thermocouple

[rlinger]

Has anyone out there built a forge/oven using a thermocouple as a temperature sensing source? Also, what maximum temperatures can be achieved using propane to fuel a small forge, such as the 'one brick forge' I saw described on this forum?

Thanks;

 

[Bruce Bump]

Rlinger, I use a digital readout and a thermocouple on my 3 burner forge. The forge tops out at 2400 degrees. 2300 makes a nice welding heat. I have no experience with the small one brick forge. I have often thought about a very small simple forge just for heat-treating. It can be adjusted to 1500 (non-magnetic)for and accurate heat for quenching.

 

[C L Wilkins]

A TYPE K thermocouple works well for our application. Its max range is 2400 degrees. It you do decide to use one, try to find a thermowell for it or make you own by using a blinded off piece of 3/4 ~ 1 inch pipe.

C Wilkins

 

[rlinger]

Yes, I have some experience with them because of my electronics background. In searching thermocouple data I found that the type-K would be the one I should choose. I am lacking though in pyro work and have no valuable experience yet in heat treating metals.

I am guessing that by 'thermowell' you mean a probe of some sort for the thermocouple junction which would reside within the oven???

I am still looking for some ideas about how hot I can get a small oven using a propane fuel. Any ideas? Bruce mentioned his oven has three burners but I don't know what fuels them.

Thanks a bunch to both of ya