Just about to start my first smelt.
I've read the relevant parts of this thread a dozen times now because. . .
. . .I'm terrified.
Well, not so much terrified, I just want to keep reminding myself of what needs to be done. I think I've got it.
Over the past few months, I've been taking my sweet time accumulating "stuff" to get started with some ingots. I have a couple hundred pounds of wheel weights I got from the local recycling/junk yard for $0.85 a pound and the other gear. Bought the Bayou Classic burner recommended in the OP and my brother-in-law, who is completely jazzed about this project, is providing the propane tanks. He will be a beneficiary of this project, to be sure!
I can hardly wait to see the pool of shiny lead in the pot!
--Wag--