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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Sologuy on September 27, 2021, 07:32:10 AM

Title: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Sologuy on September 27, 2021, 07:32:10 AM

.   Guys.... I have a hot box with no insulation..... it gets up to 155 degrees... but takes a while....  My question is do you use insulation... does it really hel ?   I may insulate based on comments so let it rip   :help:

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 27, 2021, 08:00:38 AM

Lot of guys line them with styrofoam with the shiny foil side facing inward.

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Mad Max on September 27, 2021, 08:19:53 AM

You can use the foil foam insulation.
What roy said would be a little better

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-R-21-50-sq-ft-Unfaced-Reflective-Roll-Insulation-24-in-W-x-25-ft-L/3011904

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: kennym on September 27, 2021, 08:35:46 AM

I used the more rigid 1/2" foam with foil on both sides. Works well...

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Flem on September 27, 2021, 09:28:04 AM

I use Polyiso foil faced foam board, probably the same stuff as Kenny. It's got the highest max temp rating of common insulating foams (390deg) and the best insulation values. If you ever plan on using elevated temperatures, its the way to go, otherwise you will be breathing the subtle chemical off gassing of plastic.

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Pat B on September 27, 2021, 09:31:29 AM

I used foil backed foam insulation on all inside surfaces. I also added a 1" hole at the top in one end and another at the bottom of the other end that I open for wood drying and cork them for heat curing. I also have a small equipment fan inside to circulate the hot air and aids drying.

Title: Re: Does your hot box /bow oven have insulation ???
Post by: Jeff Freeman on September 27, 2021, 09:17:19 PM

I lined mine with foil bubble wrap. I stapled it on the inside. Plus I added some window foam strips to the opening edge. JF