Termostat for hot box

[hunting badger]

I've been using a Bingham thermostat for years in my hot bow but need to replace it. What kind of thermostat do you guys use? I would like to buy something local, like a t Lowes of a electrical supply house so I can get my hot box up and running again in short order.

[Flem]

Can't tell you where to buy one, but you can scavenge one from a baseboard heater. They have a auto cut-off, usually at 160-180deg.

[Crooked Stic]

Google Grainger. Search snap disc. Find the degrees you want. Gonna be a bunch cheaper. When temp is reached its like a switch and shuts off electric then cools and re connects.

[milehi101]

Check at your appliance parts house I have used Dryer thermostats for years.  You can get about any temp that you want just ask them to order it if they dont have it in stock

[hunting badger]

Thanks for the input guys!

[goobersan]

snap discs are cheapest but a digital control will give you more precise and adjustable temps. the temp sensors are replaceable as well  :thumbsup:l

update: I did a quick search on a---on and found 30 bucks will get a nice controller

[Crooked Stic]

The fact of the matter is if you use Smooth on you dont even really need heat as long as you got time to wait. Heat is for the faster cure. Just do get it too hot.

[stickmonkey]

The fact of the matter is if you use Smooth on you dont even really need heat as long as you got time to wait. Heat is for the faster cure. Just do get it too hot.

 What Stic said is what I do most times now but I have been using the same Thermostat I purchased from binghams in 93 till current. Nothing wrong with it at all. I have used heat strips and heat tape, several different hot boxes but as I said now I just mix it, set it and forget it for 12 - 36hrs which matches up with my shift at the fire station.

[skeaterbait]

I use an Inkbird temp controller. It's plug and play and very easy to set. This lets me do different temps for different things. With 4 - 200w bulbs I can even get 190° for curing resin to stabilize wood. This keeps it out of the kitchen oven and me out of hot water. You can get them from Amazonia, Fleabay or most home brew supply sites.

http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc308.html

[hunting badger]

Thanks skeaterbait!!

[Forwardhandle]

Thanks for posting that Lonnie I just ordered one for my make shift hot box , can you use both plug ins for heat or is the one dedicated for refrigerant use ?

[skeaterbait]

It’s designed for brewing, to activate heat or cooling as needed so it will only power one plug or the other.

[Shredd]

I use an Inkbird temp controller. It's plug and play and very easy to set. This lets me do different temps for different things. With 4 - 200w bulbs I can even get 190° for curing resin to stabilize wood. This keeps it out of the kitchen oven and me out of hot water. You can get them from Amazonia, Fleabay or most home brew supply sites.

http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc308.html

   Hellll Yeah Bro...  Might have to get me one...  Thanks...   

[Forwardhandle]

Ok Im only going to power my Good Will store electric blanket tent & 2 Harbor Frieght clip on lamps with 200 watt bulbs I can go to 200 deg with that set up & folded it up and put it in the closet when done 😃

[Flem]

I was happy with my free thermostat, until I started reading about digital controllers!
Now I have a Inkbird PID controller on the way. I really like the idea of being able to dial in the exact temperature for cooking a specific epoxy.

[Forwardhandle]

Got my Inkbird looks like it would be pretty easy to rewire the cooling side of the plug in so both can be used as hot , but would void the waranty !

[Crooked Stic]

That thing have a timer also or just temp control?

[skeaterbait]

I believe it's just temp control but I am not that great at reading instructions.

[Forwardhandle]

I look threw them this morning I didnt see any timer setting but the manual is in micro print Im saving my tired eye's ...lol for the riser Im working on I will read them tonight and let you know ! Looks easey enough to set up.

[Forwardhandle]

I read the micro manual no timer but I'm wondering if you can't set the refrigeration part up to run at the same time for heat with out rewiring  the plug ,but you can run 1200 watts off of the heat side with a splinter same difference I guess .