Shortage of lead

[MarkR]

Stock up on those lead sinkers and jigs guys!

http://www.fishing.net.my/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8294

Given that Aluminium comprises approximately 8% of the lithosphere, I guess we may very well see a cheap and abundant supply of Al sinkers and jigs very soon

[Sportfisherman]

Mark ,

In the event of shortage of lead becomes worse , as far a making jigs are concerend , there are several alternative metals can be used , such as Bronze albeit the energy inputs to make it into jig may be much higher or
even plain old steel with thick coating to prevent the rust oozing out from
inside .

Aluminium is just too light for jig or sinker albeit it has excellent workability
and while zinc is a better alternative but still a bit too light too .

I am still wondering if machinings can be an alternative method in lieu of casting the lead into shape of jig , anybody have gone into such exercise ?

JonLi .

[MarkR]

Hi Jon,

Was meant to be a teaser

You're absolutely right on those points. The energy inputs required for working with Aluminum are also very high and I don't think it will ever be viable to cast Aluminium into jigs/sinkers on a large scale. A hypothetical explanation for why monovalent and divalent metal ions are "preferred" in most biological systems as well although Aluminium is far more abundant.

[Sportfisherman]

Originally Posted by MarkR

Hi Jon,

Was meant to be a teaser

You're absolutely right on those points. The energy inputs required for working with Aluminum are also very high and I don't think it will ever be viable to cast Aluminium into jigs/sinkers on a large scale. A hypothetical explanation for why monovalent and divalent metal ions are "preferred" in most biological systems as well although Aluminium is far more abundant.

Hi Mark ,

You lost me there with the metalurgy terms , unfortunately the trend in the base metal industries now is to make lighter alloy with high strength + favorable mechanical properties , HEAVY METAL is out except in music !

I still think lead will be available for jig which is higher in value added rather than sinker , so those guys who go bottom fishing may have to pay a bit more for their sinkers . However in these days with very high oil price , almost everything is higher in price , including base metals such as aluminium , etc. .

JonLi .