90 scouts this year, 30 of them Girl Scouts. We're still recruiting helpers. Of Course, you are all Welcome to join us because I know you are all experienced. In the event you are unable to be with us, Please Pray for us. Thank You.
Cheers,
speedster
I am the only one that touches the lead rod. OK, the rods are not perfectly straight but because of Hodges price and the benefits of lead there is no alternative. I have access to a 5" vice. I put the rod in the vice and leave just enough stick out that I can hold the rod. I tighten the vice very gently (rod is very soft) back off the handle just enough to release the rod, turn the rod a bit, tighten vice, turn the rod a bit, etc. The vice will straighten the rod very quickly and any section of the rod will fit in a 25/64" hole. We Bondo the holes, cut the Bondo when it reaches its "spongy" stage, scuff it lightly with 80 grit paper and hand it to the scout. The scout then advances to another station.
We are expecting 90 scouts this year, 30 of them Girl Scouts. We're still recruiting helpers. Of Course, you are all Welcome to join us because I know you are all experienced. In the event you are unable to be with us, Please Pray for us. Thank You.
Cheers,
speedster