Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Aries on April 05, 2015, 11:15:07 am

Title: old topic- hot box
Post by: Aries on April 05, 2015, 11:15:07 am

I did a couple forum searches on here about hot boxes and the last good discussions I saw were in 07.  I am starting over building back up my bow making garage from scrap and am needing to build a hot box. Since 07 they have changed regulations on house hold bulbs and they now use less energy.

Is this effecting heat output: what bulbs do you guys use now?

If you were to rebuild your home box today what style would you go with?
I appreciate any feed back, have a wonderful Easter!
God bless

Title: Re: old topic- hot box
Post by: Pat B on April 05, 2015, 11:40:56 am

Any regulated heat source should work. A small space heater is one option but overheating the heater is a consideration. My hot box has 3 ceramic light sockets. I use 100w, 150w and 200w bulbs in mine with a thermostat that cuts off at 186 degrees but rarely go that hot. I built the box for glass bows(first and only one failed). Now I use it for drying bow wood and maintaining M/C of bow wood. I regulate the heat by unscrewing bulbs to get the temp to about 100deg(F).

Title: Re: old topic- hot box
Post by: Drewster on April 05, 2015, 04:42:41 pm

I built my hot box like the one suggested in Dean Torges' book "Hunting the Osage Bow".  Mine is 16" square and 7'-0" long, made of 3/8" OSB and lined with 3/4" rigid foam insulation.  It works great. 

Like Pat B, I used three ceramic light fixtures mounted on a board that can be removed.  I use two wall paper hanging trays filled with water to regulate the MC.  A $10.00 hygrometer from Lowes lets me know the temperature and relative humidity.  A shelf the length of the hot box provides support for multiple staves or billets.  The sides of the shelf have a 3/4" gap the full length to allow for good air and heat flow.

It's simple but effective and I would build another one just like it if needed.

Title: Re: old topic- hot box
Post by: osage outlaw on April 05, 2015, 05:12:20 pm

Here is mine.  I use it for drying staves occasionally.  It has plenty of heat and air flow.  I crack the door open on the front to reduce the temp if I need to.

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,42747.0/nowap.html

Title: Re: old topic- hot box
Post by: Aries on April 05, 2015, 07:27:21 pm

Thank you guys so much for the support!
I raided lowes today and am working on it now,
Happy easter!

Title: Re: old topic- hot box
Post by: DC on April 05, 2015, 09:15:35 pm

Instead of light bulbs I used an old waterbed heater. Lays flat, gets my box into the 90's, comes with a thermostat and you don't have to worry about knocking off a bulb.