PID added ... why did I wait this long

[TjB101]

Always struggled with keeping the temp stable when the lead volume decreased or had varying lead mixes in the pot. After running the auto tune on the PID this thing is keeping it to within a few degrees ... no more seeing the temp spike when the pot gets low on lead.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/7d452da4964fb75e371522ab2a9f60bc.jpg


Major Parts list below: (I had 10amp fuse, switch, wire nuts, wire, etc ... a jig saw did a great job cutting the box.

Followed direction from Johnny’s Reloading on the tube.

The thermocouple I bought was only 600 degree(c) which is 1100+ degrees F. More than I’ll ever need. K type is required. I hard wired the thermocouple vs wiring a plug.

Well worth the $75.00 in parts and the weekend project.

Box- BUD Industries CU-3008-A Aluminum Electronics Minibox, 7" Length x 5" Width x 3" Height, Natural Finish,Smooth Gray
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T7T0Y6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tau_n3a4EbS0CBP4F

Inkbird Solid State Relay 40DA DC SSR Black Heat Sink for PID Thermostat Temperature Controller
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MCWO35P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tau_a4a4EbP2V29WE

F/C PID Temperature Controller, AGPtEK Dual Display Digital Programmable Temperature Control TA4-SSR Solid State Relay with 2 Alarms
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NGL4KG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tau_w4a4Eb15DVSPV

K Type Thermistor Temperature Sensor Probe Temperature Controller,100mm / 4" Long Probe Thermocouple Probe Diameter : 5mm / 0.2"MT-205-100mm5x100x2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079BQQJKN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tau_V4a4EbRXN445W

[onelight]

Nice job !

[porthos]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

[jsizemore]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

Since your equipment and technique works for you, DON'T CHANGE A THING!

The rest of us have done nothing more then added a digital control to our equipment and pour really fine bullets just like you but with a bottom pour. We've found what works for us. So, WE"RE NOT GONNA CHANGE A THING!

[TjB101]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

It was fun, I learned a thing or two, and my lead temp is now dead nuts on with any lead mix or volume. Plus it looks pretty cool.

[jsizemore]

That looks like a great build.

[Pablo 5959]

I just had to replace my thermocoupler After 6 years of hanging over the pot.
Not bad for an 8 dollar part.
Looks good op.

[Mal Paso]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

What melting pot do you have? Most of the PIDs are going on Lee pots as they have the worst temperature control. Pots with real thermostats are not going to see a huge improvement.

[Valley-Shooter]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?We are just lazy. Set the temp and start casting, make changes in 10 degree increments. Swap between casting pots. Cast so many different moulds and lead alloys that we can't remember how we did the last time. Also use it for our toasting oven to bake the coatings on.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[jsizemore]

Got one on my lube sizer too.

[dragon813gt]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

To each their own. If your bullets are that consistent you are doing great. I’ve plotted enough bell curves to know that a PID gives me more bullets w/in a defined range. I’m most concerned w/ hunting and small caliber bullets. I want practically no weight variation. For general plinking and large caliber bullets the weight deviation can be a lot higher.

[TjB101]

Got one on my lube sizer too.

I’d like to put one one my toaster oven to nail the temp for powder coating.

[gwpercle]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

I Agree !
Casting for 50+ years ... We Don't Need No Stinking PAD , PID , POD , PUD or Spud !
You just got to know how to hold your mouth right ...that's all there is !
Gary

[jsizemore]

I’d like to put one one my toaster oven to nail the temp for powder coating.

I should have mentioned I've got one on the HT coating oven. It sure takes consistent results to another level.

[jsizemore]

What melting pot do you have? Most of the PIDs are going on Lee pots as they have the worst temperature control. Pots with real thermostats are not going to see a huge improvement.

I got 3 pro melts and a mould master XX. The PID and clock got me tenth grain variations in weight on 125-240 grain bullets.

[10x]

I’d like to put one one my toaster oven to nail the temp for powder coating.

This works extremely well, I did this for years. Then I found a Quisinart convection oven with PID built in for $3 at a thrift store

[Shiloh]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?


It would sure as heck help in winter in an upper midwest garage.
Like you I cast with a thermometer in the melt.

Shiloh

[tmanbuckhunter]

I want a PID but I'm not inclined enough to build one. I can build a jam up motorcycle engine, and I can build a computer just fine, but PID's escape me.

[Mike W1]

i don't understand all of the raveing about PIDs. i cast with a ladle my bullets are within .02 +- (2/10 grain). what would a PID do for me?

Well I don't think it'd help with your math at least. 2/10 is 0.2

[TjB101]

I want a PID but I'm not inclined enough to build one. I can build a jam up motorcycle engine, and I can build a computer just fine, but PID's escape me.

I was unsure as well but their are only 3 major components... search Johnny’s reloading / PID on the tube. He has downloads for the schematics and a few vids on the build.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I want a PID but I'm not inclined enough to build one. I can build a jam up motorcycle engine, and I can build a computer just fine, but PID's escape me.

if you can understand motorcycle wiring, a PID is easy.

[Ozark mike]

If i used an electrical device for my casting I'd might try it but my little gasoline svea doesent have a computer hookup so im out of luck. Besides im not going to put money into something that is supposed to make shooting more affordable. But im just a poor boy your milage may vary

[jsizemore]

My last controller cost me $20 to build. I scrapped a bunch of stuff.

[10x]

My last controller cost me $20 to build. I scrapped a bunch of stuff.

Yup, a PID costs less than a bimetal thermometer and is way more accurate