Laminating hot box heat sources..........

[LookMomNoSights]

How have you experimented with your hot box heat source?  Who has experimented with different bulbs (heat lamp bulbs, like (2) 175's with a heat deflector shield?) and such with great results.....the box getting up to temp quickly and not getting too hot? Are 4 plain ole hundred watt-ers the best recipe?

[Pat B]

K.I.S.S!  My Bingham box has 4 ceramic light sockets. 4x100w is plenty to max out the 186deg thermostat and I even unscrew 2 sometimes for lower temps, like 90deg-100deg.
 I also added 1/2" foil backed foam board to the inside to help hold the heat.
 I initially got plans for my box when I built a FG long bow(which broke before I braced it) but use it mostly for keeping bow staves dry while working them.

[milehi101]

I use 4 ceramic light sockets with 200 watt bulbs and a dryer thermostat to control the heat.  It heats up fast but shuts off and I can also use it in cooler weather.  Been using this set up for about 15 years and the only thing I have changed is an occasional light bulb.

[Jon in North Idaho]

I use heat strips now, but I drew a diagram of the box I came up with which I'll post.  I used 3 porcelain light sockets - one in the middle with a 100 watt bulb, and 2 on the ends which were 75 watts.
For takedown limbs, I used the two 75 watt bulbs only (just un-screw the 100)
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[goobersan]

I have 4-150 watt bulbs. 2 are constantly on, 2 are controlled by a johnson A419. 1/2" foil backed insulation, circulating fan. I would highly recommend the foil backed insulation. I'm sure smaller bulbs would work fine, just what I had at the time.
Currently conditioning some swill      

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[Roy from Pa]

Oh Goober-son.. LOL

Three 100 watt bulbs gets this to 160, but I only use a 75 watt to get to 90.


 

[Carpdaddy]

Four 100 watt bulbs, insulated, and a dimmer switch for when it pegs out the thermostat.
 

[Pago]

I use a space heater as shown in this thread:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=012542;p=2

[JamesV]

My hot box has a 8 bulb capacity. Usually burn 4 100 bulbs. My shop is not heated and when it gets really cold I can crank it up a bit. If I am cooking a few risers I use the wife's oven set a 170 degrees. It works great and she doesn't mind.

[goobersan]

If you click on my photo it should redirect to photobucket. There you'll see the ceramic tiles (heat shield) and fan. 101 ways to get the heat you need.