Heat treat oven project - discovery & planning phase

D

dmelton

Joined
Jan 2, 2001
Messages
164
So, I've decided I want to add a HT oven to my shop. After some research, I think I can build one much cheaper than buying and have a reliable, adjustable temp, programmable oven.

First of all, anyone have any good links or documentation for building one? If so, let me know, here are the main ones I'm looking at now:

http://ftpforge.chez-alice.fr/HEAT_TREATMENT_FURNACE.pdf

http://dcknives.blogspot.com/p/electric-forge.html

Second, anyone know if the following 'kit' on ebay would be appropriate for temp controlling? It looks to have most of what I need for the electronics, I'm not sure yet what it may be missing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Ramp-Soak-Temperature-Controller-Kiln-SSR-ABS-Box-Ceramic-Sensor/121087048022

So, my parts list and cost so far is:

K23 fire bricks - a doxen is around 30$ on ebay, I figure 2 dozen needed.
Angle iron to build the frame - free scrap
Heating element wire - Kanthal A1 18 AWG Wire, on ebay 250ft is 40$ which should be plenty, I'll have to make the coils myself using a drill or something, no prob
The above mentioned heating controls/electrics $130
Misc hardware, wire nuts, hinge parts for the door, sheet metal, etc. 50$ ?

What else am I missing? Any and all advice, parts lists, how-to's, links are all appreciated!

Let's build some ovens!
 
There are quite a few threads here in Shoptalk as well, and I think at least a couple of WIPs.
 
Have you looked into adapting a small ceramic kiln? Those come up a lot on Craigslist.
 
I've always used industrial standard controllers ... I suggest people do the same to get consistent good results. We use omega controllers ... They have gone through the test of time and industrial torture. Good support.

p.s I'm not saying the Chinese ones aren't good or will not do the job ,and I don't have a heat treat oven. but ... I am an instrumentation technologist and industrial electrician and have experience with automation and controls.
 
I built my oven based on your first link. I used soft bricks from a burnt out pottery kiln. I bought pre coiled elements but had to pull to length. I lucked out as the kiln I got for free was lined with 2' thick insulation on outside of soft brick. I made a box consisting of sheet metal as per plenum kit. I can hold my hand on outside of HT oven after temp of 1975 and it comes up to temp withn 35 minutes.
 
LCoop said:
I built my oven based on your first link. I used soft bricks from a burnt out pottery kiln. I bought pre coiled elements but had to pull to length. I lucked out as the kiln I got for free was lined with 2' thick insulation on outside of soft brick. I made a box consisting of sheet metal as per plenum kit. I can hold my hand on outside of HT oven after temp of 1975 and it comes up to temp withn 35 minutes.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the construction of the oven itself, bricks, coils, door, Etc I know I can do. It's the figuring out what wire goes where with all the electrical parts that I'm not confident of.
 
My all time favorite saying is " IF you want to do something you''ll find a way, if not you'll find a excuse" I couldn't justify a HT oven costing $1100 plus shipping. I could justify building one for $150. It took a lot of work planning, thinking, scrunching, googling! But I ended up with a HT oven that is comparable to if not better than what's out there plus I know how it works or if it doesn't work I KNOW how to fix. Jerid's thread is awesome. Study it to a T. If nothing else build one same size as already manufactured and buy parts. BUT it can be done a lot less than that
 
LCoop said:
My all time favorite saying is " IF you want to do something you''ll find a way, if not you'll find a excuse" I couldn't justify a HT oven costing $1100 plus shipping. I could justify building one for $150. It took a lot of work planning, thinking, scrunching, googling! But I ended up with a HT oven that is comparable to if not better than what's out there plus I know how it works or if it doesn't work I KNOW how to fix. Jerid's thread is awesome. Study it to a T. If nothing else build one same size as already manufactured and buy parts. BUT it can be done a lot less than that
Click to expand...

No doubt. The idea of building one to spec and using replacement coils appeals to me. I'm sure if I get all the electric parts together, I can work out a way to get them wired. Or hire someone who can. ;) Thanks
 
What parts aren't you confident wiring? The controller , the coils? Lots of people here would be more then willing to help ya out. Any electrical questions you have don't be shy to ask away I'll try my best.
 
grumpy_grinder said:
What parts aren't you confident wiring? The controller , the coils? Lots of people here would be more then willing to help ya out. Any electrical questions you have don't be shy to ask away I'll try my best.
Click to expand...

Primarily the relay, the on off switches, door switch, etc. I think I'm going to tackle it, it will take me a little while to gather up all of the parts tho. I think when I do I will document where each wire goes and what exact part I'm buying, etc. I think the idea of buying replacement elements and building to match the length of a commercial oven takes a lot of the math & guesswork out of it.
 
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