Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: tiknuttle on August 05, 2010, 11:09:25 pm

Title: Heat box?
Post by: tiknuttle on August 05, 2010, 11:09:25 pm
I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a simple heat box to dry white wood staves? Something simple that I could build with supplies from Lowes or Homedeput. Any suggestions will be gratefully apreciated.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: Pat B on August 05, 2010, 11:23:44 pm
All a heat box is is a plywood box with light bulb heat source. You can make it as simple or complicated as you want.  I got plans for mine from Binghams Projects but you can build one without plans. I used ceramic light bulb sockets(4) and wired them to an on/off switch. I control the heat by the number of bulbs lit. Some use a light dimmer switch to control the temp.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: walkabout on August 05, 2010, 11:46:18 pm
you can go as simple as a section of pvc tube thats hung over a lamp, i know more than a few people use this method for drying staves. you would of course have to rotate the ends every once in awhile to ensure they dry evenly.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 05, 2010, 11:56:15 pm
Easy?  I stuck a dehumidifier in a linen closet and I can get 105 degrees at 0% humidity.  Plus when I step outa the shower and grab a towel it's nice and waaaarrrrmmmm!  Hehehe.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: tiknuttle on August 06, 2010, 11:53:27 am
Yeah I think I might need some plans to build one for the first time. Does anyone know where I can get plans, or can someone give me directions.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: walkabout on August 06, 2010, 01:07:28 pm
you can build one out of foam insulation thats got the foil on it too. lightweight and pretty cheap.
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: Elktracker on August 06, 2010, 02:23:28 pm
This should help ;D   http://poorfolkbows.com/hotbox.htm
Title: Re: Heat box?
Post by: Kegan on August 06, 2010, 07:17:13 pm
You really don't need plans. Cut some plywood to get a 1' x 1' x 6' box. Basic carpentry skills are all you need. A few ceramic fixtures and you're golden. I don't even have a switch. I have it plugged into a multi strip, using it's "off/reset" button to turn the box off. Three 60 Watt bulbs brings it to 130 degrees. More than enough to cook my hickory staves ;).