Fudd..... welcome to the boards.
As for ovens and sizes and elements,etc. Every flavor in the world is out there with more than quite a few schools of thought on the process. This seems to be a constant topic fo discussion with no right or wrong asnwers (where to place elements, how big an oven should I have,etc). One sees a myriad of answers posted because in essence, they are all correct in one way or another. The oven used for the hobbyist who finishes fly-fishing equipment will no doubt, be different from one that enjoys the hobby of coating motorcycle frames. Now should it be. If your needs meet or exceed 1500W elements and your parts are large, might I suggest an IR system perhaps? Caswell has a fantastic offering of equipment in this area for you to choose from. Are they good for EVERYHTING to be coated? I have to honestly say no.... but then again, a chamber type oven (the kind that you are referring to) isn't good for everything either. IR is good for a lot, if not most things and has it's advantages to whereas chambers also have thier strong points.
I'd seriously consider where you are going to be a hobbyist a couple of years from now (this goes for all of you) and see what your needs will be at that point. After all..... you don't buy a computer that "just gets the job done" in today's world, do you? I should hope not. You bite the bullet and pay for the good model that's going to last you for some time to come with no further outlay. The very same principal can be held in the powder coating world. If you see yourself using a lot of matte black, why order just the one pound from Caswell? Get a larger quantity and not only save in the long-run.... but make sure your needs are met in the future when you call for it. They are nothing more than "tools" that you should rely on. A toll to ensure you get the best product available to suit your needs in a finish. Powder, application gun and oven... they are nothing more than "tools". I've learned long ago to ally yourself with the best you can afford at the time as when you least expect it, the cheaply made tools (and companies.... no jab intended to the competition) will always let you down. This is why Caswell excels at it's business. Ask Dale how he was treated by Caswell when he was in a pinch. Caswell Inc is another "tool" for him to rely upon to get the job done right the first time. Your oven is no different. Figure out your needs and growth potential (all of you!) and write down what it should consist of. THEN you will actually have a blueprint of the direction you will need to take in assembling your equipment. I think you'll be quite surprised how often you all answer your own questions on this subject. Give it a shot and post it here with what you've come up with. I'd be interested in hearing how the needs vary from your original questions...... Russ
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