Making a High Temperature Electric Oven for Heat Treating Steel!!

[@jimmynoname336]

Nice little oven bro ? I'm gathering my supplies trying to learn from everybody. THANKS FOR FILMING THIS!

[@janlassen6101]

Thanks for showing what electric stuff is needed to buy and where to buy it.

[@TimeSurfer206]

Stopped in to scope your design out for small scale pottery. Looks intriguing, and could even do Precious Metal smelting, easily!

[@alphabob8156]

Nice work! And nicely equipped shop - make sure you utilize it to the fullest extent!

[@mrdelete8660]

It's funny watching you explain why and what your oven is for, all while wearing a brownells apron.

[@robmckennie4203]

Took me a second to grok the use of 2 relays, but then it clicked, north america -> split phase. Oven looks good, i'm thinking about building my own in the coming months. My house just happens to have 240v 3 phase, so I might just take advantage of that to really make it sing

[@kurtbilinski1723]

My understanding is that running the heater element across the back creates a hotter region because it's being heated on three sides. This can cause the far end of the part to see higher temps that the rest, potentially leading to differing heat treatment. That said, I haven't built an oven yet so maybe it's not a problem.

[@killerkane1957]

Great job! I bought a big Paragon Heat Treat oven. But you have the satisfaction of building your own! I just wrote a check. Not much fabrication pride in that!

[@robert5]

time or $$. you had the $$ nothing wrong with that, its what we are all working toward.

[@YourOldDog]

I watch KZbins all evening preferring it over television. I can say you made a great video in every respect...........I didn't have to watch it at double speed !! LOL Count me as a subscriber.

[@kaminmiller]

I dig it. I'll have to try to make one of these for my home shop when it gets finished.

[@jerryquigg3497]

For electrical isolation I use a combination of a SSR driving a DPST contractor (relay) to power the heating element. As others have said, for safety, a door interlock to isolate and disable power to the heater is also advisable.

[@unclebobsworkshop1865]

Hey Jeff, Thanks a bunch for this video. I have a heat treat project that I really want to do, but it's been on hold for a couple of years because of the cost of commercially built ovens. I'm inspired again! thank you so much.

[@Delerium82]

I have a couple suggestions that might help you out with the coils but I’m not an expert by any means so take it for what it’s worth, we have banks of muffle ovens at work and they all have a layer of refractory over the top of the elements it gives them a layer of protection and I’m assuming would help hold the coils in place? Also there are interlocks on the door so you don’t have to remember to shut the power off while loading unloading.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thanks, that's a great idea that I thought about, but I went with the staples so that if I had to ever replace the coil, hopefully it'd be easier to do. I also thought about the interlock, I've seen some people include that, but I avoided it for simplicity's sake in this project. Thanks for watching!

[@rezaahmad463]

@@PracticalRenaissance can you forge by this or not???

[@wireedm1]

Excellent video, thanks for posting!

[@aijazahmed9113]

Wonderful job

[@Raul28153]

so it's been a couple of years what would you have done differently? Maybe thicker Kanthal and more of it to get the same ohm resistance? What was the over all ohm resistance for the length of wire you did go with? A heat up time of 15 - 17 minutes is really good. You should be happy about that.

[@asheshshrestha]

300 likes 0 dislikes... the video is super interesting.loved it

[@KatyLynnWinery]

Just what I have been looking for. I will be using your plans for my own in the future. Thanks.

[@thetinkerist]

Thanks for your build log, I'd go with confining the coil within its own space, no staples needed, and yeah man you can weld :) aluminum welding, it like playing with butter. How are your coils doing after 5 years?

[@GregsGarage]

That came out like a dream Jeff. I'm looking forward to the projects you will wind up putting into your new oven.

[@joell439]

Fantastic. Thanks for all the descriptions and design details. Joel....

[@brentbogy9894]

Great video I’m looking at making one to hear treat knives. Have a few questions. Yours still going strong. ? Anything you would change? Did you use the cement because it’s not totally enclosed by metal? Thanks for the build and info

[@shaynut6]

Great video. Planning to make one soon!

[@SilverSin]

Great lesson. Keep up the good work!!!

[@joandar1]

Good project, Great Result! Another for the Bucket List. Thanks for uploading, cheers from John, Australia.

[@deepbeeps]

Thanks for including some of the issues you had, like the coils coming loose. I am in the process of building a pottery kiln. Pretty much the same design as your HT oven, just a little larger with 4 coils. Now that it is finished and used, is there anything you would have changed?

[@skyrise666]

Why did you use two relays? I think one SSR on phase wire would be the same! However great job!

