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List of parts for a casting pid controller, did I get everything?
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Just my 2 cents
On the thermocouple the top of the probe should be metal. An not plastic. The fire from charring wood often covers the top of the thermocouple.
You will also need a container to put all of your goodies in. Metal boxes with vent holes are used the most. A lot of secondhand stores have many shapes and sizes (think cookie tins). And most cost under 50 cents. Or if cheep like me. All old comp. towers have an inner box used to rout power through. They are just about the rite size + they have a small vent fan and a heat sink and a power supply connector.
You may also want a pair of quick connects. For the thermocouple line
Not used as parts but good to have. A Dremal with cut off wheels. To cut the correct size openings. Kevin
Hatch (a member here) can give you any help needed. He has all of the parts needed.
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You have a socket type connector on your probe. You would need something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZ84QKA...v_ov_lig_dp_it
and then wire that to your PID.
Or use a Thermocouple probe with spade type connectors like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJ0VUBG...v_ov_lig_dp_it
And the probe above does have plastic on the top so it could catch fire like kbstenberg mentioned.
I have not built one myself. I have bought all of the parts but have not put it together. So you may want to get advice from someone with real experience.
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you need a enclosure
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=262
You need a fuse
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=593
You need a power switch
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=754
Correct TC probe
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=650
You can use a simple toggle switch that you can buy at any local parts store for $5 or so
You want to switch the power for the PID itself.
You do not switch the main power that handles everything.
The PID doesn't have that much current and if you kill the PID then it kills the output the the SSR which in turn kills the pot power.
The parts you have picked out in your first post come to $75 and you don't even have everything listed that you need.
You can purchase a completed PID for $125 so for $50 more
And if you have ANY questions on building your own PID just shoot me a PM and I will be more then happy to help you
Yes, I sell PIDs. But I also help members that want to build it themselves too.
Selling PIDs is more of a service then a money maker as you can see from the cost of the parts.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
HATCH
The parts you have picked out in your first post come to $75 and you don't even have everything listed that you need.
You can purchase a completed PID for $125 so for $50 more
And if you have ANY questions on building your own PID just shoot me a PM and I will be more then happy to help you
Yes, I sell PIDs. But I also help members that want to build it themselves too.
Selling PIDs is more of a service then a money maker as you can see from the cost of the parts.
I always admire anyone that sells or builds things for sale yet will help others. Good on you!
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Thanks everyone, I'm just going to purchase a unit from Hatch, instead of building my own.
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Good move you will get a very professional PID that works with a thermocouple that also works.
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I bought a kit from he who must not be named about 6 or 7 years ago. I think I paid what Hatch wants for his complete controller. I ordered extra probes as I use the controller
for an electric smoker as well as the casting pot and a powder coat oven. I keep extra probes around for emergencies. There is nothing more frustrating than a probe going out
in the middle of a casting session and the controller shows the melt at 500° and you are getting frosty bullets. I hooked up one of the spares and the temp showed over 800°.
