folding heat box

[lovethehunt]

The 'basement bow shop' is about to host the first build. I have had more space that a guy could ever want to build bows until a recent move. I am setting up a basement shop and trying to figure out where to keep my heat box. I am thinking of building a new one that I can take apart using foil faced foam. I am even wondering about not putting a bottom in it and just setting the whole thing on the concrete floor over my form and lamps. Has any one tried it with success? Sure would save room  when its not in service.

[1oldbowguy]

Interesting,        You done will with this question.

[Dick in Seattle]

I saw such an oven posted a year or two ago...   Guy used the blue insulating foam.  As I recall it, the sides and top were full length, but the ends were foldable in the the middle through the use of duct tape hinges. You popped the ends out and you had the frame.   Top was separate with the light board on it and bottom was two pieces of foam, one to the outside dimension and one to the inside.  You opened out the frame, fitted it onto the bottom, but the bow in, set the top on.  (Might have had a double foam layer there, too, like the bottom, for sealing) and you were in business.   When done, top and bottom off, sides folded together and put it away in the rafters or wherever.  I thought it was pretty neat and wished I had seen it before I built my big plywood one.

[Pat B]

I wouldn't go with no bottom. The concrete floor will suck up the heat and not let your box get to temp. Someone on here had a box that was on pulleys and they would hoist it to the ceiling when not in use. A foam box will only weigh a few pounds so that wouldn't be a problem.  I put coasters on one end of my box so I can stand it on end and roll it out of the way when not in use.

[Savage]

You may be able to rig a pulley system or some type of hooks to hang it. Just an idea.

[1oldbowguy]

I can see what Pat is saying about the concrete pulling a bunch of heat out.  I do like the pulley part.  I don't see how that couldn't work.  For me and the space I have it would help out lots.  Thanks to Dick and Pat and Savage for the ideas.  Great place to learn, got to love it.

[lovethehunt]

I think I may just go for it, I will take some picture as I go so every one will be able to see a compact, easily stored box. Thanks for the info on the floor absorbing the heat. My feet would be warmer though!!

This is a great family...thanks for sharing.

Todd

[vanillabear?]

[matts2]

I made this one with one sheet of 1" foil back.  Its a open bottom like you are asking about.  I have it on a table and with 3-100w bulbs, it holds 170 just fine.