[@Karateka95]

Awesome video man! Thanks for sharing! Your clear documentation and explanation of the process has really helped me in the planning of my own oven!!

[@DudleyToolwright]

interesting project with a easy to follow explanations. Nice.

[@flat-earther]

Man that was awesome, I wish I had the knowledge to comprehend the electrical components though.

[@sharkrivermachine]

Great video, looks like another project to put on the list.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thanks! It's not that hard to be honest, and I'm glad I have it now!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Now that is EPIC AWESOME .. Keep the Cam going man We miss you !!

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Don't plan on stopping, I just get slowed down sometimes :)

[@Machine_NZ]

Hi Jeff, excellent video and learn't quite a bit. Regards Kevin

[@ifell3]

I love it, not the first I have seen but your delivery was second to none. I've always been a bit sketch about getting things in and out whilst on incase of touching a coil!! Would have to turn it off every time!!

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Yeah a switch on the door would be easy to do, I just skipped it since I'm the only one using it and I play with my fun little on/off switch every time I open the door :)

[@rickpalechuk4411]

Very nice project Jeff, I like the angled design of the control housing. Good first build to work the bugs out, I'm sure you have inspired others to create their own ovens. Great to watch, keep them coming. Cheers

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thank you!

[@NemecJesse]

In reviewing your Kanthal Calculator spreadsheet, what is the unit of measurement for the "length of coil at wind size" and what is that specifically referencing? it would appear that the total length of coil that you installed in the channels you carved was roughly 50" or so by rough estimation, but the value in the spreadsheet in 16.

[@oniesma]

Same question here. No unit at all. And refering to your question, there is also no aswer at all.

[@rustbeltmachine]

It's in inches. Looking at the example (start with 33 inches of wire, end up with a 17" coil). Think about it: The mandrel is 0.156" OD. Multiply that by pi and you got 0.48 INCH needed to get around the mandrel. 33 inches times 0.48 is roughly 16 or 17", which would stretch out a great deal for install.

[@theravinglunatic470]

I really enjoy your videos man. I gotta say I've tried and failed at this same project 2 times already, I think this video might make me go in for a third.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thank you! I wish you the best of luck if you try it again, email me at [e-mail] if there are any specific questions you might have, I can at least give them a shot!

[@pankajsoniii]

great job brother

[@stemer1149]

Excellent build. I was eondering why you are using two SSRs to switch both ends of the coil, security reasons? I have built a PID controller for my LEE pot using just a single SSR (basically the same application). The phase is switched by tje SSR, the other end just connected to neutral. The main power switch double pole, of course.

[@k5at]

Great project. I like how you made the frame. I built my own control box using an arduino uno. It works great and reads in degrees F.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Oh that’s clever I never even thought of using an Arduino!!

[@jmortonsalt]

Could you share your wiring diagram & Arduino sketch?

[@Freizeitflugsphaere]

Hey dude! Nice video! Just one question left: why do you use 2 ssr relay's? I have seen people just using one🤔 Thsnk you!

[@jakelevis8453]

I believe it’s because he’s using 240vac rather than standard 120vac so he uses one relay per hot conductor

[@Freizeitflugsphaere]

@@jakelevis8453 ist this because the ssr's he uses are rated for the 120 volts? Cause I have 230 too but mine are also rated for it so it should be fine using just one?

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

That turned out really nice. Definitely a first rate oven.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thanks Harold!

[@Ltrain660]

One trick with refractory cement is that you normally want as small of a junction as possible not like mortar you would see normally between red bricks. The refractory cement doesn't have near as good thermal properties and sounds just be used as a glue more than anything

[@Darthreloy]

You are like a half a brick away from making the best home Pizza oven ever! I see these guys build a behemoth wood fired pizza dome out in their back yard. So if they just want a simple pizza, its only worth the preparation and wait time to have multiple people over for many pizzas. It takes like 3 minutes to cook a nice pizza in a 900 deg oven. With your invention adapted to size, you could still use it for work, then at the end of the day, throw a pizza in there man.

[@Epiphalactic]

You can usually use water to thin up refractory.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Came out great. Very similar to what mine will be. Enjoyed.

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Thanks Randy! I look forward to seeing yours!!

[@ernieengineer3462]

Great project and great presentation. Keep it up.

[@DreamsOfTheMind-video]

Love it, nice work!

[@mememaster147]

Love your toolholder rack at 2:10

[@mikecrump1500]

Can you tell me what electrical components I would need in order to make a 120v oven? Thanks!

[@EmmaRitson]

very nice. thanks heaps. great idea for a spring winder!

