RCBS Pro-Melt 2 240 V – bottom-pour lead melting furnace

Product detailed description

RCBS Pro-Melt 2 240VAC-INTL is an electric melting furnace for lead and suitable lead alloys. It combines a bottom-pour spout, digital temperature control and a capacity of approximately 11.3 kg. In a fishing tackle workshop, it is particularly useful for repeatedly filling moulds for jig heads, sinkers and smaller pirks, with melting and dispensing handled at one workstation.

With a conventional melting pot, molten lead is transferred using a ladle. With the Pro-Melt 2, you position a suitable mould beneath the spout and lift the handle to open the valve. Releasing the handle closes the spout. This removes the need to scoop out each individual pour during a production run. Casting quality still depends on the alloy, mould temperature, venting and correctly adjusted flow.

Digital control: set and measured temperatures. The controller displays PV – the measured pot temperature and SV – the target setting. This gives you a numerical temperature setting rather than just a numbered dial. According to RCBS, the sensor is located on the bottom surface of the melting pot. After adding cold metal, watch the temperature recover and allow the melt to stabilise before continuing your casting run.

The manual for model 81199 uses °F. For reference, 700 °F is approximately 371 °C. This is the temperature RCBS gives as a guide for pure lead; adjust the working setting to suit your alloy and the mould manufacturer's instructions. The pot temperature reading alone does not confirm that the mould has also reached the correct temperature.

Flow, mould rest and positioning. The pouring rate is adjusted using the stop screw and its lock nut. Small cavities need a different amount of metal and filling time from heavier sinkers. Fine-tune the setting with trial castings. Changing the casting weight involves more than simply extending the same working cycle.

The assembly includes a height-adjustable mould rest and two sliding stops. These help you position a suitable mould block consistently beneath the spout. RCBS describes both free-flow gravity pouring and placing a suitable mould opening directly against the spout. Use the latter method only with a mould designed for this contact; never immerse the mould in the molten metal.

The SAF range includes jig head moulds, pirk and saltwater sinker moulds and other lead casting moulds. Before setting up, check the mould's height and width, including its handle, the position of its filling opening and the available clearance beneath the spout. Listing a mould as a related product does not confirm that its dimensions are compatible with the RCBS mould rest.

Capacity for longer runs and a covered pot. The nominal capacity of 25 lb is approximately 11.3 kg. This is the capacity for metal, not the weight of the furnace itself. The number of castings per fill depends on their weight, the size of the sprues and the metal that must remain in the pot. A fixed number of finished jig heads or sinkers per fill therefore cannot be guaranteed.

The pot cover helps keep debris out and, according to the manual, can be used to preheat suitable metal mould blocks. Follow the instructions for the particular mould as well. Plastic parts, handles and heat-sensitive materials must not be placed on the cover. The cover does not replace ventilation or personal protective equipment.

A clean melt and useful accessories. A lead ladle is useful for skimming dross from the surface. Clean Cast Lead Flux can be used to prepare the alloy in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions, including the specified dosage and procedure. A lead ingot mould helps organise prepared metal for storage. Dross, dirt and unidentified contaminants are not suitable materials for the pot.

If the flow changes or the valve fails to close properly, stop work and follow the manufacturer's manual. Cleaning, adjustment and repairs require the equipment to be in the appropriate condition with the power disconnected. Do not work on live electrical components.

Choosing between Pro-Melt 2 and Easy-Melt. Choose Pro-Melt 2 when you want bottom pouring and repeated filling of suitable moulds beneath the spout. RCBS Easy-Melt 240VAC-INTL is an alternative for ladle casting. This can be more practical when using large or irregularly shaped moulds and you need to pour away from the space beneath the furnace. Your working method and mould geometry are the deciding factors, rather than the model name alone.

Safe working and assembly contents. Cast lead in a dedicated, well-ventilated work area. Use eye protection, suitable heat-resistant gloves, protective clothing that covers exposed skin and closed footwear. Select respiratory protection according to the exposure and the equipment manufacturer's instructions; it does not replace extraction. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working. Wash your hands and clean contaminated surfaces afterwards. Keep children and pregnant people away from the work area.

Water, damp metal and damp moulds must never come into contact with the melt. Rapid evaporation can cause molten lead to splatter. Do not carry the furnace while it is hot, and keep ventilation openings clear during use. Read the complete manual in the product's related files before first use.

The manual lists the furnace body and base, power cord and components for assembling the pouring mechanism, including the handle, shut-off pin, brackets and fasteners. The assembly includes a cover, mould rest and two sliding stops. Some parts require assembly. Moulds, lead and protective equipment are selected separately.

RCBS Pro-Melt 2 frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Pro-Melt 2 and Easy-Melt?

Pro-Melt 2 dispenses metal through a bottom-pour spout operated by a handle. Easy-Melt is designed for taking molten metal from the pot with a ladle. Consider whether your moulds fit comfortably beneath the spout and whether you want to use this filling method.

How much lead does the furnace hold?

The nominal capacity is 25 lb, approximately 11.3 kg of metal. This is not the weight of the unit. The specified minimum metal level must remain in the pot during operation.

Is this the version for the European market?

Yes. This item is the international 240VAC-INTL version, manufacturer part number 81199. RCBS also offers a separate 120 V version. Always check the rating label and confirm that the supplied power cord is suitable for your socket before connecting it.

Can I adjust the pouring rate?

Yes. The flow is adjusted using a stop screw and lock nut. The mould rest can be moved vertically, and two stops help locate the mould block. Adjust the setup to suit the particular mould.

Will every lead casting mould fit beneath the spout?

Universal compatibility cannot be guaranteed. Check the dimensions of the complete mould block, including its handle, and the position of the filling opening. Separate ladle casting may be more suitable for larger moulds.

What do PV and SV mean?

PV is the measured pot temperature; SV is the target setting. The manual uses °F. These readings do not replace checking that the mould has been preheated correctly.

Can I unplug the furnace immediately after casting?

For a normal shutdown, follow the controlled cooling procedure described above and in the RCBS manual. The fan must first remove heat; disconnect the power only after the temperature has fallen to the specified level.

Can I heat plastisol or melt other metals in it?

Choose Pro-Melt 2 for lead and suitable lead alloys in accordance with the RCBS manual. We do not offer this product for plastisol, zinc or aluminium. Suitable equipment for making soft plastic lures is available in our soft bait production section.

→ Detailed technical information is available below in the Product parameters table.

↓ Find related equipment for casting jig heads and fishing sinkers below the product description.