Oven Questions

[TIC1]

I have been reading for a while and there is alot of info on here. I am looking to build an oven that is 4ft wide x 4ft high x 6ft deep. I am new at this and am looking for a little guidance. I plan on using electric heat. I am wondering on element placement and if I need a fan, where to put it.

Thanks
Pete

[JTW37]

Welcome to the forum.

You can find about anything your looking for through the search. But, to answer your questions, placement is up to you. But you will find most put the elements around the bottom sides of the oven against the walls, upright (on end). Some have run them up the back center. So, it's what ever you decide to do.

As for the fan. You don't have to have a fan, but it will help make your oven temps more even throughout the oven. Otherwise you could and will wind up with cold spots. As for placement, it again is your call. You don't want it to be pushing to much air, as it could blow your power off. Some have used a convection oven fan for this, but there are other choices out there as well.

I've seen some at the bottom on both sides and the back wall. Some, including mine, at the top, pulling hot air from the top and pushing down a vent/pipe to come in toward the bottom. Basically you want to try to eliminate the temp differences in the oven.

Look at pcer's post, as I left him some info you will want as you go.
Good luck and enjoy you journey.

[TIC1]

Thanks for the info. I will be doing some more reading. There is tons of info here. Alot to absorb. Again thanks so much.

Pete

[holeshot87]

if u need elements and a fan i have them. i was going to use them to heat my oven but i went with propane heat.

[TIC1]

Thanks for the offer. I have not decided how I want to heat my oven yet. I have to read a few more posts and see.
Pete

[TIC1]

I plan to build a 4x4x4 oven. Do I need to vent it and if so how would I go about doing it. Also would 2 3000 watt elements mounted in the bottom be enough. Thanks in Advance.


Pete

[pcer]

yea you should probally vent it just run a 1/2 copper pipe out the top of the side. 2 should be plenty as long as you have enough amps to push them.

[JTW37]

I read back over your post and realized that your building your oven laying down instead of up right. What's your idea behind that? What do you figure you will be coating?

As for placement of the elements in that configuration, I would plan on them in the bottom. I all depends where your putting your door, top or front.

You can find out what BTU's you will produce by looking on this web site ( http://www.heatershop.com/btu_calculator.htm ). It will ask you for "Fahrenheit temperature increase" I put in 400 and then put in your oven size and total watts. It will tell you roughly what the BTU will be.

Have a peek at mine. I used what I had laying around for the frame 2X2 square tube. Tried to make it as versatile as I could, 3X3X6. Should have built it 4X4 instead. http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...20Coat%20Oven/

[TIC1]

I changed the size to 4x4x4. I think the 6 ft is a little big for now. Maybe later tho. Your oven is looking good.I want to get started on mine asap. Should I need a fan??

Thanks
Pete

[baz]

i think 2 elemets will work but it will take longer to get to temp , if you intend on doing thick (dense) metals it will be even worse . if your power supply can handle it you should put more elements in and a fan is not a must but it will help to get rid of cold spots in there