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.


http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rf4AAOSw9VZXPCVR/s-l500.jpg

[dbosman]

Link for those who are as curious as I.

[308Jeff]

I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFYEPVQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFXIOIM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?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.


http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rf4AAOSw9VZXPCVR/s-l500.jpg

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-green-egg-primo-komodo-grill-dome-or-other-kamado-style-replacement-thermometer-lt225r-5-inch-stem-2001000-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-green-egg-primo-komodo-grill-dome-or-other-kamado-style-replacement-thermometer-lt225r-5-inch-stem-2001000-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-green-egg-primo-komodo-grill-dome-or-other-kamado-style-replacement-thermometer-lt225r-5-inch-stem-2001000-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.

[The Governor]

Yup, got one myself. Thank you for the link.

[lightman]

Here is a picture of the thermometer holder that I made for my ProMelt.


http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy164/PTheodo/IMG_1274.jpg (http://s788.photobucket.com/user/PTheodo/media/IMG_1274.jpg.html)


http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy164/PTheodo/IMG_1275.jpg (http://s788.photobucket.com/user/PTheodo/media/IMG_1275.jpg.html)

Its made from scrap, only took a few minutes to make and it seems to work ok. The pictures show it in position to hold the thermometer and with it swung out of the way.

[Walter Laich]

I took some 12 gauge wire and wrapped it around a nail so I had a spring looking holder at each end. Mine goes over the mold support wire on the top and the prob goes down the hole at the other end. easy to move out of the way but usually don't need to

[ranger391xt]

I bought this thermometer off ebay:

...and this probe:

Just a hair over 20 bucks and works pretty well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[308Jeff]

Bought the same probe from Amazon. Seems to work okay?

[ranger391xt]

Yes it seems to work pretty well. I've used it to measure the temp of the melt in my Lee Production Pot and to measure the temp of range scrap I'm melting down in an old dutch oven.

It seems that the temp displayed is what ever is measured at the end. I can see fair amount of temperature variability depending on A) how deep I stick the probe in the melt and B) how close to the edge or bottom of the pot the end of the probe is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[308Jeff]

Yes it seems to work pretty well. I've used it to measure the temp of the melt in my Lee Production Pot and to measure the temp of range scrap I'm melting down in an old dutch oven.

It seems that the temp displayed is what ever is measured at the end. I can see fair amount of temperature variability depending on A) how deep I stick the probe in the melt and B) how close to the edge or bottom of the pot the end of the probe is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

That's the experience I've had with mine as well.

[jmort]

I think the $18 digital Lyman thermometer I saw in another thread is worth getting. I will be getting one.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/451769/lyman-digital-lead-thermometer

[imashooter2]

Go to eBay and low ball an endless stream of 0-1000 degree thermometers of appropriate size until one comes home.

[The Governor]

The first Lyman I got had to be returned and the replacement seems to read low.

[Mike W1]

Yes it seems to work pretty well. I've used it to measure the temp of the melt in my Lee Production Pot and to measure the temp of range scrap I'm melting down in an old dutch oven.

It seems that the temp displayed is what ever is measured at the end. I can see fair amount of temperature variability depending on A) how deep I stick the probe in the melt and B) how close to the edge or bottom of the pot the end of the probe is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

The tip of the probe IS where the temperature is measured. The two wires produce a small voltage there which is converted to a temperature reading. Don't know just how dial thermometers do things but they respond much slower to a change in temperature than these "electronic" ones do. Next time I'm going to check at various depths and see the differences throughout the melt. Had never tried that myself but guess that's why most folks recommend setting the probe tip about 1/2" from both the bottom and sides of the pot.

[s1120]

Does the laser type thermometer work for this use? I am just getting setup myself, and I have one of those... just wondering if it would work OK

[fatelvis]

I've been hearing bad things about the Lyman thermometer. I use this and it has worked well for me for 3 yrs.
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=31

[Mike W1]

Does the laser type thermometer work for this use? I am just getting setup myself, and I have one of those... just wondering if it would work OK

They are real close to being next to useless for casting. Been there & done that route! And for that matter I get very little use out of my dial one either.

[gondwana]

I bought one from Rotometals 4 years ago. It is a dial type they say is the same as the one sold by RCBS. It works fine.

[wistlepig1]

http://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-green-egg-primo-komodo-grill-dome-or-other-kamado-style-replacement-thermometer-lt225r-5-inch-stem-2001000-degrees-f.aspx

This is the one I have used for years, works fine. and $22.

[bbogue1]

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


http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rf4AAOSw9VZXPCVR/s-l500.jpg

This is a XH-W1313 temperature control panel. It is $12 with free shipping from https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/XH-W1313-K-type-thermocouple-type-high-temperature-thermostat-0-500-degree-temperature-control-switch/815142_32375889098.html It needs a 12 volt power source to opperate. From MidwayUSA.com The Lyman Digital Lead Thermometer is $20.49 plus $4.99 shipping and all is contained in one case.

[kokomokid]

I have used a teltru for years with good results. Bought a new one just in case and it reads 20* high but easy to adjust.

[Grmps]

+1 on Not getting Lyman I have acquired (not bought) 2 Lyman thermometers that not only were off but didn't agree with each other.

You could try this
Newest TM-902C Digital LCD K Type Thermometer Single Input + Thermocouple Probe $5.69
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newest-TM-902C-Digital-LCD-K-Type-Thermometer-Single-Input-Thermocouple-Probe-/262672084702?var=&hash=item3d2879eede:m:mEmG0OYegzV-vkkFX3fYkGQ

Yellow Plastic Shell K Type Thermocouple Plug Socket Connector Set TS $.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yellow-Plastic-Shell-K-Type-Thermocouple-Plug-Socket-Connector-Set-TS-/172168847601?epid=1569133119&hash=item28161020f1:g:1AMAAOSw42dZGw1K

1X 1M K Type 800 Degree Celsius Thermocouple Sensor 5mm Probe Dia $4.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1X-1M-K-Type-800-Degree-Celsius-Thermocouple-Sensor-5mm-Probe-Dia/152176390588?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26 asc%3D45042%26meid%3D9b418d30a8044a70b8ab93e670455 316%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D32236 5672194