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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: hunting badger on July 26, 2018, 05:32:10 PM

Title: Termostat for hot box
Post by: hunting badger on July 26, 2018, 05:32:10 PM
I've been using a Bingham thermostat for years in my hot bow but need to replace it. What kind of thermostat do you guys use? I would like to buy something local, like a t Lowes of a electrical supply house so I can get my hot box up and running again in short order.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Flem on July 26, 2018, 05:47:45 PM
Can't tell you where to buy one, but you can scavenge one from a baseboard heater. They have a auto cut-off, usually at 160-180deg.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Crooked Stic on July 26, 2018, 07:05:42 PM
Google Grainger. Search snap disc. Find the degrees you want. Gonna be a bunch cheaper. When temp is reached its like a switch and shuts off electric then cools and re connects.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: milehi101 on July 26, 2018, 09:35:05 PM
Check at your appliance parts house I have used Dryer thermostats for years.  You can get about any temp that you want just ask them to order it if they dont have it in stock
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: hunting badger on July 27, 2018, 01:42:09 AM
Thanks for the input guys!
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: goobersan on July 27, 2018, 06:47:25 PM
snap discs are cheapest but a digital control will give you more precise and adjustable temps. the temp sensors are replaceable as well  :thumbsup:l

update: I did a quick search on a---on and found 30 bucks will get a nice controller
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Crooked Stic on July 29, 2018, 07:29:12 AM
The fact of the matter is if you use Smooth on you dont even really need heat as long as you got time to wait. Heat is for the faster cure. Just do get it too hot.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: stickmonkey on July 29, 2018, 08:40:56 AM
The fact of the matter is if you use Smooth on you dont even really need heat as long as you got time to wait. Heat is for the faster cure. Just do get it too hot.

 What Stic said is what I do most times now but I have been using the same Thermostat I purchased from binghams in 93 till current. Nothing wrong with it at all. I have used heat strips and heat tape, several different hot boxes but as I said now I just mix it, set it and forget it for 12 - 36hrs which matches up with my shift at the fire station.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: skeaterbait on August 01, 2018, 08:33:35 AM
I use an Inkbird temp controller. It's plug and play and very easy to set. This lets me do different temps for different things. With 4 - 200w bulbs I can even get 190° for curing resin to stabilize wood. This keeps it out of the kitchen oven and me out of hot water. You can get them from Amazonia, Fleabay or most home brew supply sites.

http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc308.html

Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: hunting badger on August 02, 2018, 02:46:57 AM
Thanks skeaterbait!!
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Forwardhandle on August 02, 2018, 07:13:28 AM
Thanks for posting that Lonnie I just ordered one for my make shift hot box , can you use both plug ins for heat or is the one dedicated for refrigerant use ?
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: skeaterbait on August 02, 2018, 08:50:08 AM
It’s designed for brewing, to activate heat or cooling as needed so it will only power one plug or the other.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Shredd on August 02, 2018, 09:13:55 AM
I use an Inkbird temp controller. It's plug and play and very easy to set. This lets me do different temps for different things. With 4 - 200w bulbs I can even get 190° for curing resin to stabilize wood. This keeps it out of the kitchen oven and me out of hot water. You can get them from Amazonia, Fleabay or most home brew supply sites.

http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc308.html

   Hellll Yeah Bro...  Might have to get me one...  Thanks...   :shaka: :shaka:
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Forwardhandle on August 02, 2018, 09:48:02 AM
Ok Im only going to power my Good Will store electric blanket tent & 2 Harbor Frieght clip on lamps with 200 watt bulbs I can go to 200 deg with that set up & folded it up and put it in the closet when done 😃
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Flem on August 03, 2018, 08:04:20 AM
I was happy with my free thermostat, until I started reading about digital controllers!
Now I have a Inkbird PID controller on the way. I really like the idea of being able to dial in the exact temperature for cooking a specific epoxy.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Forwardhandle on August 04, 2018, 04:52:56 AM
Got my Inkbird looks like it would be pretty easy to rewire the cooling side of the plug in so both can be used as hot , but would void the waranty !  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Crooked Stic on August 04, 2018, 07:13:51 AM
That thing have a timer also or just temp control?
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: skeaterbait on August 04, 2018, 08:16:43 AM
I believe it's just temp control but I am not that great at reading instructions.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Forwardhandle on August 04, 2018, 08:27:48 AM
I look threw them this morning I didnt see any timer setting but the manual is in micro print Im saving my tired eye's ...lol for the riser Im working on I will read them tonight and let you know ! Looks easey enough to set up.
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: Forwardhandle on August 04, 2018, 01:02:48 PM
I read the micro manual no timer but I'm wondering if you can't set the refrigeration part up to run at the same time for heat with out rewiring  the plug ,but you can run 1200 watts off of the heat side with a splinter same difference I guess .
Title: Re: Termostat for hot box
Post by: goobersan on August 04, 2018, 02:48:23 PM
Those controllers are designed to maintain temperature during primary fermentation. they can run fridge/freezer or heater to hold a precise set point.