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heat box plans?

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duffontap:
Thanks so much for the info Ralph.

Here's where I'm at on this.  I posted the suggestion of the dimmer switch because it has lowered my energy consumption and greatly extended my bulb life.  I guess I'm just willing to squander the amount of electricity needed to power a dimmer switch.    My system isn't perfect but it beats controlling the temp. by venting (my old system) and I get to use the ultra-cheap 60 wt. bulbs I have in the pantry. 

Secondly, controlling the temp. by using lower-wattage bulbs has its down sides as well.  If you have to run lower-wattage bulbs at full power you may be getting less life out of more expensive bulbs, and have to let heat escape your box to control the temperature. 

Thirdly, while I totally agree that an accurate thermostat would be the way to go, I think my simple system gets me 90% of the way there and it's done.  I'm slightly suspicious that the $50 thermostat (plus S & H) from Bingham Projects would pay for itself in energy savings after about 400 years. 

Lastly, for many of us the object is to avoid any unnecessary expense.  I built my hot box out of construction debris I scrounged so it fit within my anual archery budget of approximately 5 bucks.  These drying boxes can be totally safe and respectably efficient without foil backed insulation and expensive fixtures, bulbs and thermostats and for some people it's worth the trade-offs of not having the 'ultimate' system that Bingham projects sells plans for. 

Justin--1/10 of a degree isn't good enough!!!!!!   ;D ;D ;D
 
          J. D. 

MattE:
J.D. I just happen to have an extra thermostat if you want it is yours!
 I will have to find it, I cleaned up my shop and now I am lost along with the thermostat! :)
  It is out of a hot water heater.

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