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I posted in another area regarding lead oxidation issue that I was having but now I'd like to know how most people are attaching their thermo couplers to their pot of lead. I'd like to see some pictures if possible and also like to know if most are removing the thermal coupler after a casting session or leaving it in the pot of lead.
I drilled a hole in the center of my pot lid and used a brass compression fitting to hold the thermocouple about a half inch above the bottom. This my original Lee pot with a My2ndRight stand.
Attachment 321448
Attachment 321449
Just use a largish probe and stick it in the pot when the alloy starts to melt, Lee pot.
Can you provide a link to where I could get that particular TC? I see you have the stand as well. I was looking at those a couple weeks ago. How do you like it? I want to order one in the very near future. The cost is always a factor when living in Canada. Dollar exchange, shipping, and brokerage fees almost makes it cost prohibitive.Quote:
Originally Posted by PJEagle
Where do you keep the thermos for the ice water? Thermocouples measure a differential. Easy is to use is ice waqter at 0*C or 32* F. If you are assumeing a base temp don't pretend you are getting an accurate temp.
The thermocouple came from Auber Instruments. I really like the stand. I wouldn't want to be without it.
Attached are pics of thermocouples permanently attached to the bottom of two Lee pots. One shows the thermal coupler clamped (lightly pinched) to the bottom of the pot around/against the bottom pour spot. The other is my ladle pot pot where I drilled and used a brass fitting to house/hold the thermocouple in place.
Some folks claim the location of the thermal couples don't measure the true lead temps, but I get less than a few degrees difference from a wand type thermocouple held in different locations. There is/was a youtube video out there where a guy went through his process. I followed some of it but did what worked for me with tools and components available.
Edit: here's the youtube link I mentioned: I went to extra lengths to make sure I didn't crush the the metal in the thermocouple's tip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqAuBEdugcQ and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsthzWoVi6U&t=481s
An FYI, I put a layer of ceramic fiber insulating wool under the bottom of my pots between the pot and the aluminum housing/skin to mitigate heat sink skewed readings.
Pretty sure I bought my thermocouples from Auber Instruments.
I put mine in the same spot as the original mechanical t-stat was on my rcbs pot, on the bottom of the pot.
I bought my TCs from Auber too. The bargain chinese ones are no bargain after all. I even had the center melt out of one chinese TC long ago.
What are you putting in the ice water because the thermocouple needs to be in the lead.Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckiller
As has been asked, where did you get that stand? I Googled it and came up with nothing.Quote:
Originally Posted by PJEagle
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickf1985
try this....
https://www.opennrg.com/
Is that who makes them? Not much there to tell the story. and sold out of everything so looks to me like nothing else being made. Sent a message, will see if I get any kind of reply.
Not sure who makes them. I sent an email a few weeks back because there wasn't an option for shipping to Canada and he did reply back with info that he added the option and they were working on the site. Good luck. Let me know what transpires.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickf1985
I used a piece of 1/2" plumbers strap on mine. Used one of the nuts on top of my pot to hold one end and then bent and shaped the strap till I got the position I wanted and installed the TC so it was just off the bottom near the spout.
I got a reply back and he did say they are the manufacturers of the parts and more new parts are coming. You can sign up to be notified on the site for each part you are looking for, which I did. Judging from looking at the pieces they are all CNC machined and look to be a good deal for the prices he is asking. If it is just a small garage business I can see why he would be behind. We will see.
I did sign for a notification as well. Will see what happens.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickf1985
With thermocouples you a measuring a differential. One end goes into whatever you want to measure and another end goes into a thermos of icewater(32*F) . There are measuring devices that assume an average temp and just use one lead. Not as exact but close enough for casting. If you are in the middle of nowhere and you need/want exact temp you take a thermos of icewater.
I had some holders made that fit under the factory screws on the top of a Lee pot. Installing the clip with the bend up vs down allows a little bit of height adjustment.
https://i.postimg.cc/652dhySw/z-pot-clip-up.jpg
I’ve attached to the bottom of all three Lee pots I have. This is the 10lb one not sure where the pictures for 20lb pots are but pretty much the same.
I got an e-mail telling me they were in stock but right now I can't buy it, other obligations.Quote:
Originally Posted by dearslayer
Funny because I'm in the exact same boat right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickf1985
Attachment 324030Attachment 324029
I made an aluminum bracket that slips into the hose clamp I have put around the pot to support a bracket for my ladle. The thermocouple can be lifted right out or swung out of the way if you want. It is easy to remove and wipe clean after I finish casting . I also loose wrap the cable with tin foil so when I flux the pot the cable is protected from any flare ups.
I used some 12 ga wire to make a holder for mine.
is a bit springy so as I add lead to the pot it doesn't stress the probe
I also converted the handle to "pull down to open" easier on my twice repaired rotator cuff shoulder
https://www.flickr.com/photos/157294...7667763595628/