Incandescent Light Bulbs for Hot Boxes

[Jason Scott]

I am sure this has been mentioned several times here so dismiss if I am repeating. I haven't logged in in a while. I just thought I would remind all that the bulbs we use in hot boxes will be discontinued by the end of the year. Namely the 100W and higher bulbs that give us the heat we want. For all the advanced builders that have moved on to heat strips need not worry about this obviously. So stock up or make the switch to strips.

There are three basic cut-offs in the law. Dec. 31, 2011, marks the last day U.S. manufacturers will be allowed to distribute traditional 100-watt bulbs. Jan. 1, 2013, is the last day 75-watt incandescents can be manufactured for sale. Jan. 1, 2014 is the final day for the manufacturing of 60-watt and 40-watt bulbs.

[macbow]

Has anyone come up with a replacement that doesn't involve the heat strips? Something simple.
Ron

[ChristopherO]

I understand that 150w and 200w bulbs are uneffected by this legislation.  Someone may have better info than I, though.

[ChristopherO]

I just looked this up and Wikipedia gives this information:

Federal legislationIn December 2007, many of these state efforts became moot when the federal government enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires all general-purpose light bulbs that produce 310–2600 lumens of light[8] be 30% more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The efficiency standards will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014.

Light bulbs outside of this range are exempt from the restrictions (historically, less than 40 Watts or more than 150 Watts). Also exempt are several classes of specialty lights, including appliance lamps, rough service bulbs, 3-way, colored lamps, and plant lights.

By 2020, a second tier of restrictions would become effective, which requires all general-purpose bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt (similar to current CFLs). Exemptions from the Act include reflector flood, 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs.[29]

[Dick in Seattle]

My understanding is that the clear glass industrial bulbs are also unaffected, and these are what I use.   I have heat strips but I hate 'em.  

I have also seen oven set ups that used a common household heater and a fan.

[Jason Scott]

Good, then I will stop worrying about it. It has been one of those things nagging at me for a while. I'll just get some plant lights or something when this time comes. Thanks Chris O.

[Jason Scott]

I've thought about the heater thing but it scare the crap out of me thinking about a fire or something. I feel relatively safe with the bulbs although there is a risk with them too.

[JamesV]

When I built my heat box I used regular light bulbs but I did consider using the Halogen work lights. I think they are about 1500 w and get really hot. Didn't want to burn my shop down. 100w bulbs are cheap now will just buy a supply

 
James..................

[Pat B]

The nice thing about light bulbs is they are relatively safe to use in this application but also their heat isn't concentrated like a spot light or heat lamp would be. I use 100w, 150w and 200w bulbs in my hot box, depending on the heat range and application.
  A few days ago someone posted a pic on Pow Wow(I think)of old archery stuff they found or were given. In the group of stuff was a heating coil on a screw type lamp base. I was guessing that was for a hot box or similar application. I wonder if those things are still around.
  Years ago I took a bow building class from Vinson Minor. I was surprised to see that his hot box was a simple elongated plywood box(nothing special) and the heat source was a small portable electric space heater sitting on the floor outside of the hotbox and blowing into and through it. We cured out quite a few bows that weekend using this simple hot box. We were using Urac for the glue ups.

[jess stuart]

That is good news indeed.  I have thought I might be forced to go the heat tape method.  I wasn't looking forward to changing.  I have alwasy had good luck with light bulbs.

[Sixby]

I have burned up three sets of heat tapes already. At the prices Binghams gets for these things that is a lot of money. I end up using my hot box as much as the tapes because I am always waiting on new tapes. I follow all the instructions too. Also I usually cook at 160 degrees which is not too hot. They just seem to short out inside and burn a little spot. Then they quit working.

God bless you all, steve

[frank bullitt]

Pat B, I didn't see the post you mention about the old archery stuff. But, from what you describe, the light bulb socket with coil of wire, is probably from an ole feather burner!

I have an older gentleman, locally, who shoots Hill bows and builds his own arrows. He has one!

The base is ceramic, with a coil of wire that acts as the resistor. It's pretty neat!

I also wondered about the bulb issue. Alot of applications for them.

No more "Easy Bake Oven"?  

[Walt Francis]

Another alternative is to steal, um I mean borrow, your wife’s hair dryer.  It circulates the heat, will get the box very warm, and you can use a thermostat to regulate the temperature.

[ChristopherO]

Walt, living in Montana your hot box must be in a heated room for the hairdryer to work.  My box is well insulated but in an unheated detached garage.  What takes 4 100w bulbs in the summer takes 4 200w bulbs this time of year to get the heat where it needs to be!
The tub of ash water and deer hide has been frozen for over a month now out there.  One of these days I am going to finish installing the chimney pipe for the barrel stove.  Seems I get distracted from completing that job when it is warm out.  Sure would make building bows more comfortable.  Last night my feet were frozen from the few hours I was out there.

[Toymaker]

Shhhh....
I have a case and a half of 130 watt bulbs. They were throwing them out at work a couple of years ago.
I don't want the light bulb police showing up at my door.. :p

[ozzyshane]

I herd that paint striper heat guns are great Thanks Shane

[Gundog68]

I have used a paint striper heat gun for this. Run an aluminum flex tube with holes through the box.
But it is loud and at the point where the heat gun is going in the tube/pipe, the wood has burned a little. The heat gun has a hight temperature. It is controlled by a thermostat but runs for 8 minutes, pauses for 3, runs for.. to get around 80°C.
Light bulbs are a lot of better/saver/less noise...