pyramid anchor for drift boat

[cheweyscharters]

just wondering if anyone out there could give me some info on how to make a mold to build a pyramid anchor? i've got appx.125# of lead and am looking to make a 30# 40# and 50# for high water. also, am planning to use cast iron pot to melt the lead outdoors. any suggestions? thanx

[salmon_slayer06]

My dad had a drift boat and he used a heavy duty chain on a pulley. We fished the Ausable with it back in its glory days. At first I thought the chain anchor wouldn't hold something like that. But try lifting that chain, it weighs alot. A snag laden river like the Grand would eat anything else out there.

[TheUrbanMustache]

i have a 50lb. pyramid you im selling if youre interested. used it once while i was waiting on some scrap anchor salvage. anyways drop me a pm if youre interested.

[FreeTime]

I made my own, it was pretty easy.

3/4" Plywood Mold made from 3 triangle shaped screwed together. Make sure you have good tight joints, the hot lead will just leak out if they arent!

IMPORTANT: Attach a chain to the bottom of the mold with another screw. If you dont attach the chain to the bottom of the mold, it will float up when you pour the lead. The chain is lighter weight and once you have that hot lead in there you will not be able to get it down into the lead unless its attached to the mold.

Dig a small hole in the ground next to where you will be melting the lead. Place mold in the hole.

Wear long welding gloves for the remainder of this project! Your dealing with 600 degree liquid! Safety first!

KEEP ANY SOURCE OF LIQUID FAR AWAY! Any liquid that get near the hot lead will cause it to splatter and can quickly cause permanent problems!

Heat the lead, when you think its ready...wait 5 more minutes. You want it really hot to pour easy and shape well.

I use an old 4 quart kitch pan that I bought from goodwill for .25. Quickly dip your pan and pour into the mold, repeat until the mold is where you want it.

Let it cool for a couple hours before touching it.

Break off the mold and you have an anchor!

Just be careful. If you have never played with molten lead in this quanity you dont relize how hot it really is and how heavy it is. A small pot is heavy and one slip can leave you permanently scarred! Be carful!

Dave

[2PawsRiver]

Talk with Adjusted3. He has all the necessary stuff and I think they usually make them in Feb, when we Steelhead fish the St. Joe.

[adjusted3]

Chewy,

Check your PM....

By the way, the method that Dave described above works well. The only difference is that a couple of us made a stainless steel mold. everything else is the same.

Mark

[SalmonSlayer]

I have a steel mold I've let a few members from here use....is this the one you referred to mark? I can/will bring it to the steelhead outing if there's interest...and NO SNOW/RAIN in the forecast! I could even ship it to someone if they pay for s&h and a security deposit and promise to get it back to me.

I typically use a large eyebolt with some large diameter washers held on with a nut suspended into the lead using a metal coat hanger. This works well for tying on your anchor rope. Depending on how heavy an anchor you want, just bend the coat hanger to let most of the bolt into the molten lead. JUST BE CAREFUL WITH A MOLD FULL OF MOLTEN LEAD!!!! Please remember...any, and I mean ANY residue, moisture, dirt, or paper on your anchor bolt will cause splattering...and it hurts! :yikes: Just ask Steve Arend about Manistee and shorts and flip flops while pouring lead...'nuff said.

[roger23]

where are you located ????????..if it is a one time deal ....plywood be the way to go,,,

this is a 25 lb one


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Boat_anchors_found.jpg

[adjusted3]

I have a steel mold I've let a few members from here use....is this the one you referred to mark? I can/will bring it to the steelhead outing if there's interest...and NO SNOW/RAIN in the forecast! I could even ship it to someone if they pay for s&h and a security deposit and promise to get it back to me.

Yes that is the one I was referring to....No offense Roger, but these turn out way wayyyyy better.

We figured that the mold filled to the top creates about a 100lb anchor. I think we drew lines on it for a 35/50/75 anchors.

It is the bomb...

Mark

[Still Wait'n]

I think it's time for a pouring party!!!!:D

[roger23]

I have used this for a project,,for apprentice training,,,we have made them out of aluminum,stainless and carbon steel,,they made 25 ,,50,,75,,100 lb ones ,,it is a good project as they calculate the size for different weights,then build them,,,,they then cut the plates to size and weld them up,,,fill them with lead and weigh them,,

[cheweyscharters]

thanks for all the help guys. had my father in law weld me a stainless mold and poured my anchors.38#65#

[adjusted3]

Chewey,

We discussed this pouring issues, how did it turn out?

By the way, I still want your Alaska maps.

Mark