Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: bigcountry on July 26, 2009, 10:24:00 PM
-
I built a hot box, that I want to use no just for a 90F drying box for boo and hickory but possibly later for a 180F glue up box. What insulation should I use? I am looking to buy reflextix they sell at lowes, but not sure it will handle 180F regularly.
-
I built my hotbox out of 1/2" foil backed foam insulation and it has not suffered any ill effects yet.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Hotbox.jpg)
Dennis
-
Wow, thats a mackdaddy hotbox.
-
Mine is plywood without insulation and it gets to 180 easily.
-
Mark.
I used the bubble wrap insulation in my heat box.
You can see the roll in this pic.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Ausie-guy/Long%20Bow/DCP_3000.jpg)
I just used a staple gun to secure it in place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Ausie-guy/Long%20Bow/DCP_3006.jpg)
Have not had any trouble at all with it and the outside of the box is cool to touch.
-
I use heat strips in my form now, but my box was plain ole ply wood NO inulation and I could reach temp with no problem. Now I have cut it down and can dry boo or overlays at about 110-120 with only a pair of 100 watters.
BUT. it will heat your shop up, and in the summer that can stink(100% humidity) so An insulated box may be better for that reason.
chuck
-
If you are using your box for wood drying as well as glue curing, insulation is an easy way to save a bunch of cash in the long run.
I built a simple 12"X12"X6' drying box. At first it wasn't insulated and I ran 3, 100 watt bulbs to keep the temp up to 100 degrees. I insulated it with cheap foil backed insulation and can keep it 100 degrees with 3, 60 watt bulbs turned down with a dimmer switch to where they barely are on.
I use a lot less power and haven't replaced a bulb in the last 5 years.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/100_0023.jpg)
-
Russ, I think that is the stuff at Lowes I am talking about.
I know I could get to 180F without, but want to isulate more to get consistent temps without fluctuations
-
Eric, do you think that foil backed insulation could take heat up to 180f for a glue curing too?
-
Mark.
Thats where I got mine from.
I also have the thermostat from Binghams it shuts the lights off at 180 and back on again at 150.
-
Good point Eric(as always)Thanks
-
My inner box is 1/4" plywood, I am sure the insulation will stand 180 degrees.
-
As stated above, mine is made of foil backed foam insulation. The only structural wood in it is the 3/4"X3/4" wood strips in the corners. It stands up to the heat with no problems. I use two 100W bulbs and two 60W bulbs and get 170*+ heat in it. Very little heat escapes and the box is cool to the touch.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/DSC00243.jpg)
I cut small squares of paneling to mount the light sockets on so they wouldn't make contact with the foil. :scared:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Lightmounts.jpg)
It's super light and easy to move around the shop. Been using it for about five years now.
Dennis
-
Well, I about finished her tonight. I just picked up a roll of that stuff like russ (kanga) uses. I still have to hook up the lights and I will be ready to bake some cookies in there. Hey, do you guys put a fan in there? To me, that would make sense to keep the heat circulating.
-
Mark.
I don't have a fan in mine, I don't really see the need for it, not saying it's a bad idea.
-
A fan would help if your going to use it to keep wood dry, just to cook a glue up you wouldn't need it.
-
Aeronut-your box looks great, what dimentions did you make? What a good idea to skip the plywood.
-
Originally posted by Dano:
A fan would help if your going to use it to keep wood dry, just to cook a glue up you wouldn't need it.
I want the fan for boo and hickory drying