Designing a Lead-Melting Glove: Possible Materials and Safety Measures

[stephenkohnle53]

I know virtually nothing about engineering but I want to design a glove that allows me to melt lead in my hands. I do not want to build it since I do not know nearly enough to try but I want to see if it is possible and maybe build it as an adult. I was thinking that you could use a thermal resistant glove and put a thermal resisting blanket on top with a temperature regulator between them that would disable the glove if it becomes too hot. And on top of the outer glove have nichrome wire that is covered in an electrically resistant material that allows for heat transfer.

Could this or a different design allow you to build it. Also what materials are electrically resistant but not thermally resistant.

 

[fresh_42]

Although this might be technically possible (e.g. look at the clothing steel workers use at the blast furnace), I doubt that this is anywhere close to being safe. The only liquid metal you can safely control in your free hand is mercury, and that damages you differently. Liquid lead is simply too hot and will seriously burn people if it gets in contact with skin, a possibility you can impossibly rule out.

 

[Nidum]

Just for interest though :

Plumbers use moleskin mitts or hand held moleskin pads to wipe molten lead over joints in pipework and tanks . With experience the lead could be put into a part molten part pasty condition and pushed around as needed quite easily .

I've done this myself .

 

[Mark44]

I know virtually nothing about engineering but I want to design a glove that allows me to melt lead in my hands.

Why would you want to do this?

 

[stephenkohnle53]

I like designing things for the purpose of finding out if its possible. And I want to build it since that would be cool but I won't since that would be a terrible idea. I really just want to find out if its possible or even remotely feasible,

 

[dlgoff]

From https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.

 

[Borek]

The only liquid metal you can safely control in your free hand is mercury

Gallium melts just below 30°C.

 

[fresh_42]

Gallium melts just below 30°C.

Don't get him ideas and plunder LEDs for GaAs!

 

[RonL]

I like designing things for the purpose of finding out if its possible. And I want to build it since that would be cool but I won't since that would be a terrible idea. I really just want to find out if its possible or even remotely feasible,

I don't think it's a terrible idea, just one that at this time has not much purpose. Invent a safe method to handle a small amount of molten metal in a hand and the need might become apparent

 

[Tom.G]

Maybe something using the Heat Shield tiles on the Space Shuttle. If I recall correctly, they are a Silicon aero-gel; a solid but perhaps coarsely ground up could be used in a granular form. The stuff is close to magic. I once witnessed a demonstration where a 2 or 3 inch cube was hand-held by its corners and a face of it was glowing red hot from a blow torch.

But this is probably a better idea.

look at the clothing steel workers use at the blast furnace

 

[dlgoff]

I once witnessed a demonstration where a 2 or 3 inch cube was hand-held by its corners and a face of it was glowing red hot ...

Here's a demo for doing that:

 

[stephenkohnle53]

I don't think it's a terrible idea, just one that at this time has not much purpose. Invent a safe method to handle a small amount of molten metal in a hand and the need might become apparent

The reason I say its a terrible idea is because I am shall we say known to not be careful. Plus i have virtually no engineering experience and although I think I know how I could build it id rather wait until I do simpler projects first.

BTW yes I know gallium can melt in your hands but its messy and not nearly as a cool. Plus it won't really teach me much by holding it.