Curing... slowly, very slowly

[Travst]

I have the Caswell "Pro" kit with a 1500 watt lamp for curing. I'm coating suspension parts and the lamp doesn't work very well melting the powder. I end up putting the lamp very close to the part and then moving it around, which takes forever. The max temp I've been able to record was about 220 degrees. Is there any solution other than adding lamps? Is it possible mine is defective?

[FigureLLC]

I've heard stories of people who use ovens... Just kidding with ya. If you search the threads for lamps, I think most people find them disappointing. Look on craigs list or check some local appliance shops for a free kitchen oven.

[Travst]

I think you're right. After spending my weekend moving the lamp around, I'm a bit wiser. However, some parts like my Jag cage in the rear end, aren't going to fit in the oven. I'll have to bite the bullet and use the lamp.

I did get the front crossmember and two spring housings done, and the results are satisfactory.

[mikmj]

Originally Posted by Travst

I have the Caswell "Pro" kit with a 1500 watt lamp for curing. I'm coating suspension parts and the lamp doesn't work very well melting the powder. I end up putting the lamp very close to the part and then moving it around, which takes forever. The max temp I've been able to record was about 220 degrees. Is there any solution other than adding lamps? Is it possible mine is defective?

If all you can get is 220 your powder is way under cured and will not last.....

[Travst]

That's what I figured, as my understanding is that I need to cure at a minimum of 300 deg. F. I'm going to get an old oven, and I may extend it as some of the members here have done. The most difficult part is my front axle, due to its length. I've decided to stop for now until I solve this problem. Fortunately, on old cars, there is always something else I can do.

[Harleydad]

300 will most likely not be high enough either. Most powders cure between 350 and 400, unless you go with a low cure.

[Travst]

Thanks for the input. I'm glad I came here to post when I recognized I had a problem. Does anyone have an idea for properly curing the large parts that won't fit into an oven? I'm looking into buildkng a reflector.

Update... found an oven on craigslist for $50... onward, through the fog.