How have you experimented with your hot box heat source? Who has experimented with different bulbs (heat lamp bulbs, like (2) 175's with a heat deflector shield?) and such with great results.....the box getting up to temp quickly and not getting too hot? Are 4 plain ole hundred watt-ers the best recipe?
K.I.S.S! My Bingham box has 4 ceramic light sockets. 4x100w is plenty to max out the 186deg thermostat and I even unscrew 2 sometimes for lower temps, like 90deg-100deg.
I also added 1/2" foil backed foam board to the inside to help hold the heat.
I initially got plans for my box when I built a FG long bow(which broke before I braced it) but use it mostly for keeping bow staves dry while working them.
I use 4 ceramic light sockets with 200 watt bulbs and a dryer thermostat to control the heat. It heats up fast but shuts off and I can also use it in cooler weather. Been using this set up for about 15 years and the only thing I have changed is an occasional light bulb.
I use heat strips now, but I drew a diagram of the box I came up with which I'll post. I used 3 porcelain light sockets - one in the middle with a 100 watt bulb, and 2 on the ends which were 75 watts.
For takedown limbs, I used the two 75 watt bulbs only (just un-screw the 100)
(//%5Burl=http://s283.photobucket.com/user/jonlaflin/media/Heat%20box.jpg.html%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk316/jonlaflin/Heat%20box.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
I have 4-150 watt bulbs. 2 are constantly on, 2 are controlled by a johnson A419. 1/2" foil backed insulation, circulating fan. I would highly recommend the foil backed insulation. I'm sure smaller bulbs would work fine, just what I had at the time.
Currently conditioning some swill :goldtooth:
(//%5Burl=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/goobersan/media/20151110_211721_zpsrrj90ftw.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/goobersan/20151110_211721_zpsrrj90ftw.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Oh Goober-son.. LOL
Three 100 watt bulbs gets this to 160, but I only use a 75 watt to get to 90.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/11.png)
Four 100 watt bulbs, insulated, and a dimmer switch for when it pegs out the thermostat.
(http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/tcj59/Kirk%20bow/IMG_1382015_215639_zpsd4ecfb40.jpg) (http://s939.photobucket.com/user/tcj59/media/Kirk%20bow/IMG_1382015_215639_zpsd4ecfb40.jpg.html)
I use a space heater as shown in this thread:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=012542;p=2
My hot box has a 8 bulb capacity. Usually burn 4 100 bulbs. My shop is not heated and when it gets really cold I can crank it up a bit. If I am cooking a few risers I use the wife's oven set a 170 degrees. It works great and she doesn't mind.
If you click on my photo it should redirect to photobucket. There you'll see the ceramic tiles (heat shield) and fan. 101 ways to get the heat you need. :campfire: