Hot Box vs Heat tape

[coachA]

I am wondering what the difference is between a hot box and the heat tape? I have seen several Bowyers use both. I am just wondering if one is better than the other? If you can, tell me that pros and cons of both. Thanks for any Info.

[Trux Turning]

One big difference is the cure time in the form- heat tapes are quicker. Some others would be space- heat tapes don't take up alot of space. A hot box can accommodate various types and lengths of bows depending on how large you build it- heat tapes are not as versatile. Cost can be a factor also- the cost of one hot box is less than one set of heat tapes. Add duriability- you have to take more care with heat tapes. There are probably more but this is a start.

[Roy from Pa]

A hot box will serve multiple purposes. A heat tape is just a one bow thing.

 

[goobersan]

Like Roy said, a hot box is multi-purpose. I thought the heat tapes were way too expensive. And you can ferment your homebrew in a hot box, too    

[Roy from Pa]

And you can ferment your homebrew in a hot box, too        

Dear Josh, I like your profile.. Can you make Old Style? We gotta talk, son:)

[7 Lakes]

We need further instructions on fermenting the homebrew.

I like the heat strips but they are one more step in laying up a bow that you must pay attention to.

[Roy from Pa]

To be honest coachA, I have never used a heat strip. So I can't really attest to their effectiveness.

[JamesV]

I have read several threads that heat strips are not very cost effictive, they are subject to blow anytime. 100 watt light bulbs are more dependable for my opperation.

[Buemaker]

[2treks]

A box will always be handy to have in a bow shop.
They are cheaper to obtain than a set of heat strips no doubt.
However,
If space,time, or physical strength are in need of special attention, the strips can't be beat IMO.
They can and do go bad. I have never had a set go out and I still use the first pair I ever bought over 10yrs ago. I tried to cut one one in half but it is still going strong. I have had some customers damage them, but that was not the fault of the strip.
The new ones that I use are thicker than old style by about 50% and should prove to be tuffer in the long run.
I also feel the strips do  better job than a hot-box but have no way to qualify that. I do think that strips will be easier on your form as well, as you are only putting heat to the bow and not the entire form.
Just my thought after using both for a number of years now and many bows have been made from both strips and hot box.

 I will have to give some thought as to how I could ferment homebrew.

CTT

[wood carver 2]

"I will have to give some thought as to how I could ferment homebrew."
Just wrap the heat strips around a barrel.    
Dave.

[Thadbow]

Time!  When I was looking at the pros and cons of heat strips the big thing for me was curing a bow in an hour!  With work and all the events that my kids are in, I do not have much of that time stuff.  With that being said,  I could cut out my risers with a coping saw but I prefer to use my band saw.    
They both will do the job, its just what you like!

[Dmaxshawn]

I have both an oven and heat strips.   TIME like Thadbow said is biggest thing that sold me on them.

[eflanders]

When you consider the cost factor of the tapes vs. a hot box, are you guys calculating the cost of insulation, wood, light sockets, thermostat, etc.?  

A hot box is more versatile without question, but beside drying wood, curing homebrew and curing epoxy, what else is there?

[Roy from Pa]

Starting your plants from seeds in the spring:)

[goobersan]

drying your hunting boots, hiding your cash from the wife, hiding from your wife ( mine is 7'4" on the inside)......the list could go on and on      
but as far as the fermenting.... I have a more stable environment in the box and can raise/lower temperature to help "clean" my beer.
sorry Roy, only good beers made here  

[goobersan]

Coach,sounds like it's a personal preference thing. hopefully all of this input has helped you.

[Roy from Pa]

That's ok Josh, only good seeds started here too:)

[goobersan]

yer allright Roy

[Roy from Pa]

Thanks Josh.

CoachA

In my opinion, there hain't nutten better than a hot box.