24 vs. 18 inches (oven)

Burchtree

Burchtree

KnifeMaker & Moderator
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I was wondering about electrical and time on this -- Sooner or later I'm going to want to do some really large blades and am debating a 24-inch model. The bulk of my stuff will be much smaller, so I will I be wasting my money on a large unit right now, or does the extra volume not mean that much in time and electricity?
 
I have an Evenheat 22.5" model and it heats up surprizingly fast. It is a 220 v and that makes a big difference. Once it gets up to heat it cycles on and off to maintain the temp but all ovens do that. I wouldnt think there would be much difference as far as operating expense between the smaller oven and the 22.5" that I have. It is 3600 watts and the smaller one are 2800(?) I think.
 
Larger oven will be slower. Not a big deal for 01/carbon,
not so good for air-hardening type (440/154/34/S*).

With AH steel you want to go from pre-heat @ 1450F to 1900F fast,
not in 30mins - above 1500F you'd be cooking carbon out of steel
and you want to minimize that, even with foil wrap.


My home made oven, 240V variety, draws 20Amp, is 4x4.5x19"
and is plenty fast.

Something like 8x8x24 would be definetely too slow, unless
you go to 30A @240V.

See if they can test fire it for you
 
Original cost difference between the 18 and 22.5 is only about $50. Not an issue for most people. They heat just as fast because the 22.5 inch has 20% more power. There will be a small difference in energy cost required to heat the extra space and fire brick. I doubt you'll notice it.

The 22.5 takes up a bit extra bench depth. I had to add a piece of plywood screwed to my bench because the front legs were too close to the edge for comfort.

Rob!
 
Mete -- you out there and have anything to add?

Rob -- thanks for the info!
 
hey Burch!!! I have to add that I am in the same boat as you and have opted for the 22.5" version..............I have been saving my pennies too :) Now I have to save for the darn 220 wiring for it!!

Anyone have anyplace that shows how to wrap a blade in the foil? ;)
 
blgoode said:
hey Burch!!! I have to add that I am in the same boat as you and have opted for the 22.5" version..............I have been saving my pennies too :) Now I have to save for the darn 220 wiring for it!!

Anyone have anyplace that shows how to wrap a blade in the foil? ;)
Click to expand...

I was thinking about doing a show and tell. Maybe I will.
 
Maybe you HAVE to now :) Nahh..............but come on MAN! Pretty please ..he he

That really would help loads My friend :)
I havent been on the forums as much...the little girl requires alot of time and every bit is worth it.

Now back to the thread :)
 
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