Mine is an old pot with just a rheostat and dial on the front. I too was having trouble with mine so I cranked it up to max, left it there and not we are getting along just fine. The Bi-metalic switch went bad and not worth fixing. Even when new, they all have their limts. I like that old thing cause it has a drop valve. ...I'm too lazy to fix it
Put a metal (steel) coat hanger on an anvil and tap it with a hammer. Flattens? If it does, it is "malleable" and then steel is malleable. Be careful with your definitions.malleable = zinc
non malleable = steel
Another melt test, is to take a sample know lead piece and unknow alloy and lay them in the bottom of a flat pan and slowly bring it up to temp. In most cases, the lead will melt before the allow. I use to do this test three times but now, only need one.
Put a metal (steel) coat hanger on an anvil and tap it with a hammer. Flattens? If it does, it is "malleable" and then steel is malleable. Be careful with your definitions.
Not cadmium ,it`s to expensive to put on wheels just to be torn/slung off .& cadmium is more toxic than lead !!
I'm sure you would say the same thing if I used the word DUCTILE or even the term PLASTIC DEFORMATION.
I could say use a magnet but then that would be negated by some types of stainless steel.
So where do you want to draw the line?
In most cases...with the exceptions being, Bismuth, Cerrosafe, most lead/tin alloys, and some others I am probably not aware of....Another melt test, is to take a sample know lead piece and unknow alloy and lay them in the bottom of a flat pan and slowly bring it up to temp. In most cases, the lead will melt before the alloy...