What is white metal ?

[fluid]

Hi all,

Happy New Year. What is white metal that metal figures are made from ? Are there any dangerous metals included in these figures (like lead) ?

Thanks

 

[Alex]

mix of lead for definition and pewter for strength
lead can be dangerous if there is chronic exposure by swallowing or through skin
just wear gloves
or not
alex

 

[fluid]

Hmmm... that can't be good, I guess I will have to get some gloves.

 

[Einion]

White metal is a catch-all term for the alloys used in the hobby, which are a form of pewter*. Just like with pewter many of the alloys used to contain quite a bit of lead but although these alloys are still available most models won't have any lead in them these days.

When casting alloys did commonly contain lead though, the danger was not that great - there was widespread environmental exposure to a lead compound from petrol, so we had more important things to worry about

*There are a number of types, using various proportions of tin, antimony, bismuth, zinc and copper.

Einion

 

[fluid]

Ahh I see. It sounds like its not really a concern amongst other builders. And using simple precautions would make sense: latex gloves and a mask when cleaning parts and handling. Do people here take those steps ?

Thanks

 

[Tecumsea]

Personally I think there is more danger in the Resins used today than White Metal kits. Certainly it is advisable to clean resin kits in a well ventilated area preferably wearing a mask-if like me you are allergic to the resins then it is a must.
I also wear latex gloves when mixing miliput etc......but I wouldn't get too paranoid about it all as the risk levels are very low.

 

[housecarl]

It’s the Devils spawn. A pain to clean up, glue, and to get paint to stick to. More expensive to post due to its weight. As for it being bad for your health, probably is. On a more serious note, I wouldn’t see the need to wear protection.
Carl.

 

[Tecumsea]

"It’s the Devils spawn. A pain to clean up, glue, and to get paint to stick to"

I assume you are talking about Resin Carl

 

[housecarl]

We'll have to agree to disagree, on the merits and shortfalls of both media Keith.
Carl.

 

[Don]

Fluid, white metal is a common everyday metal with lots of uses. I dont think the manufacturors expect you to eat it. Light gloves are protection enough.
From someone who used it on an industrial scale.

Don

 

[Figurenfreund66]

Hi

I'm painting for over 30 years, figures made ​​of white metal and have no health problems.
The ratio of 60/40 tin alloy of lead and bismuth or antimony as a flux.
If you dont eat it, so you can paint it with no problems .

Cheers

Hendryk

 

[fluid]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the comments. Yes, my overcautious paranoid side shows itself now and then. It's just that when someone hears lead they think the worst... but as mentioned unless your eating, drinking or inhaling copious amounts of lead, you're fine. Simple precautions are all thats needed.

Thanks for putting the mind at ease

 

[IIICorps]

...latex gloves and a mask when cleaning parts and handling. Do people here take those steps ?...

I do not use gloves when handling or cleaning white metal. I wear a mask when sanding resin.

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Michael, I have the same policy as you, but in addition I wear Latex disposable gloves when rolling out Milliput and other putty and also a mask and goggles when wire brushing white metal with a Dremel.

Keith

 

[TonyT]

Early die cast Dinky cars were made of white metal and we didn't kill off a generation with them