oven building newb

[jazzcornet]

Fresh into the powdercoating business and we are already in the need of a much larger oven. We want to build a fairly decent size oven. 6'x6'x3'

There's just one catch, i dont have the slightest clue where to start. I know i need metal and brackets, but what kind? heating elements? wiring and/or control boxes? are heat sinks neccessary? circ fans? i pretty much just need the basics covered so i can start planning more in depth. any help you can give would be greatly appreciated

[JTW37]

Okay, with all those questions, I know your head must be reeling. The best thing to do is do searches for all of the above. There have been many ovens built through this forum and all the info (some the same, some different) is located in this forum. Read, read, search, read, search, read. When your brain is full, build, build & build some more.

All kidding aside, there are all the answers to your questions located here. Lots of different idea's to choose from. But when you run into a corner, call out. Some one will help.

20 or 22 ga metal, galvanized or regular. elements to stay within your amperage range of your wiring and breaker. One guy here builds control boxes. Also one oven was just built and documented pretty good. Plus another is just getting underway. that wood be a good place to start and maybe follow.

[Fox]

Ken makes control boxes for those that are interested.Shoot him a email and he can help you out.

Latest Oven Controller Pic

[jazzcornet]

thank you so much for your input. the only catch is, I dont know what to search for. i have some general ideas on how i want to build it, but i dont even know what is required for an oven to be functional. i have been searching almost all night and have found that some people use fans, others dont, some people use control boxes, others dont. how am i supposed to figure out what i need if many people are saying i dont need it or i do need it?

[ed_denu]

Originally Posted by jazzcornet

thank you so much for your input. the only catch is, I dont know what to search for. i have some general ideas on how i want to build it, but i dont even know what is required for an oven to be functional. i have been searching almost all night and have found that some people use fans, others dont, some people use control boxes, others dont. how am i supposed to figure out what i need if many people are saying i dont need it or i do need it?

First as JTW suggested try to determine what your oven size will need to be. That may be limited by the electrical service you have available. Then do a search on "oven build' or something similar. There are lots of pictures on how people framed their ovens and skinned them. If you have average mechanical abilities then building an oven isn't all that complicated. I would look to break the oven build into at least 3 major steps.

1. framing
2. sheet metal sheathing
3. electronics

After you have a size and general idea of framing construction you can look at the electrical needs. If you have no electrical knowledge or experience, then having the controls built for you is one option. Otherwise there are various schematics available here that you can review and learn from.

Fans, heatsinks etc. are normally required and are always useful. Many of the issues come down to time, cost and what you are willing/able to spend. Obviously it's cheaper to use thin galvanized metal versus thicker aluminum sheet. It's cheaper to build your own electronics than to pay someone else to do it. It's cheaper to use unfaced insulation versus mineral wool, etc. etc.

IMO there is no single best way to build an oven. A lot depends on your abilities and finances. Get a general idea of what you are looking to build then ask specific questions.

[jazzcornet]

thanks....i'm still reading........................................... ....