Hot Box

[Craig Ryan]

I'm setting out to build a hot box. My needs are small: one frame at a time, low space requirement. I'm thinking MDF for the structure. I'm not at all sure what to do for the heat source. I've heard people have used hair dryers and such. Also not sure how best to hang the frame in there easily. Before I begin, any words of wisdom?
Craig

[Andrew R Stewart]

The couple of baking boxes that i've used have had heating elements or hi output lights without a fan. Seems to me that a fan might require a vent that would loose heat build up or stir up dust. Andy.

[bellman]

Craig, R-max (the foil faced foam) is such a good insulator you could heat a frame sized space with a hundred watt light bulb.
How hot do you need it? is it for curing paint?

[Craig Ryan]

Yes, sorry I didn't mention it. I need it to speed time between steps while painting.

[Jonathan]

Craig, R-max (the foil faced foam) is such a good insulator you could heat a frame sized space with a hundred watt light bulb.
How hot do you need it? is it for curing paint?

Like a large easy bake oven.

[Chauncey Matthews]

Check out Rody's blog, he has a lot of good pics of his box.

[Rody]

Craig,

Call me...I've got info for you.

Edit...

Ok, done in the shop for the evening so thought I'd post this for all.

I built my bake box to expedite solvent release and final clear cure. Built out of the simplest of supplies, MDF, construction adhesive, stainless wood screws, and misc remainders of material from the scrap bucket, it is a cheap instrument for increasing the speed and quality of your finish.

The box measures 16.500" wide, 37.500" long, 50.500" high with a removable lid that can be slid to create a gap for temp control dependent on the mass being cured. A 4.500" diameter hole is in the end near the floor to allow a Masterflow stationary heat gun (Model AH-501, about 135 bucks) to provide the warm air with approx .500" circumferential air space around the discharge tube for safety.

I fabricated a head tube holder that is mounted on one end of the box that allows me to set a frame in place with no other mechanical means. Three sets of drilled holes allow rods to be placed across the top of the box, just below the lid, to hang forks or other parts from.

In the attached pic, you can see that I can load the box up, but it is a bit like playing the old game "Operation" to avoid touching pieces when wet

So, that is the basics. If you want to talk about fume off rates vs. air space/temperature vs. product mass, that is a whole 'nother dissertation

Hope this helps Craig,

rody

[Craig Ryan]

Great, thanks Rody. That's all I need to get it going.
Craig

[anthonymaietta]

I use a Pelonis electric heater to get to the requisite 140F in my hot box.

[Jonathan]

Rody,

How do you control the heat with your heater? Is the heat adjustable? I couldn't tell by the product description.

JG

[Rody]

Jonathan,

The Masteflow is a simple device; only off, air, and heat settings.

I control the internal temp by adjusting the airspace on the lid of the box, either keeping it closed to allow it to build or opening it up a bit to disapate.

With the exception of final clear, the flash times are so short I rarely have to fuss with it.

Sometimes simple is better,

rody