How do I remove the lead and oakum from a 4" cast iron bell hub

Gee Shreefer, from the lousy rating you gave me on another cast iron post I figured you knew everything there was to know about running cast iron.
Here's your answer. Ya want to bad rap this one too?
To remove a poured lead and oakum joint take a 3/8" drill bit and drill a few holes down past the lead and into the oakum.. Push a screwdriver under the lead ring and lever it up. Once it's free you can began to peel the lead ring out. Now pick out the oakum and you can pull the joint apart. Good luck, Tom

Exactly the answer I was looking for, thanks.

Hey Kelly ,
Glad you got your question answered but how come you're digging up all these old threads?Tom

Because this Q&A applies to me and the answer then is the same one I needed now. I see you've been around a little longer than me. Maybe someday I'll know everything too.

I see you've been around a little longer than me. Maybe someday I'll know everything too.
If that was a "put down" be advised that I don't think, for one minute, that I think "I know it all" and I'm sorry if Igave you that impression. Tom

Screw all that. Just grab an oxy-acetylene torch and watch the lead pour out like water for those of us lucky enough to have one. Work from one side to the other and don't use the burn trigger. Repeat that several times until the joint is loose then pry it out. Be careful not to burn your house down lol. And the cast becomes extremely hot so let it cool for a minute before touching it with your bare hands.