Getting The Lead Out - EDITED.

I spoke to a friend an acquaintance some dude I met years ago Bill's best friend and NO ONE ELSE'S best friend, David, who explained that heating up the pipe to soften the lead - not melt it - should be safe as long as I wear a respirator, ventilate, and all the caveats about setting fire to my house, etc. I love the guy because he always gives you the straight answer, no nonsense. Bill's best friend offer's dependable advice.

I'll post here tomorrow with results. I will not bother Bill's best friend again.