PID probe mount?

[AbitNutz]

I'm ready to start using my PID on my RCBS Pro Melt. What's the best method and location to mount the probe?

[Frozone]

I made mine for my Lyman 20 from a 'coupler nut' and some .060 spring wire.
welded to the bolt in the pot top it's easy to adjust and remove for fluxing/cleaning.
with Just the bolt welded it's easy to go back to normal if I wish.

Same type of mount works well on a LEE 20#. Just get the right nut.
They make one with different threads in each end. one end will fit the support rod (has a nut on it) that comes up through the LEFT side of the pot.

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[AbitNutz]

I think my RCBS is has a stainless steel pot. I've never tried to weld stainless with my MIG.

[sleeper1428]

I recently posted a message on the Special Projects forum showing the arrangement I designed and tooled up to mount the TC to my Lee 4/20 pot. I'm going to include the photo of that system with this message and after looking at a photo of the RCBS pot, I suspect that with the addition of a simple mounting bracket bolted to the base of that unit you could adapt this system to the RCBS pot. Hope this gives you some ideas.

sleeper1428

[Frozone]

I think my RCBS is has a stainless steel pot......

I don't have an RCBS, but judging from the pix on the RCBS web site, I'd say you're right.

I wouldn't weld to the pot.
What is the black rod sticking up next to the handle pivot? That might do the job.

Another option would be to weld to the larger mounting bolt behind the pot. I'd bet they are just normal replaceable bolts.

[Hawkeye45]

The bolt on top of the pro melt (left or right) can be used to hold a bracket to hold a PID or thermometer. I used a piece of 1/2 x 1/32 strap bent to hold my thermometer over the pot, and can be moved out of the way to add alloy. Took about ten minutes. Camera is on loan. I should have mentioned it is the bolt right above the leg, not on the pot itself.

Mr. Ed

[Springfield]

You guys either really over think stuff or just have a lot more free time than I do. Just get a scrap piece of aluminum, drill 2 holes in it and mount it somewhere.

85002

[ph4570]

Use an existing bolt position thus:

85011

[DavZee]

You guys either really over think stuff or just have a lot more free time than I do. Just get a scrap piece of aluminum, drill 2 holes in it and mount it somewhere.

85002
I've got a piece of coat hanger wire that's been working well for me on my Mag 20.

[Mal Paso]

I silver soldered (56% silver brazing rod) the thermocouple in the bottom of my pots. I built up a button of brass to add thickness, drilled the probe hole at an angle, inserted the probe and soldered it in. The probe sticks out about 5/8 and is right next to the valve. I used the Auber thermocouple with the 1/4" threaded nut (removed). Nothing to remove or get in the way.

Pictures aren't great but they have been trouble free for a couple years.

[sleeper1428]

You guys either really over think stuff or just have a lot more free time than I do. Just get a scrap piece of aluminum, drill 2 holes in it and mount it somewhere.

85002

Being old and retired does give one the advantage of having plenty of free time in which to 'over think' things such as the mount in question. But it's just one of a number of good ways in which to 'skin this cat'......

sleeper1428

[snuffy]

You can use just about anything to hold the TC so it's away from the sides or bottom of the pot. Here's what I came up with;

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/mattswedding/websize/TC%20mount%20001.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/mattswedding/websize/TC%20mount%20002.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/mattswedding/websize/TC%20mount%20004.jpg

It holds it away from the sides and about ½ inch up from the bottom. It's out of the way while adding ingots and fluxing. I needed screws that were ½ inch longer to hold it in place. That's 1X1X1/8 aluminum angle I got at the local fleet farm.

[Beagle333]

I revived this one to see how many new ideas there are to add to it for mounting the TC to the pot.
Here's the one I put on my RCBS today. I have the same on on my Lee. It is just simple plumbers strapping doubled layered. It is pretty stiff, yet can be adjusted easily with pliers and will bend without damaging anything if something catastrophic occurs, such as you drop the pot while on the way down the steps out to your casting area. :wink: (hasn't happened yet)
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/PID/strap_zpsab33d7f5.jpg

Here's a shot of the one on the Lee
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/Mikes006a_zpsd5a5e1b8.jpg

[jmort]

^ I like it. Thanks for the idea

[dikman]

You must have a very long probe.......

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

120189
Mine's a bit more primitive.
I just let it dangle.

[htuong95]

Here is mine. Made with scrap metal.

120195 120196

[Beagle333]

You must have a very long probe.......

I do. It is 1/2" off the bottom. But they are long. It could have used the shorter model.
I could have done a better job and measured before I ordered them, but they definitely reach! :D

[Mike W1]

Lee pot not RCBS but I bent and measured mine so the tip is about 1/2" off bottom of pot and 1/2" from the side of pot.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u310/Mike4245/007_zps5fca2944.jpg

[el34]

Piece of copper wire. Stole the idea from a forum member about a year ago.


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