Reversing and Scale ???

[RobertHankins]

Two things maybe you guys can help me with before I screw things up

Will putting Inert gas into my kiln while heat treating cut down the scale?

I have a DC Variable speed disc, I know I can reverse the direction by just switching the wires.
Here is my question: Can I use one of those Reversing drum switches on this? Or can I set up a Reversing switch on the box itself?
It is a Reliance Electric DC1 VS drive controller.

 

[DC KNIVES]

Robert,can't help with the inert gas question,but as far the motor question try this.I did this on my two disc sanders.Go to your nearest electrical supply or Radio Shack and buy a switch that has 3 positions,center off,6 terminals,about 15 amps.Hook your two motor wires to the center terminals and make a couple of jumpers to go diagonallyfrom the end terminals to form an "X".Hope this helps,Dave.

 

[Bruce Evans]

I know that Alex Daniels set his electric oven up with a gas so he didn't have to use the stainless foil anymore.I am not sure about all the particulars.But I bet if you go to Don Foggs site and ask him he would know about it.
Bruce

 

[burke531]

Yes the gas will help keep the scale from forming on your blades but it will also shorten the life of your heating elements by about half. Paragon is planning an oven with a gas purge built in and also a naew element material.

 

[m l williams]

Robert, your process will work fine. BUT, most small controllers are not designed to handle inrush or regenerated currents. SO, wire it for forward,off, reverse. When reversing wait till full stop before switching to the other direction,that will save you buying a new scr pack or a new controller. mw