WOW! What A Difference !

[monadnock#5]

Back when PID's for the common man was first discussed, I bemoaned the fact that there was no one out there building controllers for the hobby market. In the years since, there have been several PID sellers, but for whatever reason I didn't buy. This, as it turns out was a big mistake. I would have been much better off buying PID's instead of moulds, or guns for that matter.

I bought a PID from kyle623. Received it the middle of last week, and used it over the weekend. I am absolutely astounded at the difference a controller makes. I have never made so many bright, shiny, slightly frosted (710°F) with perfect fillout in one session since I started casting! It would typically overshoot 15°F from a cold start and then settle into a +/-5°F temp swing. I'm told this will get better, but I don't care as it's perfect as is, without any improvements.

With the rapid increase in productivity brought about by my new controller, I foresee the need for a commensurate technological breakthrough in my lubesizing techniques. Thank you Kyle!

[Beagle333]

The PID just completely changes the game..... for the better. IMHO.

[monadnock#5]

Yes indeed Beagle, I thought a hot plate for prewarming molds and ingots was a game changer, and it was. The PID beats it though, by a fair margin!

[Mike W1]

I'm guessing my PID lets me cast a good 100° cooler than I used to. It also let me calibrate my stem thermometer in the 600° range which is now useful for smelting. Testing some new alloy this weekend and using 2 moulds, one wouldn't produce good bullets. Raised the temperature 10° and viola that mould produced beauties also. I don't think the higher priced furnaces can do, unless they're also controlled by a PID. My Lee rarely varies by more than ±2 ° now.

[Doc Highwall]

I will not cast bullets now without one as I have been spoiled. My old thermometer is sticking out of a piece of scrap aluminum on top of a hot plate so I know the preheat temperature of my moulds and replenishment alloy.

[Cane_man]

i agree, the PID is totally worth the investment IMO, but i think everyone should try and ladle cast just so they can appreciate the controller

[Smoke4320]

Yes a PID has made casting far easier for me.. in most cases I am getting +/- 1 grain difference in 325 to 500 grain Bullets and usually around 1 grain total in 200 gr and less bullets.
did a test about a month ago on a new mold cast 4 different sessions (100 to 300 bullets at a session) over 5 days (so I have some changes in air temp and humidity) all 4 batches came out the same weights with a total of 1 grain difference hi to low
would have a very difficult time casting without a PID now .. everything is just so much more consistent

[monadnock#5]

i agree, the PID is totally worth the investment IMO, but i think everyone should try and ladle cast just so they can appreciate the controller

If I'd had a PID when I first started casting, I might have been able to make friends with the ladle. As it was, complete and total frustration ruled the day. Now I'm spoiled. I wait until the indicated temp hits 5°F under the target and it's off to the races with my BP pot.

[Beagle333]

I love my ladle. I have 3 BP pots and I put stainless washers and bolts in all 3 and made em ladle-only.
(and drip-free!)

[birddog]

Sweet words to hear as I have a new master pot coming with PID controller. Looking forward to some great casting.
Charlie

[AbitNutz]

I'm just waiting for Kyle to send me a PID. Mine died. Maybe he can fix it and I'll have two. As I have two pots it should work out just peachy.

[Garyshome]

All right I will finally build my own PID...I have most of the stuff here already, just need a case.

[jmorris]

My first use for a PID was to control temp on my smoker. This is it.http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-a-PID-control

If the wind is still and the fire is just coals it will maintain temps of tenths of a degree.

If you have one that was made in the last 10 years or more, I bet it has an auto tune mode that will save you a lot of time vs figuring out how the P, I and D settings actually effect what you get out of it.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

I built my PID a few weeks ago Still trying to interpret the interpreted Chinese instructions.
One of these days I'll get to try it out

[hickfu]

Who is Kyle and how much does he charge for a PID?

Doc

[Bzcraig]

Who is Kyle and how much does he charge for a PID?

Doc

Enquiring minds want to know.

[AbitNutz]

This should help.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...6-PID-for-sale

[monadnock#5]

This will likewise be helpful:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...186033-Kyle623

[blikseme300]

I went the PID route as I built my own pots. Looking back I am puzzled at how I managed without one before? If I had to start over for casting the top of my list will be a PID. I got all of my parts from Auber Instruments and every penny was worth it.

[kyle623]

Here is my video on the PID'S I sell for those interested. I also make other things as well. this is my vendor thread.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...41#post2775441