Clay Brick Oven and Charcoal Electric Starter ??

[DaGunster]

Hi, total newb to powder coat but I'm going to dive head first into the chilly water and see how I do. I painted two cars several years ago so hopefully some of the 'prep' work/patience will carry over. I have a nice Dewalt compressor with driers - I get good clean dry air.

My problem is I have only 120v or gas available - 220v is out of the question.

So I am seriously thinking of making an oven with 24x24x24 dimensions and using a steel plate as a door.

I'm making the thing from - clay brick- and 2 simple heating elements I found that kick out 500 watts each.

Going to use these http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003a

Using the BTU calculator, I need about 980 watts to heat the oven 300 degrees above ambient.

I can get this oven built for about $50 and may be able to crank out quite a few wheels per day - to start.

My questions are

Am I crazy?

Should I also put in some kind of fan?

If so, what type of fan and where would I get it?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[ed_denu]

Have you considered just getting an old kitchen oven and converting it to run on 120 volts? The problem with using clay bricks to build is the dust/dirt that may get into or on the part(s). Old ovens can be found for free often on craigs list and other places.

[DaGunster]

I wouldn't know how to convert from 240 to 120. But if you know of some step by step instructions somewhere - I would probably go that way.

On the clay, I was going to line it with steel first.

But ya - if you know of where instructions are - for sure!

[ed_denu]

I really don't think it would be very difficult if you could find someone who could help you with the electronics. There really wouldn't be a step by step as each oven is going to be somewhat different. Oven elements rated for 240 volts will work on 120 volts, just at a reduced wattage.