A chemical respirator is a must-have. Both lead and the hydrochloric acid in the tinning solution are toxic. Be certain you have the appropriate cartridges.
Some sort of tinning solution or compound is absolutely necessary to maximize adhesion.
A quality oxyacetylene torch setup is necessary to produce a consistent and controllable flame.
Assorted wooden paddles are used to shape and smooth the lead. Short ones, long ones, round, and flat all have their place.
Do not expect paddles to last forever. Over time the molten lead will char and slowly eat away at them.
Notice the difference between the flat and round paddles. The round one works excellently in concave areas.
These two new paddles, one flat and one rounded, are available from Steve's Auto Restorations.
This is a well-used chunk of bee's wax that is used to coat the paddles and prevent lead from sticking to them.
Like paddles, you can never have too many different types of files.
This is a flexible, flat mill body file with eight teeth per inch for fast cutting. It is secured to a maple handle, but files are easily replaceable.
This half-round body file is similar to the flat mill but is ideally suited to concave surfaces.
Here you can easily see the difference between the flat file on the left and the half-round on the right. These two files should be the ones to start your collection.
This adjustable file holder uses the same flat mill file as the maple holder but can be adjusted to shape the file to fit a number of contours.
This is one of Steve's homemade file holders. Sometimes you have to be creative to get the job done.
This unique bullnose file is one of Steve's favorites. It works great in odd contours and tight spots.
Although this small file (only about 3 inches long) is rarely used, it is irreplaceable in tight spots.
Here are three different shapes of lead rod. From left to right is a tri-bar, round-bar, and star-bar.
This custom taillight application is a perfect example of how lead, when used properly, can be a customizer's best friend.
Steve's Auto Restoration
4440 SE 174th Ave
Dept. SRM
Portland, OR 97236
(503) 665-2222
www.stevesautorestorations.com