bow oven

[ghost rob]

I want to build a bow oven for take-down bows. It'll be 24"x48"x12". How many bulbs do I need and what wattage should they be? Thanks, Rob

[Apex Predator]

Depends on a lot of factors like ambient temp of the room (big one) and how well your box is insulated.  I would guess between 200-300 watts.  The easiest thing to do is go overboard on the wattage and just use a thermostat that opens, thereby turning off the lights if it gets too hot.

[Pat B]

My full size hot box(Bingham's design) uses four 100w bulbs. I have a Bingham's thermostat that goes to 168deg(F). I can use one 100w bulb and reach temps around 100deg(F) or a little less, which is good for drying and maintaining proper M/C in staves and selfbows. My box is insulated with 1/2" foil backed foam board.
  On that small of a box you will probably have to experiment a bit to see what works best for you. I think I would start with one 200 w bulb first and see what temp the box will reach and adjust from there.
   If you plan to build other bows maybe a full size box is in order instead on one only good for just limbs.

[Dick in Seattle]

I built to basically the Bingham design, but insulated well, and found that three 200 watt bulbs kept it at 190 (too high), threee 150's at 165 and three 100's at 145.    I never bothered installing the thermostat.   I just change the bulbs for the temp I want.    These are the clear bulbs... hotter than the normal "cool whites" you buy for home use.

I'm guessing that if you build your size box with two sockets and good insulation you'd be fine

[ghost rob]

Thanks guys