Official Luthiers Forum!

TEMP CONTROLLER
I had picked up one of these some time back and finally hooked it up last week to control the bending and cooking temp. Also had picked up some solid state relays (SSR) off of Ebay so using one of them between the PID controller and the blanket(s).
It's interesting to watch the PID do it's thing as it homes in on the preset temperature.
I've been using a Powerstat (variable transformer) to power the blankets so that the voltage can be kicked up for quicker heating. I also used the Powerstat to control the temperature during the "cooking" phase after bending but that requires watching the temp. The PID lets me go do something else while cooking.

Nelson P.S. Yes, I do use a timer for safety.

npalen38950.6548611111

You know, guys, we really need to throw away the bulbs and blankets and just heat the metal strips. Like, hook the leads of your arc welder to each end and let 'er rip. Can you say "barby'd ribs"?
Nelson