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View Full Version : PID control for Lee Magnum - what probe? Or what setting c. 725?



huntinlever
12-08-2022, 08:08 PM
Just got the Magnum in. From various projects I have a bunch of pid's, and interested in controlling the pot this way. That said, I've never controlled for this high a temp (mostly, cheese vats, which rarely get higher than 125-130F). What do you DIY'ers use for a probe - or how do you set it up?

Alternatively, and I'm guessing like so much else "it depends," but any guesstimate on the power settings for proper alloy temp (presume 2:1 Pb: No. 2).

deces
12-08-2022, 08:15 PM
If you will be dipping the pid in the lead, you will need a shielded version. Some people attach a pid at the drip nozzle.
https://youtu.be/wsthzWoVi6U

ozonebob
12-08-2022, 09:05 PM
K-type thermocouple for bullet casting temp control, and 725 is as good a place as any to start. Then adjust up or down as needed.
Ozonebob

Carrier
12-09-2022, 09:52 AM
On my 10lb and 20lb bottom pour pots I put the temp probe bead on the bottom of pot like Elvis Ammo did. However I did not use the electrical connector as I didn’t want to mess with the nozzle nuts.
What I did was use a 1/4” by 1” piece of copper pipe and silver soldered to bottom of pot close to nozzle and then installed bead through it so it was touching the pot at the nozzle. Crimped pipe to hold it and works like a champ.
I took pictures of this but can’t seem to find them.
Found the pictures but for some reason sight won’t upload them.

Carrier
12-10-2022, 03:31 PM
Finally got one to load

307938

I’ve been thinking about getting a 20 lb magnum pot to do some dip casting and if I do I will be putting the probe on bottom of it like I did with my bottom pour. Having that probe sticking in the pot from above is a pain in the butt for me anyways.

huntinlever
12-13-2022, 10:53 AM
Thanks for the ideas, guys. I'll look into it.