Question about my oven build

[djturbolence]

When the project first begun, I originally was going to make a smaller oven. I currently have 2 household ovens in my garage at the moment. And, I was going to strip those down to for there electronics. As usual I got carried away and now my oven frame is 6x5x5 OD. But, I am really happy with this new size. My question is are the 2 ovens I have now useless for these dimensions? I have tried my best to understand how the electronics work, but time and time again I fail. Also I will be using the oven for powdercoating and the walls will be insulated with fiberglass... I live in Hawaii so a lot of the materials are retarded expensive. I'm doing my best to keep this oven in my budget. So if i need more elements, or a controller of some sort please give me some advice. I will be moving into a industrial garage in a few months for my automotive business so electrically I imagine I should be good. I don't want to sound like a total fail but if someone could literally list the electronics I need and where to get them on the cheap that would be incredible. In the mean time I'll keep searching the forums in an effort to educate my electrical noobness.

[PRP]

Hi there.

Looks like you will have a great size oven there for powder coating.

From what i have read and heard on other forums you could spend forever and a day hunting down all the electronics etc for a new oven.

Your best bet is to contact Ted @ Teds fabrication Inc as he does the whole electronics package that you will require and great value for your money.

control panels for custom ovens

Cheers

Chris

[redsun]

for what its worth, I have a 4x4x6 id oven that has four oven elements in it and it is enough to heat it up to 500 degrees. you will just have to get creative with the controls. two elements will probably heat it up but will take forever to recoop when you open it up to put your part in. mine takes 4 to 6 minutes.

[ed_denu]

That's a fair sized oven and I would estimate that you will need around 15000 watts to get it to temp. Typical oven elements are around 3000 watts, so you can possibly salvage these from your kitchen ovens. To determine their capacity do a resistance check(ohms) and then use ohm's law calculations to determine their wattage.

Oven electronics are not that complicated. The major components are a pid controller, ssr or contactor, a thermocoupler sensor, a couple switches, indicator lights, a terminal strip and of course some wire. If you are electrically challenged, then Ted's is a good alternative as was mentioned. The problem with salvaging oven electronics is that usually their capacities are unknown but limited. Many ovens are designed to have either the bake or broil elements active at any given time, so adding elements would most likely produce an unsafe overload. IMO unless you absolutely cannot afford the cost of a pid and ssr, it's not worth attempting to salvage oven electronics.

Find a decent schematic and that may answer a lot of your electrical questions. EBAY is an obvious choice for electrical components, Auber Instruments another, or if you want to step up to something more robust look at the Watlows.

Fiberglass insulation is typically cost effective and is fine for the insulation. Do you have the sheet metal for the oven skin? Just post questions here as you go and someone will surely be able to help. Good luck with the build.

[djturbolence]

Thanks a ton so far guys, I have not purchased the sheet metal as of yet, its pretty up there on this island, so im just waiting patiently for craiglist to pay off. I've seen some ppl selling a bunch of sheet metal on there in the past. I was going to use 22-26 guage for the inside and out, i think thats what ppl are using. I guess i'll see where I'm at financially at that point and figure out what electrical route i can go. heres a pic of the frame partially assembled. Still not a 100% on how the electricals work, but if Ted sells a packaged deal i'm definately gonna check that out.

[cocacola_cowboy]

Aloha Bro just a quick question for ya what island are you on and where at I live in Kona and am working on my oven I do harley parts all small parts right now but soon to be doing frames and more hope ya find what ya need Aloha JIm

[djturbolence]

Sup brah! Naw, I'm from Oahu. But, nice meeting you here. How much did you get your sheet metal for? and what gauge did you use? Am I able to get away with 24 on the inside and maybe aluminum on the outside any help with be appreciated. Thanks

[cocacola_cowboy]

I got the sheet metal for 40 a sheet 24 guage 4X10 that was the most expensive part the rest is not to bad check with ac installers and for the electronis check with refrigration suplyers like costco suply and all the info to build is easy to find on here these guys are prety good about helping

Aloha Jim Aka
Copper JIm

[djturbolence]

I just found out I'm able to get 4x10 20g aluminum sheet metal for free as many as i need pretty much. Can i skin the outside with this or the inside, If it any is possible that would greatly reduce the price. Thanks

[djturbolence]

Does anyone know anything about using aluminum 20g sheet metal for an oven? Can i put it on the inside or the outside? Or is it useless?