Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

"hot box" construction

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic8104.aspx

By Leew - 10/14/2013 10:41:50 PM

Hi I am considering building a "hot box".  Trying to heat a double garage with an electric heater to 25c and maintain it there for some time would cost a fortune in electricity so I am considering making a heated box into which I can place my parts to cure off.  I am currently trying to figure out the best way of making such a box. 
My current idea is to make a box from MDF, approx 900mmx900mmx1200mm and line it inside with 50mm Kingspan board.  In the front make a small window with a piece of standard 4mm window glass.  For heating I was thinking of using 4 50w halogen downlighters mounted to the top of the box and a fan mounted centrally to circulate the air.  For controlling the tempreture I have seen a digital thermostat on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-STC-1000-All-Purpose-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Aquarium-w-Sensor-/181006904049?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&hash=item2a24da2af1
As a safety measure I am considering also using a thermal fuse in series with the lights, in case of failure of the digital unit, such as this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Temperature-operating-Thermal-Fuse-71C-NEW-pack-of-4-/231069891434?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item35ccd6bb6a

What do you think?  The main thing I am worried about is burning my workshop down.
By wojtepanik - 10/17/2013 11:44:48 PM

Hi!.
I don't find building an oven from mdf, for such a thing I would hit in aerated concrete as it keeps the heat very well and it doesn't burn at all, think also about the heating system, instead of halogen light bulbs I would use some special heating spirals meant for terrarium. Safety systems are ok, but consider some smoke detectors, they will alarm you when something would go wrong.
Bye 
Wojtek from Poland