[@jayaraghulkannan3322]

I have never done this before... Can u explain about the wiring part .... And the oven I make needs to be heated till 300 degree Celsius only

[@jacquesbouchard8884]

I really enjoy watching a skilled person working! I just don't have the patience to do that ! Great video sir ! And the bass clef suggest that we have a passion in common !!! ;-)

[@DimaProk]

Nice! I think we operate on the same wavelength lol, it started with Grizzly 7x14 when I first saw your channel and I had issues with mine, than you threaded a marlin, than you did muzzle device, than you got South Bend at some point you got milling machine and now you build high temp oven. I did all of that as well just not as elaborate and fancy and I didn't even see what you did only saw it later :) I've had firebricks and wire sitting in my garage for couple years, I've been putting this project off for a while, I actually been using my pineapple can forge to heat treat couple dozen of small parts with ease. I want to build electric metal melting forge to melt zinc and aluminum and possibly brass. I noticed you used same brand of wire that I got except I got mine in 16 gauge as it's not easy for me to access 220v so it will run on 110v. I've been looking at same terminal blocks on ebay but the ratings are confusing. Some sellers list it as 5A only and some higher so I didn't know who to trust. Regarding PID the first one I build for my lead melting pot about 3 years ago I also ended up with one reading in Celcius and while it worked great I found it annoying so I bought MYPIN and it can read in both, it also has 2 rows of display, I like it much better. It only $20 on ebay. I also noticed all people used more liquid dark grey cement to "glue" the bricks, it's more liquid, I'll look in to that. Another thing I was trying to find was ceramic tube insulators for wires coming out the back, but I guess it's not really necessary.

[@mycroftholmes7003]

How would the parts list of this change to accomodate vertical placemnt and increased lenght, up to 4 feet long and 6 inch wide for sword making? Please keep in mind i cannot afford 240 power. i only have standard 120

[@momcilodragisic429]

hallo, in the minute 3:46 you are using an angle grinder (pneumatic) . Can you tell me where to buy it? thx

[@samuelef.m.sicali194]

Great project! I'm using it as a base to develop my own heat treatment oven. I have just one question: how come are you using 2 SSRs? I will plug my oven at 220 V socket. TIA!!!

[@jagu4r82]

Ciao Samuele, vorrei realizzare un fornetto anch'io. Sto facendo la lista della spesa, tu sei riuscito a trovare tutto? Non capisco perchè usa 2 relè... eventualmente hai un contatto dove ci possiamo sentire?

[@NemecJesse]

I really appreciate this video and all the info you shared!!! How is the accuracy at lower temperatures? I just built a VERY similar oven and I'm having a difficult time with the temp reading... I have the Inkbird PID that will display in F/C, but other than that, its nearly identical to yours. However, room temp is reading about 150°F, when it's actually about 60° in my garage. I swapped to another K thermocouple I had on hand and have the same result +/- 1°. The Inkbird instruction manual is a joke and not much help. Is there a way to calibrate the input?

[@CuriousEarthMan]

I thought this a really great video! Something about your style fits the questions in my mind. Lots of practical detail! Thank you! I'm wondering one thing, though: for someone with as many advanced skills and tools as you have, if a putty knife or small trowel might have helped you in your mortaring of the bricks? Not a criticism, just wondering. maybe you like to feel things. I know I do sometimes too. You make it clear to me where I need to study up, and I picked up clues from how you did things....considering ohms was a missing link where I knew I needed to know something more to buy my wire and calculate length, but wasn't sure what the missing factor was! Thank you again!

[@artamsler4053]

Nice work as usual, keep it up.

[@dperfetti1]

About how much did it cost to build?

[@MrMZaccone]

What did it end up costing? I'd consider doing this if it saves significant money.

[@urizon41]

This is a great video! Im at the point where i want to control my heat treat better also but im torn as to make one or just buy one. When i had tons of free time i made my own 2x72 grinder, but now i almost dont have time to even make a knife let alone a oven.

[@CuriousEarthMan]

I saw a used kiln/oven on craigslist that worked fine, but could be upgraded with a PID controller....$225 asking. 9"x9"x6" inside dimen. hard to beat. so maybe look for a used one to upgrade?

[@Strawdozz]

How is it holding up? Are you still using it?

[@soonerlegendspodcast]

Great video but how many of us has a lathe and a tig welder just lying around in our shop? Would like to see a simple oven made with no lathe

[@andybrock100]

Make sure, if you haven't already done it put a switch on the door so when you open it, it kills the power to the heating coil. Sooner or later you will touch the coil as you take metal out of the oven and BOOM you could be history!!!

