PID Controlled Gas Forge

[motivated99]

I'm in the process of planning my first forge and have decided to make it using a Hi-Low setting design. My reasoning is that I want to make things as easy as possible for myself from the get-go so I can focus on other things.

I've been pouring over everything in the stickies and have a question about this tip from Stacy:

"I'll give you one tip that may not jump to your mind if you don't do a lot of gas plumbing. The gas loop will need a hose connection at the input and output of the solenoid/needle valve loop. This loop and the needle valves can be taken care of with welding hose fittings. Get a dual hose "Y" with needle valves (to run two hoses from a tank), and a regular (no valves) "Y" from the welding supplier. Use 1/4" hose bibbs (and short pieces of hose) or pipe fittings to hook the loop together (whichever is simpler for you)."

Is this different from silver_pilate's Forge Assembly WIP and if so, what's it's purpose?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/704470-Forge-Assembly-WIP

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you look at that thread, post #15, you will see he used a flare tubing to make the connection I suggested a hose for. Flare tubing will certainly work, and will look better, but the fit will have to be EXACT. The hose is just slipped on the Bibb fittings and clamped tight. For a non-plumbing type person ( as in my note) this will be far easier than two perfectly fitted flare joints.

BTW, Nathan's forge build thread is an excellent reference. Fred Rowe and Eric Flemming also have threads with great builds of this system.

 

[motivated99]

Ahhhhhhh, I get it now. I was thinking that might be difficult.

I'm really looking forward to building this. I have inswool and satanite on the way and about to order the PID, thermocouple, thermocouple sheath and SSR.

Thanks again Stacy!