Never attempted this with a hot Lee pot! (Read the whole description) safety and other recommendations below. ⤵️⤵️⤵️
The original video was a little over 30 minutes long, so I sped it up throughout most of the video.
This Lee pot is three years old and has never been cleaned before this video, and usually doesn't drip much at all if any.
Reducing drips
(Try these before pulling it apart and cleaning)
1: loosen the two screws a little bit that hold the lift handle if you haven't already. This should be done while the Lee pot is cooled down.
2: Rotate the plunger a little bit with a standard screwdriver. This will need to be done when the Lee pot is warmed up and the lead is liquid. (Use caution and proper PPE)
3: Add extra weight to the handle. I haven't had to do this but have seen a lot of people do. The extra weight pulls down on the left handle more and forces the plunger down further into the spout.
4: Always use clean lead and keep the temperature low (between 3-4) helps a lot with reducing drips, and keeping the lead from rapidly oxidizing. If the lead is getting a blue and purple tint on the top it's too hot, and rapidly oxidizing. This causes the cleanest of lead to become dirty lead.
5: Keep your Lee pot about 1/2 full or just under. If the Lee pot is too full it can lift the plunger as the lead is heavier than the steel rod. Never run the lead really low as the impurities float to the top they can end up in the spout. The only time it should be empty is when you're cleaning it.
Before shutting the Lee pot down the last time I used this one I poured all the lead carefully into my mini muffin tray, and let it cool down for a little while. Before it was complete cooled down I carefully scraped the leftover lead that would not pour out of the spout with a long standard screwdriver. Be careful not to get burned, the metal holds the heat for quite a while (use leather welding gloves) and proper ventilation. After the pot was completely cool down is where the video started.
Tools used
Exhaust system for fumes and particulates
11 in 1 screwdriver
leather gloves
1lb propane torch
Small stainless wire form
It is very important not to over tighten or cross thread the screws as you can strip the threads.
It's also recommend to loosen the two screws that hold the lift handle a little bit when you 1st go to use your new bottom pour Lee pot and use them in a well ventilated area. When they're new they have a lot of oil on them that burns off.
Read the safety and operation instructions that come with your Lee pot for the manufacturers recommendations.
Thank you for watching the video and reading the description. Hope you found some of this info helpful. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to drop a comment, and I'll do my best to respond.
