Thermocouple for Forge

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kdnolin

Joined
Jan 16, 2017
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332
I am building a forge and would like to put a thermocouple in it. It will be used for primarily for forging carbon steel, damascus and san mai. I have no idea what I need, where to get it or how much they cost.
 

There’s links in the video description.

Keep in mind, this is setup for monitoring temps, not controlling them.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Dan, I didn't know HTT&R carried TC's and such?

kdnolan,
You need a:
8 or 10 gauge type K thermocouple
Ceramic sheath to put the TC in
Something to read the output of the TC - usually a simple PID

This TC kit will have all the TC hardware:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Tempe...926894&hash=item1c98dcc849:g:YMAAAOSwI-BWLnxj

This read the temperature (save tghe SSR and parts for future PID control):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PID-REX-C100-Temperature-Controller-SSR-40DA-K-Thermocouple-Heat-Sink-Kit-USA/124332230550?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item1cf2c74796:g:Y1wAAOSwiKpfSNcz&amdata=enc:AQAFAAACYBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkp2NA0WuhQytmt4dbStg00F8bIDZPibHv5FFpEF6eaZGrH0VjMnhv97e1qbp%2FbptV%2Bu0ngjJsPkkErH6psrHgY0KjXjQxKwJDwVt%2BedRHWIgKCeK8anfsfXzY24vojrPVtRSmHKjGXpuoiAVyXRY%2FmN%2FTq%2BnaaTh%2FVM%2BSkOLusPoxaHX9zRENvg1bWjM8V1rSP3J1vmjNtNeNF68cQ5hZLUuD7pFHu6o0t%2BCVxdai2%2BuxQYN3phiFfJ%2BlxlBzFG0kcU1tNM0ng%2BHnPAq9wHcNLPb6dsnl5flR0W2jUqGrDsjE4H3GICeIB3%2BpQZxoWDdp6DxBPRBGX7phArsSFJgHpwxMRgCYpzdzo%2BOYUKoVmrngYcNxdoEQCdeSYNf98vJJ5kPZn%2FqhJiiwDGMuZPrFYZRV%2FWcmYrfOkr7NeyguI4kyvW4fjdDOLhFz5AYT5hHEK7lP0t6SJDX5iB3gzwIsg6uBIPj7Lr%2FpU6oJbRqSRf2P3gny4HBGMvyg15qcFZN2Hu9TlE%2F5qtbBcX2xtwpaJO07XuYf74Yvo5R%2BXny8lLxAnjx7SBmIUNC0nl%2F84X004Fh4fGhemBtWzY%2BXcLKADTjLttw%2BZIZG4hRtbJvYICQSVJE9jiKRGD%2BbST5gi5dHNDBT58u3JmbjmjhYbMQmpRZx%2FTj9w5lIMZMJknP8V9sGxR5%2F4TE97XV%2Bxc39JD2asqvjhfD%2FvKdwbYkzMdRvlnIxCH1Nw0nH4hubQR88wZQy6972hvzguW0fM7IJ3jYm|cksum:124332230550a18d76da11684b5c862440a8c8951c66|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524
Click to expand...

Was thinking more about refractory and such.
 
Got it. I agree that HTT&R is a great source for forge building and all hot stuff.
 
I’ve been to Wayne’s site a few times and haven’t seen thermocouples/pyrometers.
Am I missing them ?


Edit : I typed in my question then didn’t actually post it for an hour and it was answered in the lapsed time.
 
The one linked to in the video https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJ0VUBG/ is a good TC, but won't hold up to being in forge all the time. You can put in forge, check temp, then remove and get decent life from it. I've purchased 3 of them over the years. As Stacy says, get the #8 wire TC with a ceramic sheath for protection if you wish to monitor temp full time.
 
Thank you Gents, solid advice as usual! Ordered from Amazon, it will be here before the forge is built. I don't have all the parts yet, but I am finding all the refractory components in Edmonton and I go there once or twice a week for work related supplies.
 
The thing to remember is the the TC is polarized. It makes a difference which lead goes where. Any wire used also has to be type K TC wire. It is also polarized.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Dan, I didn't know HTT&R carried TC's and such?

kdnolan,
You need a:
8 or 10 gauge type K thermocouple
Ceramic sheath to put the TC in
Something to read the output of the TC - usually a simple PID

This TC kit will have all the TC hardware:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Tempe...926894&hash=item1c98dcc849:g:YMAAAOSwI-BWLnxj

