Checking ab RCBS thermometer

[Wayne S]

Is there an easy way to check and see if my RCBS thermometer is reading close to actual temps ??
I switched to my soft lead pot and either the thermometer is way off or the RCBS thermostat is way off, easier to first check the thermometer.

[theperfessor]

Got any pure lead? It melts at 621F. And water boils at 212 (at sea level). Those two data points should help you a little.

[edler7]

Put the thermometer in your oven, set the oven to XXX and see if they agree. I don't think oven thermostats are high precision, but they should be close to the temp on the dial. You should be able to get the oven past 450 degrees, so that should be a fairly good test if you allow plenty of time for both to stabilize before you check.

[cbrick]

My experience in several years of heat treating experiments is that ovens are extremely unreliable in temp settings. If it's set at say 400 degrees this time it may be around 440, set it at 400 the next time and it could be 370. They never seem to repeat very close.

The boiling water and melt point of pure lead are good suggestions. If your thermometer is close at these two points you should be good to go.

Rick

[Moonman]

+1 for boiling water (212) and PURE Lead (621) SOWW are close to pure. Good check points.

[Reload3006]

Just talked to the other Callibration tecs here at Boeing. all concur check with a pot of boiling water. there will be slight variations due to water purity and atmospheric pressure. But if your with in 5 degrees of 212 any where in the US with tap water your probably right on.

[R.M.]

But if your with in 5 degrees of 212 any where in the US with tap water your probably right on.
Gotta disagree there. Up here at 9,000 feet altitude, water boils at 195 degrees.
I checked it at this site. http://www.csgnetwork.com/h2oboilcalc.html

[Wayne S]

Thanks ALL,
I'll try the boiling H20 [212* @ sea level + 12'], then this week-end I'll check it against a cooking thermometer, when I have a fish fry

[Reload3006]

you sir are correct. however that is not the only variable to consider as well. tap water is not going to boil at 212 at sea level either but will give the home user a quasi accurate source to check it against. you could put it in your oven too and if it agrees with in fifty degrees or so its probably ok. with out a controlled environment and medium and a known accurate standard your only going to be close any way.

[Reload3006]

Olive oil boils at 575 degs but starts smoking around 400

[Moonman]

R.M.,

9000 feet, You get NOSE BLEEDS way up there.

[bsczar1]

I can't believe Y'all are forgetting the rectal check....that should be 98.6 degrees, just make sure you let it cool first.....LOL.

[downwind]

Now that made me laugh!:bigsmyl2: