Does anyone one on here make PID units
- Thread starter dannyd
- Start date
mattw
Active Member
I have made the 2 I use, they are pretty simple to make. Here are a couple of good threads with schematics. I always make sure to include a physical on/off switch rather than unplug after use. It is also a good idea to fuse the output of the unit to the pot.
www.ar15.com
I would suggest that one uses an SSR versus a physical relay. Your pid must support SSR level output. I use the MyPin PID's, part number TA4-SNR. I also use overrated SSR's to reduce heat and load on the device. I also do not use internal terminal strips, another point of resistance and possible failure. Also, beware that there are temperature controllers on the market that look like PID controllers but are not much more than a programmable thermostat.
With the MyPin, after training with autotune I find that until the level in my pot starts to get really low that I can expect 2 to 5 degrees of stability. The other thing that will surprise you is how few sprue plate cuts it take to affect the temperature when you drop them into the pot. I now no longer drop more than 3 or 4 in at a time.
How to make a PID for Your casting furnace. - AR15.COM
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www.ar15.com
Pid Controller Schematic
Here is a design schematic for a PID controller for use either electric lead pot or lubersizer.59618
castboolits.gunloads.com
I would suggest that one uses an SSR versus a physical relay. Your pid must support SSR level output. I use the MyPin PID's, part number TA4-SNR. I also use overrated SSR's to reduce heat and load on the device. I also do not use internal terminal strips, another point of resistance and possible failure. Also, beware that there are temperature controllers on the market that look like PID controllers but are not much more than a programmable thermostat.
With the MyPin, after training with autotune I find that until the level in my pot starts to get really low that I can expect 2 to 5 degrees of stability. The other thing that will surprise you is how few sprue plate cuts it take to affect the temperature when you drop them into the pot. I now no longer drop more than 3 or 4 in at a time.
Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Matt the question is "does anyone here make PID units". Well when I read that I was hopeful that there was one other helpless caster out there, namely Danny, that wanted to pay someone for a PID. Off the shelf so to speak. I'm probably wrong about Danny, and I maybe the only helpless one, at least that will admit it.
Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
You see, there you go, SSR, TA4-SNR, MyPin PID's. Greek to me.
But in all seriousness thanks for the links I'll check them out. Unless someone is make PID's.
mattw
Active Member
There are a few folks that make turnkey units... Not sure as I have not bought one. They are truly simple to build with a little research and cost about $60 if you use a nice case. Not trying to be mean or anything... but it seems that many of us in this arena are willing to learn and try new things with guns and gear and this is just an extension to me.
mattw
Active Member
That drop is amazing to see, does not take much in a stable 20 pound lead pot!
BTW, here is a good source from a caster designed for the caster.
!
BTW, here is a good source from a caster designed for the caster.
VS: 120v/220V PID setup - May 2020 update
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171119/e6f1d91d819a446e310231d42c8ea357.jpg Has a 600c 4 inch probe type thermocouple or a ring eyelet (limited quanity) for use on a Master Caster Has a 25 amp SSR for long life I can preset the temp on the PID if you like. Currently set at 750f...
castboolits.gunloads.com
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L Ross
Well-Known Member
There ya go indeed. I remember we built a TV in high school, but quite honestly, I have an extremely rudimentary idea about electrical work. I can replace a wall switch or a ceiling light. I remember bits and piece about some phrase used to remember resistance in some electrical gizmo that had the words, "Vector, Garden, Walls?" in it. Hmmmm.....Bad Boys Ravaged Our Young Girls Behind Vector Garden Walls. Holy cats, maybe I don't have early onset dementia!
But my eyes kinda roll around all googly when I read about PID's and casting pots, and convection ovens with PID's to powder coat and I just grab a box of twenny twos and go knock down some steel.
mattw
Active Member
I would be more than willing to talk with / help anyone thinking about building one. I just will not build one for someone... kinda like selling my reloads to someone. You know... hundreds of thousands of rounds built, have not blown up a gun YET... but... 1.5 hours to build the first... then 45 minutes to build the next. I would and could explain the circuit in laymans terms. They really are a game changer in casting and coating.
Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Well when you and I made a school shop TV, we used tubes. Long time ago in a land far far away, at least as far as electronics go.
I do a lot of residential wiring but I have a difficult time switching gears. I just need to apply myself and quit whining
dannyd
Well-Known Member
That's how I use to do it, but the PID works great. Also use a PID on my Star sizer temp is always right.
Bliksem
Active Member
There are a number of tools that I would never give up or compromise with. A PID controlled casting rig is one of those.
All it really is in reality is a controlled on and off switch. The Thermocouple measures the temperature and the "black box" turns the power on and off to the element in the pot to get to and hold the temperature that's set. I know there are electrically challenged folks in this world but surely they have acquaintances that could wire one up on their behalf. I prefer to get the parts needed from Auberins as they just work even though there are cheaper units available.
All it really is in reality is a controlled on and off switch. The Thermocouple measures the temperature and the "black box" turns the power on and off to the element in the pot to get to and hold the temperature that's set. I know there are electrically challenged folks in this world but surely they have acquaintances that could wire one up on their behalf. I prefer to get the parts needed from Auberins as they just work even though there are cheaper units available.