Mag25

[shootnlead]

I was just wondering if anyone has used the Mag25.

I am using 3 old Lee pots...have had a thought about upgrading...like the thought of having a PID.

 

[freebullet]

I don't have one.

Looked into them when they come out. They were hit or miss for a good bit but, most seem happy with them lately.

 

[shootnlead]

freebullet...what changed?

Do you know how they are better now?

 

[358156 hp]

I considered getting one, but built a PID for my elderly Mag 20, and have been happy ever since.

 

[KeithB]

No comment directly on a Mag 25 but I will say that having a PID control for the casting pot is a great advance in my book. I built a dual PID unit a few years ago to control and monitor mold/hot plate temp and casting pot temp. Bullet consistency improved markedly.

 

[Rick]

Dual PID Temperature Controller By KeithB

This is the PID built by Keith.

 

[358156 hp]

I remember that project Keith, but your project I'll always remember the most is when you remanufactured a Lyman 450 sizer to exact spec. I looked at what you went through and promptly ordered a Star to replace my 450, realizing I couldn't get where I wanted to be with what I was starting out with.

 

[shootnlead]

Dual PID Temperature Controller By KeithB

This is the PID built by Keith.

Thanks, Rick...

Apparently, you give me credit for more sense than I have...could make a mess with that many wires.

But, I am just going to make a mess...got to do that.

I assume this will work with 2 pots with the right thermocouple on the hot plate PID....correct?

Actually, I have been going to build a PID and have just not gotten around to it. So, now that I am retired...they ain't no excuse. If I can't build one at 56yrs old...probably won't ever be able to build one...or 2.

Honestly, I have fought that temp battle until I am tired of it. Got to be a better way.

 

[358156 hp]

PIDs are easy to build. They just seem like they should be difficult, and I certainly tried every excuse in the book to get out of building mine, but peer pressure overwhelmed me, and I finally built my own. It really helped get me off the fence when the thermostat went bad on my Lyman pot, and Lyman quoted me about half the price of a new pot to replace it. The dogs wouldn't just sell me a thermostat, so I went the extra mile to allow interchangeable thermocouples, and eliminated Lymans crappy original setup. Outside of getting a few bad thermocouples over the years it has held up perfectly, and I get to take all the credit.

 

[shootnlead]

358156 hp...seriously, thanks for the encouragement...cause I am going to do it.

 

[yodogsandman]

One wire at a time.....

 

[KeithB]

That's a nice looking PID unit there 358156 hp.

shootnlead if you decide to do it and need some help I will be glad to do what I can to assist you. If you have a Facetime capable phone/tablet that would make it easier. I can walk you through planning what to do, honestly if you can cast bullets and reload ammo you can wire up your own PID with a little help from your friends.

 

[KeithB]

My BIL built one on a 8" square piece of plywood. Not real elegant but real easy to test and troubleshoot.

 

[yodogsandman]

The hardest part IMO is scrounging a box that fits everything without being too big or small. I use a secretary type, old grey metal file card boxes 7"x5"x9" but anything about that size will work and allow fat fingers to place wires where they go. I've only built the one but, bought enough small parts in bulk and have enough controllers to completely build two more.

 

[Brad]

I should be scrounging parts to build another one. I bought one from a guy on CB and could use another.

 

[Rick]

I should be scrounging parts to build another one. I bought one from a guy on CB and could use another.

Your new Magma 40 pounder will come with one.
.

 

[Brad]

But my oven didn't.

 

[358156 hp]

I'll try to get some pics up of mine with the cover removed. I'm sure most of you recognize mine as being built on the case from a burned out computer power control box. I have a case on hand to build the next one, but haven't ordered the innards yet.