As Dennis mentioned earlier, I used lead blocks for some metal shaping when I am making flower and leaf shapes, see;http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4802
I also use pitch sometimes when making deeper items. After using a gentle heat to remove any pitch from the article after chasing it, I will leave it to soak in a jar of Polyclens paint brush cleaner and this will remove most of the pitch residues.
James
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