[@Hypnox78]

Anyone know what size mandrel was used to coil the a1 wire? The calculator excel doc is not clear on the size. I'm trying to sort out the coil diameter, and length of coil to hit that 40 ohm mark. Thanks in advance.

[@yosmith1]

Great project, thanks for sharing

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks for your information, This sounds great

[@SolidRockMachineShopInc]

Nice Job! Steve

[@frostroxie2740]

They make metal blades with diamonds for your chop saw..... also easy to make Foam Crete would make a great 2 Nd layer of insulation!!!!

[@brunerfacascustom7035]

for a 150x150x600mm oven at 127v voltage so that it reaches a temperature of 1100 ° C which power and wire do you recommend?

[@thomashackerforgedknives2533]

How far does that thermocouple need to stick out? I'm wondering if I bought the wrong one. Mine will only stick out about an inch or a little less.

[@Directionalengineer]

Vegoil guy watered down the refractory cement in his project... it painted on really well

[@Hypnox78]

What size was the round rod you coiled the 22ga. A1 on?

[@marcsenteney3160]

Well done sir!

[@hyperhektor7733]

you could improve by add, either a second coil or thicker wire to crank up the Watts. You use "only" 1400W but you could go up to 3500W from the mains ( i would suggest 2400-3200watt). also check the outside walls Temperatur maybe they dont isolate the heat as the advertisement says. Or the box isnt airtight ( most arent), but the less air flow is possible its a second way of improvement.

[@Erowens98]

Yeah, a ceramic wool blanket wrapped around the kiln really helps improve the insulation. Firebricks are pretty good insulators (0.2-0.3), vs 0.1 for ceramic wool (lower is better). But the seam mortar isn't generally as good. Which causes thermal bridges.

[@TriciaLSY]

Hello, thanks for this video! What is the max temperature can it go till?

[@shanedurham894]

Amazing project and something that I need but never thought of building myself. What would you estimate the total cost of the unit ended up being?

[@craigwilson8255]

He said about $200 in a comment. He had some steel already.

[@andrecordero6958]

can this be designed for 120v or 110v ? will still work ?

[@FilipHuzjak]

Great video, very informative. thank you!

[@TheMrconquerant80]

Hi, how did you calculate the wire diameter needed, how to choose the right one ?

[@clintonshank5137]

Love this video and plan ona build, is it possible to make one of the for 110v?

[@tylerkrug7719]

That thing is sweet!

[@roleic7246]

neat project.

[@scottvines4093]

Good wattage per square foot/meter.

[@randysmith106]

That turned out great man! Awesome job! Gotta say I'm a little jealous too... Its on my list of things to make but there are other projects that must be made first. Ugh..... only so much time in the day (sigh)......

[@darkshadowsx5949]

"refractory seament" lol i dont know where you live but around here its seh ment nice build though. i watched a friend build a micro kiln and used a food can as a crucible. The can ended up exploding when he lifted it out of the micro kiln. it sent molten aluminum flying around his living room. no one was hurt, but it burned his laminated floors a bit. the burning floor was doused within seconds. these things are extremely easy to build. Don't think you cant. also use a real crucible if melting anything. you can build this in your house just dont use it in there. And i know some if not most people who read this will think "duh" we knew the risks and were ready for it.

[@mrgreenswelding2853]

That's great! It could even melt aluminium and copper.

[@title1091]

Do you know of an expensive book, or some place I can find referenced information on what temps to heat treat or weld temps for various steels? I'm planning on making my own forge and have no idea what temps it will be experiencing or what to get for thermometer.

[@eric802]

Very nice, as usual. I noticed you were using the SB lathe on the handle - do you ever use the lil' Grizzly anymore?

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Good eye! Yeah the South Bend is easier to keep ready to go for most projects but the little grizzly is still in the shop and plugged in! You can even see it in various background shots I’m sure, it lives right next to the other lathe

[@mrstephenporter]

Great video

[@twisterwep]

you're a good man, thank you.

[@steveeb00]

Could you possibly save your excel file as 2003 Excel for those with older versions ? TIA

[@PaulSteMarie]

Great video!

[@YoussefMekin]

Great video¡¡ Congrats¡¡. Would you/anybody recomend a PID model which will be valid for 1000 degrees like this. The model in your list is no longer available and I can't find another that confirms it gets to 1000 degrees. thanks in advance.

[@terrysommers7239]

soak the bricks when you cut them, eliminates the suspended dust. then let them dry out

[@aaronclerigo754]

how did you test your kanthal wire? Im gonna test mine to just to get a feel of how high it can get. Thanks

[@millersmojo]

Where did you get your thermocoupler probe? Or is it the one that comes with the pid?

[@done643]

IT IS VERY GOOD!!!