Mini electric kiln project

[Jan]

OK, thanks.
Jan

[Jan]

Today I have gathered almost all electrical components for the kiln control box.  

   

Jan

[EOU]

It's almost time to stand back and throw a match in it Jan. Great project and thank you for letting us look over your shoulder while you're building it. It has been very interesting indeed.

[Jan]

Recently I have finished the wiring of the kiln control box. I have used an old outdoor fuse box to safely accommodate the electrical components.

   

On the first view the wiring looks complicated, but in fact it is not. I have added a voltage regulator which had slightly complicated the wiring. You can see the small black knob of the potentiometer on the front panel. This will allow me to control the temperature also manually, using the PID only as a thermometer display.

         

I am waiting for the K type thermocouple, the one I have received measures only up to 750°F.

Jan

[wadebevan]

Wow, nice job Jan!
Might have to tackle one of these for myself.

[Bud]

Hello Jan. This project is really great. I can't wait till it is up and running. Thank you for sharing this with all of us because it has been very interesting.

[Jan]

Thanks, Mr. Bud and Mr. Wadebevan, your interest pleases me.  

I hope the project approaches its final stage, but without the high temperature sensor I cannot the start the testing because the only reliable information about temperature in the chamber is the moment when steel loses its magnetism. This corresponds to some 1350°F for carbon steel 1060.

The kiln is designed for max. temperature 2350°F, but the working temperature I expect below 2000°F. Hardening of my favourite Sandvik knife steel 12C27 requires 1975°F.

For hardening of alloy steel 52100 temperature of some 1500°F should be sufficient. The temperature of 2000°F should allow forging of 52100 steel.


Jan

[Jan]

My small electric kiln is up and running.  
The chamber dimensions are 3 x 4.5 x 13". Installed power is 1500 Watts.

Thanks to my major advisers Mr. Scott and Mr. Mark and to all supporters also. Your interest speeded up this project. I have learned a lot.

   
 
Jan

[EOU]

You know Jan we thought that we could see a slight glow in the East just before sunup here. Congratulations!

[Jan]

Thanks, Mr. EOU.

Short while ago I have found in the cellar ancient blacksmith's tongs, which were waiting for their opportunity to grab again something really hot.

   

Jan