Has anyone tried the KnifeDogs HT Oven?

Matt Markell

Matt Markell

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May 12, 2012
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I have seen this at USAKnifeMaker.com for a while now and am getting to the point where I would like to have my own HT setup. Mostly I would be doing simpler steels, the oil quenched steels and maybe things like A2. I have no problem with spending more money to get a better setup but I'm wondering if this would make a good starter oven that could be used as a tempering oven if I ever bought a bigger PID controlled oven.

What are your thoughts?

Link to the oven: https://usaknifemaker.com/kinfedogs-oven.html
 
I have not used this Oven but I do have a oven without a digital control. While it's great at first when you don't have your own oven to just have one. I think if you can afford to get a digital programmable just do it now. I didn't spend a lot for my oven so it's no big deal but I am going to get a digital very soon.
 
I'm sure its a fine oven, but having the programmable controller is what makes an electric kiln really useful. The one I have has four programs, each one capable of set point, heating rate, time at temp and shut down. I do a lot of my heat cycling at night by setting it up and turning it on when leaving the shop in the evening.
 
That is a standard analog oven, and looks well built.

There is good news for making it programmable later on.

You can build a controller box and just plug the oven into the box (See the PID toaster oven plans in the stickies). You can use the standard simple PID controller and set it for a single temperature and it will hold at that temp. This is easily done for about $100, and will be fine for most basic HT regimens.

For a few more dollars, you can use a multi-program PID that has steps ( Ramp/Soak) and make the oven work like a full function HT oven.

The other option would be to keep an eye on ebay and other places for a Set Pro, Rampmaster, or similar controller someone is selling for a low price.
 
Great input everyone, thank you.

Stacy, that's great, I had no idea it was that easy to put an aftermarket controller on there.
 
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