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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: skeaterbait on June 01, 2017, 08:01:00 AM
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Yesterday I threw together a hot box for a glue up I am working on. Today I plan to mount the light fixtures and get it wired up.
The box is 12" wide, 90" long and 23" tall.
How many light fixtures will I need to heat that kind of space? I also plan in putting a fan in it for circulation.
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Mine is a along those same dimensions and I use four 100 watt bulbs. Mine has real thick insulation boards and I think that helps a lot.
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I used the Bingham's hot box and it called for four 100 to 200 watt bulbs.
My box has 1/2" foil backed insulation board liner.
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Mine has 6 bulbs but with better insulation 4 would be plenty.
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I think the foam with foil both sides is the best.
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I lined mine with reflectix, I had it laying around already.
(http:// [url=http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/skeaterbait/media/18902384_10213206354583166_400459695_n_zpscyqbzig4.jpg.html] [img]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah271/skeaterbait/18902384_10213206354583166_400459695_n_zpscyqbzig4.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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I also added a thermostat from Bingham's set for 168degs.
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I now use four 150 watt bulbs in conjunction with the Bingham’s thermostat because it is quieter.
When I first started making glass bows I used a hair dryer turned on full to full heat and placed it at the end of an insulated box, with a hole at the other end to allow the air to flow. If your wife has an old hair dryer, this might be the fastest and least expensive method to make a heat box. My oven thermometer said it was 165 degrees at the center of the box. That would probably vary with the size of the box and make/type of hair dryer.
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Well I have to say I am disappointed. I got the box wired up today and put in 4 - 100w bulbs. It's struggling to get to 130°
I may have to add another bulb.
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It appears to be an insulation problem. With enough blankets laid on the top I have gotten it to 156°.
So my newest question is, will that be enough to bake a bow?
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IMHO if you can maintain that 156 you will be just fine.