Heat Strips Question

[Wild Russian]

Hi all,
I decide to make myself a birthday gift and purchase heat strips. The supplier I have found here in Europe, billed me 90 Euro for a 50mm x 1800mm (2"x 6') length. Not so cheap   . I must make a decision - which wattage I must purchase (watt/sq. cm or sq.inch). Any opinions and recommendations from heat strip users are welcome!
And maybe is there a source for cheaper heaters?

[wingnut]

Here are the ones we use:


Benchmark Thermal

BF10713
1.5" x 72" w/ 24" silicone leads. 270W / 120V
$68.00 net each

http://www.benchmarkthermal.com/

You will want to adjust your size and the voltage for your sorce.

Might work for you too.

Mike

[Wild Russian]

Hmmm... it seems to me,that import from US will be cheaper, including postage...  
Mike, thanks a lot. Do you use any dedicated controllers or just a thermometer?

[wingnut]

I built a control using a heavy duty slider type light switch.  Then adjust for temp you want and leave it be.

Mike

[sidebuster]

Mike you got a pic of yours?

[joebuck]

I bought mine from Mike Fedora about 11 years ago..don't know if he still sells them

[Wild Russian]

any opinions about hiheat.com?

[Steve H.]

I got my replacements from HiHeat after wearing my fist set out.  HiHeat is the place in Montana, right?  My controller is one that Fedora sells.

All my stuff is in storage as I am in the middle of a move so I can't conveniently go look and give you the details.

Mikes $68 prices sounds way better than what I recall paying.

I do remember I had to bak waaay down on my percentage controller with the new set of strips.  I use to go at 44% and now it seems like I am even in the teens.

BTW, you can probably locate what is called a "Percenage Controller" fairly inexpensive.  It is a fairly generic item and not bowbuilding specific.

[Wild Russian]

Thanks a lot, mates. I must recalculate voltage/wattage/resistance and make an order.
But at first I'll try to make my own! I have found some length thin NiCr wire... The other components I want to use are drywall tape and household silicon sealer  

[wingnut]

Russian,

Be careful, the wire can get hot in a hurry and set fire to the tape and silicon.  Be a hot time in russia.

The strips we use are hight temp resistant.  I run them as high as 180 degrees F.

Mike

[Wild Russian]

Thanks, Mike  
I'll be careful. Silicon sealer theoretically is resistant up to 120-130 degrees C. I'll try to find something better... Mechanical properies of silicon sealers are very poor... Glass tape..or something else... anyway, I want to try it
Max

[Arrowslinger]

Anybody got any pictures of there set up?  These prices looka lot better than the set up I have  been looking at.  I still use a oven.  What do you use to check temp with?