I need a thermometer on the cheap

[jamesp81]

I'm fine with digital or dial types. Don't want to spend $40 + shipping if I can help it. Are there any realistic options?

[marlin39a]

Lyman just came out with a digital. About 25 bucks. Midway has them.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Back when I was using a pipe wrench my crew was scrapping out several high pressure boiler systems. I salvaged several temp gauges that read 0 - 1000 degrees with 10" probes. Been using them over 25 years for zero cost. They have been checked for accuracy and are still spot on. I`d look at that Lyman probe thermometer for less than $30.Robert

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Are you good with DIY ?
For $10, this controller and K type thermocouple could be used to read temp.

[dbosman]

Link for those who are as curious as I.

[308Jeff]

I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seems to work well.

[jamesp81]

Are you good with DIY ?
For $10, this controller and K type thermocouple could be used to read temp.

this would be hard for me to do. I can read a wiring schematic but I have nothing to mount it in and practically no electrical tools on hand.

It is intriguing though. Gotta ask, how do you get that probe into the lead without lighting the insulation on fire?

[jamesp81]

Lyman just came out with a digital. About 25 bucks. Midway has them.

Been thinking about this. What would be a good way to mount the probe? I'd like the setup to be permanent so I don't have to stop casting in order to dip a probe for a temp reading.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

you could mount the PCB in anything, an old Tupperware container or even a coffee can.

"Gotta ask, how do you get that probe into the lead without lighting the insulation on fire?"
I'd mount the thermocouple in the bottom of the pot.

[jamesp81]

you could mount the PCB in anything, an old Tupperware container or even a coffee can.

"Gotta ask, how do you get that probe into the lead without lighting the insulation on fire?"
I'd mount the thermocouple in the bottom of the pot.

I take it this would involve drilling a hole in the bottom of the pot?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I take it this would involve drilling a hole in the bottom of the pot?

yep...

[jamesp81]

yep...

That sounds like a good way for me to ruin a pot.

I was looking around, and wonder if someone has tried this: http://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gree...degrees-f.aspx

tel-tru lt225r. Goes up 1000 degrees and it looks like I might even be able to use the clip to secure it to the side of the pot. No meltable plastics as is the case with the electronic units, and the price is right.

[308Jeff]

That sounds like a good way for me to ruin a pot.

I was looking around, and wonder if someone has tried this: http://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gree...degrees-f.aspx

tel-tru lt225r. Goes up 1000 degrees and it looks like I might even be able to use the clip to secure it to the side of the pot. No meltable plastics as is the case with the electronic units, and the price is right.

Nice!

[jamesp81]

Nice!

Well, maybe. I'm hoping someone else has tried this out and comment on how well it works, if at all.

[Mike W1]

I do have a TelTru dial thermometer and it's fine. What I'd like to mention is that the original was purchased MANY years ago from Brownells. After some number of years later it failed and was so long ago I don't remember the problem. What I do remember is contacting Brownells to see if I could send it somewhere for repair and they sent me a brand new one no charge. That's warranty beyond anyone's expectations in my book and since then they're my choice whenever possible.

That said you might have to calibrate a new one. Had 3 PID's and a VOM that all agreed with each other with various probes and the dial thermometer was at least 50° off. Got it adjusted fine but not all dial's can be adjusted. FWIW

[William Yanda]

Check for a barbecue thermometer.

[lightman]

I made a mount for mine that bolts to the pot. A piece of scrap steel bar about 1/4 in X 1 inch cut about 3 inches long with a hole drilled near each end and mounted with one of the bolts in top of the pot. I replaced the bolt with a longer bolt and added a nut so that I could tighten the nut and hold that part of the pot while allowing the thermometer holder to swing out of the way when stirring and fluxing. I have a TelTru and an RCBS thermometer and this works for both.

[jsizemore]

http://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gree...degrees-f.aspx

[marlin39a]

I put a short bracket on the top of my Lyman 61. Drilled a small hole for the Lyman probe. Works great.

[.455 Webley]

I had to go and look that up that first suggestion. Happens to be on sale now. $18.50 plus shipping

I think Midway wants all of my money.