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.


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.



I just used a staple gun to secure it in place.



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.  

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.


I cut small squares of paneling to mount the light sockets on so they wouldn't make contact with the foil.  
 

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.

QuoteOriginally 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