lyle2231
Well-Known Member
ThanksBallistic Recreations.
ThanksBallistic Recreations.
I noticed the temp swing and will try the dimmer. Thanks for sharing the idea !Lee melting pot doesn't control the temp very well, it allows temp swings over a pretty wide range, so I left the melting pot thermostat on high. I plugged the pot into a lamp dimmer (rheostat) and made a mark on it when I found just the right temp (I use 500 degrees C), and that holds a pretty consistent temp.
Wedgy is right about the heat and burn risk, except it'd be pretty hard to burn yourself with this annealing process if you exercise normal caution. No one should be reluctant to use the salt bath method. I use it and it's simple & effective. One suggestion - the temp controller built into the Lee melting pot doesn't control the temp very well, it allows temp swings over a pretty wide range, so I left the melting pot thermostat on high. I plugged the pot into a lamp dimmer (rheostat) and made a mark on it when I found just the right temp (I use 500 degrees C), and that holds a pretty consistent temp.
Here's my PID controlled setup.Or you could just build yourself a PID controller for about $100.
This thread should be over right there, that is a generous offer !If yer talking only a couple hundred cases, I am willing to run them on my AMP if you cover the shipping costs.
CAUTION: a lamp dimmer may not be rated for the wattage this heating element draws. You could be risking an electrical overheat condition and resulting fire. Check the power requirements and capabilities of all the components.Wedgy is right about the heat and burn risk, except it'd be pretty hard to burn yourself with this annealing process if you exercise normal caution. No one should be reluctant to use the salt bath method. I use it and it's simple & effective. One suggestion - the temp controller built into the Lee melting pot doesn't control the temp very well, it allows temp swings over a pretty wide range, so I left the melting pot thermostat on high. I plugged the pot into a lamp dimmer (rheostat) and made a mark on it when I found just the right temp (I use 500 degrees C), and that holds a pretty consistent temp.
One item to consider to reduce the weight is to short shank the barrel, if set backs aren't a concern.
Here's my PID controlled setup.
Controller, relay, and hardware around $65, $120 total investment, including the Lee pot and salt.
Still working well a year and a few thousand anneals later. My pot is a corroded mess, but it still works fine.
Anyone making the PID controllers already built for sale for this setup?Here's my PID controlled setup.
Controller, relay, and hardware around $65, $120 total investment, including the Lee pot and salt.
Still working well a year and a few thousand anneals later. My pot is a corroded mess, but it still works fine.
I just actually found a friend locally has an annealing machine, so Im going to take them there and aneal them. Very nice of you to offer. Thanks.If yer talking only a couple hundred cases, I am willing to run them on my AMP if you cover the shipping costs.
I didn't see any when I was researching my setup. Not hard to put together if you have some basic wiring knowledge. Absolutely go with the solid state relay for longevity.Anyone making the PID controllers already built for sale for this setup?