Bullet lube heater temp control

[carstensxd45]

Have a Lyman bullet lube heater, use it under my Star Sizer, however, my heater doesn't a temp control. simply a cord that plugs into the electric. Am wanting to control the temp of the lube heater, anyone have any plans for a DIY temp control with the wiring. With the lube I am using, if too cold, it won't flow, and too hot and I have a liquid mess all over the rounds. Any help here?

[Mike W1]

I use a PID to control mine but if your's doesn't have some sort of way to adjust I dunno how it'd work for you. Normally using a PID you set the "thermostat" on the unit to be controlled wide open. Hopefully a brighter mind than mine will come on board.

[runfiverun]

one of the twisty round knob dimmer switch like for your lights.
a little plastic light switch box, one of those switches, and 10 minutes your in business.

[dannyd]

Been using this on my Lyman for years.

https://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html

[Yodogsandman]

They also sell reptile heat controllers (PID) for under $30. Be sure to get one that goes high enough, say 120*F. Many only read out in Celsius, *C.

[Walter Laich]

They also sell reptile heat controllers (PID) for under $30. Be sure to get one that goes high enough, say 120*F. Many only read out in Celsius, *C.

got mine off evilbay and does a great job for just a few $$

[Mike W1]

Just for the heck of it I downloaded the Lyman instructions and it shows the heater running from 100° - 120°. That seems like quite a large variation to me. And no mention of any sort of a manual control like the OP said. Might not even get quite hot enough I'd think as when I set my PID up I remember going from 110° up in 5° increments and found 125° right for my lube.

Then I took a look on evilbay at the reptile heaters and never even figured out which one MIGHT work for this purpose. The speed controls apparently do the job but have never tried them personally as I like the repeatability of PID units for my purposes. And enjoyed putting them together. FWIW

[fecmech]

I second the use of a simple light dimming rheostat. Simple, cheap,and effective.

[starreloader]

Have 3 Star's set up with the light dimming switches..Works great, simple, effective and easy to install.

[bbogue1]

A cheap PID will cost about $50 for the wiring, box and SSR +PID. It precisely sets the temp. by turning the power to the heater on and off quickly. The HF router controller ($20 - 20% with coupon) allows the heating unit to operate at a lower heat at all times. Both work. PM me if you want plans to build a PID with a cheap Chinese PID.

[runfiverun]

you need a 100-120 temperature because that's the flow point of various lubes.
anything below that is covered by 100-f [which is the melt point of Vaseline] and the on/off cycles of the element or it flows at room temp.
up near the 120 area is the bees-wax and carnuba wax type lubes.
they melt at 150 and 180-F so need near the 120 just to mush up enough to be pushed through the die holes.
many micro-waxes go up to 180-f also but you have to be careful with them since they are solid then liquid.

[carstensxd45]

went with the rotary speed control worked great thanks for the help

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[tja6435]

one of the twisty round knob dimmer switch like for your lights.
a little plastic light switch box, one of those switches, and 10 minutes your in business.

His is the easiest. I built a PID for my heater plate as well. Both work, just depends on how involved or precise with the heat you want to be.

[largom]

My wife broke her crock pot and threw it away. I salvaged the heat element, controller and built my own lub/sizer heater. As stated a light dimmer switch would solve your problems.

[10x]

Have a Lyman bullet lube heater, use it under my Star Sizer, however, my heater doesn't a temp control. simply a cord that plugs into the electric. Am wanting to control the temp of the lube heater, anyone have any plans for a DIY temp control with the wiring. With the lube I am using, if too cold, it won't flow, and too hot and I have a liquid mess all over the rounds. Any help here?

Have you considered powder coating? THere are benefits and so far (for me) no negatives.

[carstensxd45]

have tried powder coating. problem is that I have 7000 to 8000 rounds to lube at a time. never could get the hang of it

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[10x]

have tried powder coating. problem is that I have 7000 to 8000 rounds to lube at a time. never could get the hang of it

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sounds like a commercial pizza oven and an electrostatic spray setup would serve you well for powder coating. And keep your fingers from getting greasy

[carstensxd45]

used the average Walmart toaster oven and the Harbour Freight powder coating
always ended up with a mess

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