Infrared Laser Thermometers?

[CiDirkona]

Is anyone using infrared thermometers instead of the standard thermometer? I figure it's a tiny bit safer, but maybe not as consistent as it only reads the surface temp, not temp at the bottom of the pot?

I have something like this in mind:

http://www.harborfreight.com/non-con...ter-96451.html

Thanks!

[The10mmKid]

I'm comfortable using an IR thermometer as a 'comparative' temp reading only.

I.E.,
use it to verify you are in the ballpark.
Compare one heat source to another.
Read a temp out of arms reach.
Look for air leaks around windows and doors.

You can get good with your particular gun. Compare it with a known temp and make notes.

My IR gun may read 209degF on the outside of the dark gray boiling pot on the stove, where yours may read 215degF on your shiny Stainless Steel pot.

'da Kid

[skimmerhead]

i use one but not for lead temp does not give correct or accurate temp readings, for casting i use a rcbs thermo, i use laser to check mold temps when preheating molds, when mold reaches temp that i have logged its ready to go
no casting till mold gets to temp first cast are keepers.

skimmerhead

[lurch]

due to the reflectivity of the shiny surface of the lead you will not get a accurate temp. reading. steve k

Bingo... The relatively low emissivity of the molten metal will cause a low reading.

You can however float a non-reflective piece of something on the melt and get a decent reading off of that. A piece of steel (the hot rolled dull finish cheap stuff) is one possibility.

[frankenfab]

Bingo... The relatively low emissivity of the molten metal will cause a low reading.

You can however float a non-reflective piece of something on the melt and get a decent reading off of that. A piece of steel (the hot rolled dull finish cheap stuff) is one possibility.

+1 You beat me to the punch.

[CiDirkona]

Awesome, thanks guys. I was hoping to avoid a few bucks of cost by getting one of these instead, but it sounds like I'm better off just getting a real thermometer.

Is it possible to cast successfully without a thermometer?

[Artful]

Awesome, thanks guys. I was hoping to avoid a few bucks of cost by getting one of these instead, but it sounds like I'm better off just getting a real thermometer.

Is it possible to cast successfully without a thermometer?

I didn't get a thermometer until I had been casting quite a few years.
Your eye balls and knowledge let you do quite well.

I may have to try one of these new heat guns.

I'll tell the wife I got it for cooking.

[454PB]

Awesome, thanks guys. I was hoping to avoid a few bucks of cost by getting one of these instead, but it sounds like I'm better off just getting a real thermometer.

Is it possible to cast successfully without a thermometer?

Uhhh, yes. I did it for 33 years.

If you put a gas check or copper penny (newer pennies are zinc) on the surface of the melt, it will darken and can then be used as a target.

[CiDirkona]

Interesting -- seeing that Tel Tru thermometer is only $19, I may end up getting one of those instead though too...?

[cajun shooter]

I received a IR in a tool kit from Sears. It is meant for automotive work and does a great job at that. Will not give a read out just as has been posted by several others because of that shine. I thought about painting a piece of zinc black and then floating it in my alloy. But after thinking for a while gave up and just use my tel-Tru.

[MtGun44]

Understand that the temp reading from an IR thermometer has two factors -
one being the emissivity of the surface. Two different materials at exactly the
same temp will emit differing amounts of infra-red light. Therefore the "thermometer"
which is really a brightness meter in a particular band of light (below human vision
minimum frequency) will produce erronious results.

Bill