Random Word: Lead

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Today's Random Word is Lead, courtesy of one of my coworkers thinking she could stump me.  I asked her to clarify "to lead a group of people" or "the metal lead."  She said the latter, knowing that I work with my 3D printers on the regular.

As always, I will follow my Random Word format where I define the word, then discuss how the word applies to tabletop gaming, fishing, and 3D printing.


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Definition of Lead, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, within context of the giver of the word:

Lead Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

lead noun (2), often attributive

\ ˈled  \

Definition of lead (Entry 4 of 5)

1: a soft, heavy, metallic element with atomic number 82 found mostly in combination and used especially in alloys, batteries, and shields against sound, vibration, or radiation

— see CHEMICAL ELEMENTS TABLE


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Lead in tabletop gaming isn't  as hard of a topic to discuss as I initially thought it would be.  Most game pieces back in the day (pre-1990's)  were made from lead or a lead-alloy.  

If you have an older version of Monopoly or some older tabletop miniatures from Ral Partha, Vallejo, or themed sets like the LOTR set of miniatures from the 80s, then you know what i'm talking about.  Battletech was prominent for these types of miniatures as well.

Lead works like any other metal when it comes to tabletop gaming. Prime, paint, play.  I have quite a bit of miniatures still made from this material.  Toy companies and gaming companies began moving away from lead and began using aluminum-alloy materials for metal pieces starting around the 90's to the best of my memory.



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Lead in fishing is still a popular thing, despite local activists and "green" people fighting against it.  You can still find lead in weights or various sizes from 1/16 ounce split shot all the way up to 6-8 ounce cannonball weights. 

When it comes to weights, as a top water or cast-and-retrieve fisherman, a light split shot is how I normally go... Just enough to sink the lure a little bit lower than how it normally swims.  

However, its 2022, and with a new year comes new fishing techniques.  This year, I am going to attempt drop shot riggings and similar riggings.  In short, the weight is on the end of your line, and the actual hook is suspended above the weight with bait on it.  Stack on a good bait the trout like and success is all but guaranteed.




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For the final section about 3D printing, I have to admit I may be stumped on this one.  I don't know of any actual lead, lead-lined, or lead-based 3D filaments.  I'm not sure if there is any lead inside the machine or on the circuit board.  Lead can be toxic long-term, so I imagine not.

I could surmise that one could use lead split shot for rattling bits inside a crankbait.  Perhaps print a one-use-only mold for a lead model or a lead part.  

Lead is no different that any other solid metal, so any metal-to-plastic parts could be fabricated/designed in a 3D modeler, printed and fit to the metal part.



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In Conclusion, I've discussed lead (the metal) with regards to tabletop gaming, fishing, and 3D printing.  I hope you have found it as entertaining and informative to read as I found it to write.










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