This read the temperature (save tghe SSR and parts for future PID control):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PID-REX-C100-Temperature-Controller-SSR-40DA-K-Thermocouple-Heat-Sink-Kit-USA/124332230550?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item1cf2c74796:g:Y1wAAOSwiKpfSNcz&amdata=enc:AQAFAAACYBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkp2NA0WuhQytmt4dbStg00F8bIDZPibHv5FFpEF6eaZGrH0VjMnhv97e1qbp%2FbptV%2Bu0ngjJsPkkErH6psrHgY0KjXjQxKwJDwVt%2BedRHWIgKCeK8anfsfXzY24vojrPVtRSmHKjGXpuoiAVyXRY%2FmN%2FTq%2BnaaTh%2FVM%2BSkOLusPoxaHX9zRENvg1bWjM8V1rSP3J1vmjNtNeNF68cQ5hZLUuD7pFHu6o0t%2BCVxdai2%2BuxQYN3phiFfJ%2BlxlBzFG0kcU1tNM0ng%2BHnPAq9wHcNLPb6dsnl5flR0W2jUqGrDsjE4H3GICeIB3%2BpQZxoWDdp6DxBPRBGX7phArsSFJgHpwxMRgCYpzdzo%2BOYUKoVmrngYcNxdoEQCdeSYNf98vJJ5kPZn%2FqhJiiwDGMuZPrFYZRV%2FWcmYrfOkr7NeyguI4kyvW4fjdDOLhFz5AYT5hHEK7lP0t6SJDX5iB3gzwIsg6uBIPj7Lr%2FpU6oJbRqSRf2P3gny4HBGMvyg15qcFZN2Hu9TlE%2F5qtbBcX2xtwpaJO07XuYf74Yvo5R%2BXny8lLxAnjx7SBmIUNC0nl%2F84X004Fh4fGhemBtWzY%2BXcLKADTjLttw%2BZIZG4hRtbJvYICQSVJE9jiKRGD%2BbST5gi5dHNDBT58u3JmbjmjhYbMQmpRZx%2FTj9w5lIMZMJknP8V9sGxR5%2F4TE97XV%2Bxc39JD2asqvjhfD%2FvKdwbYkzMdRvlnIxCH1Nw0nH4hubQR88wZQy6972hvzguW0fM7IJ3jYm|cksum:124332230550a18d76da11684b5c862440a8c8951c66|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524
Click to expand...
Hey Stacy, I know this is an old thread, but I’m looking for a replacement TC as the wires on mine burnt up over time. I’m struggling to find exactly what to look for and the link you posted is no longer available unfortunately. If you could help me out it would be much appreciated!
 
I'm not Stacy, but if for an oven you might try this item in ebay, just do a search on item #314153500374 and it should pop up for you.

OR, perhaps even better go to auber instrument, paste item #TC-K-KLNSHl (just the item number) for a solid ceramic sheath and TC.
 
Last edited:
Ken H> said:
I'm not Stacy, but if for an oven you might try this item in ebay, just do a search on item #314153500374 and it should pop up for you.

OR, perhaps even better go to auberins instrument, paste item #TC-K-KLNSHl (just the item number) for a solid ceramic sheath and TC.
Click to expand...
Ah sorry I forgot to point out it is for a forge, would either of these be decent options?
 
Either will work for a forge, but the Auber Instruments until with the solid ceramic sheath will be a good bit better. A forge can get so hot even the solid ceramic sheath needs to be kept out of direct flame. Best to have just the tip sticking thru, and even perhaps sliding tip back some once the forge is stabilized at a temp for a longer lasting ceramic sheath. A quote from the Auber's page: "this product can handle very high temperature (up to 2700F) but it cannot touch the flame directly"

Also note that link is for the sheath only and does NOT include the TC. The TC is Auber's # TC-K-KLN for the TC. This TC does have a ceramic covering, but not the solid sheath needed for a forge.
 
Last edited:
Ken H> said:
Either will work for a forge, but the Auber Instruments until with the solid ceramic sheath will be a good bit better. A forge can get so hot even the solid ceramic sheath needs to be kept out of direct flame. Best to have just the tip sticking thru, and even perhaps sliding tip back some once the forge is stabilized at a temp for a longer lasting ceramic sheath. A quote from the Auber's page: "this product can handle very high temperature (up to 2700F) but it cannot touch the flame directly"

Also note that link is for the sheath only and does NOT include the TC. The TC is Auber's # TC-K-KLN for the TC. This TC does have a ceramic covering, but not the solid sheath needed for a forge.
Click to expand...
Would you suggest 6” or 12”? Is there any negative to getting the king option? Thanks for all the help
 
I have a cheap eBay thermocouple with a segmented ceramic sheath. Most of the ceramic segments are broken, with several broken off completely. This is just from sitting in my little two-brick forge. How important is the ceramic sheathing?
 
I would tend to go with the 12" option to keep the wiring more distance away from the forge. 6" will work, and might be plenty. Wait, are you talking about the solid sheath as 6" or 12"? 6" should be plenty as the TC can stick out as far as you wish.

On the segmented ceramic sheath - it will work, but doesn't provide as much protection for the TC wire itself, but when using the #8 wire it's pretty sturdy. AND - "IF" you slide the TC back out of the forge after forge temp has stabilized it will last a long time I'd think. Now, with a 2 brick forge, I don't have a clue about those - does it have a regular burner? OR, is it using a propane torch?
 
Ken H> said:
I would tend to go with the 12" option to keep the wiring more distance away from the forge. 6" will work, and might be plenty. Wait, are you talking about the solid sheath as 6" or 12"? 6" should be plenty as the TC can stick out as far as you wish.

On the segmented ceramic sheath - it will work, but doesn't provide as much protection for the TC wire itself, but when using the #8 wire it's pretty sturdy. AND - "IF" you slide the TC back out of the forge after forge temp has stabilized it will last a long time I'd think. Now, with a 2 brick forge, I don't have a clue about those - does it have a regular burner? OR, is it using a propane torch?
Click to expand...
There appears to be no price difference whether is 12” or 6” for both the tc and the sheath on the website you suggested so I suppose I’ll go with 12” thanks!
 
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