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Thread: Pewter vs. Iron

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    Pewter vs. Iron

    Are there any advantages of making something out of pewter over iron other than the rust thing. Of course talking about non ballistic things.

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    Pewter has a low melting point at around 400 degrees making it easier to melt and cast things out of it. It was called the poor mans silver hence why they made dinnerware and eating utensils out of it. Besides who would want to eat prime rib off a old rusty plate.
    Ron S.
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    Thanks! Now say you have identical plates, one made of tin and one of pewter. Which costs more? By how much? What's the weight comparison?

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    You have mentioned "Plates", perhaps such as Belt Plates?. If that is the case, pure Tin would be far more expensive than Pewter.

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    Define pewter. Most, if not all, things stamped 'pewter' today are almost pure tin. I buy up odd creamers and trays and beer steins and candle sticks and such at flea markets that are marked 'pewter' and melt them down to use to add a bit to lead for better fill out of bullets.

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    Got to say that's the problem -- "define pewter." Trying to get a firm grip on "why pewter." I know the copper and antimony retard oxidation so the finish lasts. Various mixes of the alloy also affect hardness - so I would guess you can pewter it (notice the verb) to the point of brittleness. Also how does the mix affect cost-- tin items expensive vs. pewter (still like 90% tin) cheaper --how do the copper and antimony make it cheaper. Also some pewter has lead - definitely a cost reducer. Wonder - is the low melting point where you make big savings? How about casting - will pewter cast into an intricate shape more easily? So please ramble on if you will.

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    I never tried to cast any 'pewter', other than a small dipper full into a stainless steel condiment cup to make 'coins' of what I then refer to as 'tin' to add to my lead pot when casting bullets. Find you a pewter beer stein or similar at a flea market and melt it down and pour it into a bullet mold and see what you get. I suspect you would get a fairly well filled out bullet that would be lighter, harder, and probably more brittle than a lead one. Assuming the mould were up to temperature. Otherwise, I would predict a not so well filled out bullet that was even lighter, still harder and more brittle than a lead one.

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    The Worshipful Company of Pewterers say the big thing they're after is hardness and durability. I'm joining this outfit, so I'd appreciate it if from now on everyone would address me as "Worshipful."

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    I'd appreciate it if from now on everyone would address me as "Worshipful."
    O BOY! what's next?
    Ron S.
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    Thinking Sir Worshippy more appropriate??
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