Hot Box, silly question #2

[skeaterbait]

Yesterday I threw together a hot box for a glue up I am working on. Today I plan to mount the light fixtures and get it wired up.

The box is 12" wide, 90" long and 23" tall.

How many light fixtures will I need to heat that kind of space? I also plan in putting a fan in it for circulation.

[Bodork]

Mine is a along those same dimensions and I use four 100 watt bulbs. Mine has real thick insulation boards and I think that helps a lot.

[Pat B]

I used the Bingham's hot box and it called for four 100 to 200 watt bulbs.
My box has 1/2" foil backed insulation board liner.

[kennym]

Mine has 6 bulbs but with better insulation 4 would be plenty.

[kennym]

I think the foam with foil both sides is the best.

[skeaterbait]

I lined mine with reflectix, I had it laying around already.

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[Pat B]

I also added a thermostat from Bingham's set for 168degs.

[Walt Francis]

I now use four 150 watt bulbs in conjunction with the Bingham's thermostat because it is quieter.  

When I first started making glass bows I used a hair dryer turned on full to full heat and placed it at the end of an insulated box, with a hole at the other end to allow the air to flow.  If your wife has an old hair dryer, this might be the fastest and least expensive method to make a heat box.  My oven thermometer said it was 165 degrees at the center of the box.  That would probably vary with the size of the box and make/type of hair dryer.

[skeaterbait]

Well I have to say I am disappointed. I got the box wired up today and put in 4 - 100w bulbs. It's struggling to get to 130°

I may have to add another bulb.

[skeaterbait]

It appears to be an insulation problem. With enough blankets laid on the top I have gotten it to 156°.

So my newest question is, will that be enough to bake a bow?

[Pago]

IMHO if you can maintain that 156 you will be just fine.