Who uses a pyrometer???

[rocketmann]

I have a small homemade forge, interior is 6in x 11in x 6in tall, 3 1/2 in kaowool + ITC100. Burner is a RR type pushed by a blowdryer. It gets so bright that I can't look at it and so hot that a tomahawk head sank into the soft fire brick floor!!! Should I use a pyrometer so that I can better adjust my temp?? If so what type and were to get it?? Thanks for any input..

 

[jim moyer]

I highly recommend it and you can find one at a ceramic shop where they sell kilns. They run about 100.00 but well worth it. Mine will go up to 2500 F.

 

[Ed Fowler]

When getting started a pyrometer is very useful letting you know your temps , as you become more aware you will use it less and soon it will be only used for special projects. I have used my pyromoter once in the last 5 years, but the magnet gets used every day.

 

[John Frankl]

I use a pyrometer for just about everything. It especially helps me for working in different lighting conditions--bright of day being the most difficult.

One caveat, don't leave it in a hot forge. In my welding forge I melted an Iconel thermocouple the other day. Bummer.

John

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

Tom Ferry and Bill Cottrell have digital pyrometers on their forges. It is amazing to watch the temperature drop by 40º when someone opens a door. Or see the temperature go up 75º when it starts to rain. In both situations the color on the inside of the forge did not change.