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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LookMomNoSights on November 12, 2015, 10:21:00 AM

Title: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: LookMomNoSights on November 12, 2015, 10:21:00 AM
How have you experimented with your hot box heat source?  Who has experimented with different bulbs (heat lamp bulbs, like (2) 175's with a heat deflector shield?) and such with great results.....the box getting up to temp quickly and not getting too hot? Are 4 plain ole hundred watt-ers the best recipe?
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: Pat B on November 12, 2015, 10:45:00 AM
K.I.S.S!  My Bingham box has 4 ceramic light sockets. 4x100w is plenty to max out the 186deg thermostat and I even unscrew 2 sometimes for lower temps, like 90deg-100deg.
 I also added 1/2" foil backed foam board to the inside to help hold the heat.
 I initially got plans for my box when I built a FG long bow(which broke before I braced it) but use it mostly for keeping bow staves dry while working them.
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: milehi101 on November 12, 2015, 01:28:00 PM
I use 4 ceramic light sockets with 200 watt bulbs and a dryer thermostat to control the heat.  It heats up fast but shuts off and I can also use it in cooler weather.  Been using this set up for about 15 years and the only thing I have changed is an occasional light bulb.
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: Jon in North Idaho on November 13, 2015, 12:21:00 PM
I use heat strips now, but I drew a diagram of the box I came up with which I'll post.  I used 3 porcelain light sockets - one in the middle with a 100 watt bulb, and 2 on the ends which were 75 watts.
For takedown limbs, I used the two 75 watt bulbs only (just un-screw the 100)
  (http:// [url=http://s283.photobucket.com/user/jonlaflin/media/Heat%20box.jpg.html]  [img]http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk316/jonlaflin/Heat%20box.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: goobersan on November 13, 2015, 06:48:00 PM
I have 4-150 watt bulbs. 2 are constantly on, 2 are controlled by a johnson A419. 1/2" foil backed insulation, circulating fan. I would highly recommend the foil backed insulation. I'm sure smaller bulbs would work fine, just what I had at the time.
Currently conditioning some swill     :goldtooth:  

(http:// [url=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/goobersan/media/20151110_211721_zpsrrj90ftw.jpg.html] [img]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/goobersan/20151110_211721_zpsrrj90ftw.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 13, 2015, 07:05:00 PM
Oh Goober-son.. LOL

Three 100 watt bulbs gets this to 160, but I only use a 75 watt to get to 90.


 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/11.png)
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: Carpdaddy on November 13, 2015, 08:22:00 PM
Four 100 watt bulbs, insulated, and a dimmer switch for when it pegs out the thermostat.
  (http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/tcj59/Kirk%20bow/IMG_1382015_215639_zpsd4ecfb40.jpg) (http://s939.photobucket.com/user/tcj59/media/Kirk%20bow/IMG_1382015_215639_zpsd4ecfb40.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: Pago on November 13, 2015, 10:13:00 PM
I use a space heater as shown in this thread:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=012542;p=2
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: JamesV on November 14, 2015, 04:43:00 AM
My hot box has a 8 bulb capacity. Usually burn 4 100 bulbs. My shop is not heated and when it gets really cold I can crank it up a bit. If I am cooking a few risers I use the wife's oven set a 170 degrees. It works great and she doesn't mind.
Title: Re: Laminating hot box heat sources..........
Post by: goobersan on November 15, 2015, 09:15:00 AM
If you click on my photo it should redirect to photobucket. There you'll see the ceramic tiles (heat shield) and fan. 101 ways to get the heat you need.     :campfire: