High temperature thermometer, Pyrometer

Hi everyone, I'm new to casting and smelting/melting so I hope you can endure yet one more member asking questions, some of which have been answered multiple times before.

I have been reading for hours and hours here and other sites, as well as watched countless Youtube videos.
Many of my questions have already been answered, but a few linger.

For example, to help maintain a good temperature range for pouring, does anyone have recommendations for a thermometer/pyrometer that won't break the budget?


I've found this after searching around: $58.55 + shipping

High temperature thermometer, Pyrometer -eBay item number:110919244698

Welcome to CB Muser
The best way to maintain temperature when casting is to hook a PID to the pot.

Muser, I'm a new caster. Just purchased a rotometals thermometer at amazon a month ago that is priced better than what you are looking at.

https://www.amazon.com/RotoMetals-Pe...8896831&sr=8-6

However, if you do a search function in these forums, you will certainly find other alternatives that could even be cheaper.

go back to Amazon and search for ‘lead thermometer’ about 6 items down there will be a 3” faced one for $18.43 with free shipping. the 3” face is kinda HUGE when u get it in your hands but can’t beat the price. I use mine to double check my thermocouples and for big pot smelting.

Thanks guys, for your suggestions.
I'll look into them.

This is what I use:
https://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gre...degrees-f.aspx

I’ve been using this same 1000 degree bi-metal Tel Tru thermometer since I started casting years ago ...
https://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gre...degrees-f.aspx
They are the #1 thermometer manufacturer in the US. Other companies buy from them - remark their name on the bevel and jack up the price.
Note ... you can hang this one on the pot for constant melt temp reading plus it can be recalibrated

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John Boy

I’ve been using this same 1000 degree bi-metal Tel Tru thermometer since I started casting years ago ...
https://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-gre...degrees-f.aspx
They are the #1 thermometer manufacturer in the US. Other companies buy from them - remark their name on the bevel and jack up the price.
Note ... you can hang this one on the pot for constant melt temp reading plus it can be recalibrated

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Hmmm...this looks just like the pot thermometer that I've been using for the last 30-odd years except mine says "Lyman" on the face instead of "Tel-Tru." Last winter, I checked it against an electronic unit with a thermocouple probe and it matched within 1 dial graduation (+/- 10 deg.) all the way up to 650...which is the upper limit for my electronic.

Bill

Go to eBay and lowball an endless series of Tel Tru 1,000 degree thermometers until 1 comes home.

Quote:

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Other companies buy from them - remark their name on the bevel and jack up the price.

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nearly all the reloading companies do this, including Lyman
Buy the thermometer straight from Tel-Tru (Price: $26.08) and avoid the middleman

Same thermometer https://www.adorama.com/ly2867793.ht...ce=adl-gbase-p

Lyman Lead Bullet Casting Thermometer .... $56.95

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Conditor22

The best way to maintain temperature when casting is to hook a PID to the pot.

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Another option if you think you may want to add feedback temp control to your lead pot is to buy a PID controller unit and thermocouple probe. There are sticky posts, explaining PID temp control on this forum. To finish it, you'd only need a solid state relay.

Thanks guys for all the leads, I'm looking into them.
I appreciate it.