kiln temp control

[LeftyRighty]

For those looking to building or upgrading their kiln-fermentor, the following is a good buy on a temperature controller. Better than water-heater-type.
http://www.climatedoctors.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=429705

 

[Jitterbugdude]

That is a really good price. You still have to wire it yourself. Very simple to do, but there are people that have a hard time when it comes to electricity.

 

[johnlee1933]

That is a really good price. You still have to wire it yourself. Very simple to do, but there are people that have a hard time when it comes to electricity.

You're right Dude. Maybe some enterprising guy would like to design and build an aftermarket box including a secondary box so that it would be "A box with a 120v cord and a receptacle." You know Plug n' play. A 4" X 8" plastic box should work just fine. You could GFI the receptacle for safety.

John

 

[LeftyRighty]

The above 'temp-control' is rated NEMA1 - rated for use in normal indoor conditions, thus the unit needs to be installed outside the kiln, with the temp probe routed to inside the kiln. And the kiln should be placed in an indoor location.

If you got to the above website, and type RANCO in the searce box, you will find other similar units. One unit, at $98+, is rated for NEMA4, exterior use - this unit could be installed inside the kiln or anywhere, and/or the kiln could be anywhere outside in ambient conditions. This unit webpage has a 'click here' for product info. You can see the installation instructions and wiring diagram - pretty simple.

 

[Jack in NB]

Hello folks -

My kiln uses a wall mounted 240 v mechanical (not digital) electric heat thermostat. At garage sales they're $5; they are accurate to 3 - 5 degrees.

Mounted inside, mine has worked for 4 years without a glitch. They fit a standard outlet box, so it's easy to add a second box with a receptacle switched by the unit.

Since the normal range is 10 to 85 degrees, they do have to be re-calibrated. The ones I've seen (White Rogers & Honeywell) have a small screw to adjust the on or off temps - I tweak them until they click off about mid-scale about 120 deg.

 

[deluxestogie]

The Ranco controls seem to be suitable for an electric-heated flue-curing chamber, though you'd have to manually increase the temperature according the the curing regimen. But this is doable over a five day cure, and doesn't have to be perfect. Although the control itself would have to remain outside the curing container, since 165ºF exceeds the working range for the box, internally mounting the probe takes care of that requirement.

Bob

 

[DrBob]

The ranco etc 111000 is the best controller I have seen for the price. It is suitable for heating or cooling -30 to 220f. easy to program and rugged to boot. It would work fine as a controller for flue curing or ferment curing also.
$50.00 is a good price for the unwired model as it is easy to wire. Expect to pay $75-$90 for the wired model if electricity isnt your bag'

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I put a Ranco on my kiln last year and love it but I will also note that there is nothing wrong with using a hot water heater thermostat like Jack in NB uses. I used one for about 8 years. The only thing I didn't like about the hot water heater thermostat is the temp fluctuated about 15 degrees. It doesn't make a difference in the fluctuating temps, I just thought I'd "upgrade" to the Ranco.

Randy B

 

[johnlee1933]

I put a Ranco on my kiln last year and love it but I will also note that there is nothing wrong with using a hot water heater thermostat like Jack in NB uses. I used one for about 8 years. The only thing I didn't like about the hot water heater thermostat is the temp fluctuated about 15 degrees. It doesn't make a difference in the fluctuating temps, I just thought I'd "upgrade" to the Ranco.

Randy B

I agree Randy. I have adopted the "crock pot" idea and now the 15 Deg. swing annoys me too. I think I'll upgrade to the Ranco too. My kiln is outdoors but close to the garage. I'll just drill a small hole in the wall for the probe and put the controller inside. I also plan to take someones suggestion and add some 2" blue foam I have around on the outside to make the kiln more heat efficient.

I guess I'm like everyone else. I wish it was bigger. It would be nice to be able to hang whole stalks.

I just ordered it from Amazon for a total of $58.89 including shipping. That's a couple of bucks cheaper.

John

 

[Chicken]

THIS IS A VERY GOOD THREAD,,,,

because ive been spinning the idea of a newer controlling device this year,,,because by the time comes for me to need a kiln this year i plan on building a fairly big one, { using the backside of a camper framed up to a huge box }

last year i used a heat lamp and a crock pot,{with no controller exept a timer } i was satisfied with the end result, but i know it could have been better,

which is what im striving for this year,,,building a kiln, that will be used for years to come,

 

[deluxestogie]

Chicken,
Sounds like you need something like this: http://homesaunakits-since1974.com/Sauna-Building-Aids/105-sauna-building-plans-designs.html

Bob

 

[Chicken]

Chicken,
Sounds like you need something like this: http://homesaunakits-since1974.com/Sauna-Building-Aids/105-sauna-building-plans-designs.html

Bob

lol,,, thats crazy,,,, i could go sit and talk to my hanging baccy,,,

nah,, my plans are 2 use 2 crock pots, and 2 heat lamps,,,maybe 4 lamps,?

but put it all on a temp controlling device,and humidity if possible { but my woman aint gonna let me spend a lot of money, i know they make these products but they are costly }

so i gotta redneck most of my '' design's'' and i must say i do a good job,<!!!!!

i dont have a electrical bone in my body,, im scared to death of it, '' i dont even wont to change a light switch''<<<<

so wiring a hot water heater thermostsatat for me would be very difficult,,,

 

[johnlee1933]

i was satisfied with the end result, but i know it could have been better,

which is what im striving for this year,,,building a kiln, that will be used for years to come,

Hey Chicken, Don't discard the idea of a dead freezer. I'm really happy with mine. They're easy to gut and cleaner than fridges. My salvage guy had a two door commercial unit (about 2' x6' x'6') for me but it was too heavy for me to handle. Yes Well, life goes on.

John