PID box- enclosure

[larry7293]

I am in the process of gathering the parts to make a PID controller for my Lee pot.
Would making a wooden box -enclosure with vent holes- work instead of using aluminum for the box? Disadvantages if any?

 

[Rick H]

I used a plastic project box and drilled vent holes for mine. It has been working fine. The only problem you might have is with connectors that are designed for the thickness of metal and not lumber. You could always insert a metal plate for that.
(My pid controller had a mount designed for thinner material than my plastic box. I built an alternate system that seems to be working well.)

 

[Rockydoc]

I liked plastic better. It was easier to cut holes and windows in than metal and more compact than wood. Advice worth $.02, but it is free to you.

 

[Mike W1]

Made a couple with wood but used some aluminum with holes for the ends and worked OK. In reality those SSR's don't get that hot with a heat sink anyhow. Measured the temp a couple times out of curiosity but offhand don't remember the figures.

 

[JonB]

I've built one PID controller and I used a repurposed aluminum cage-type enclosure that was designed for a SSR in a industrial control panel...it works well, but I've never seen another one.
NOW, if I were to build another one, I'd use a old power supply enclosure from a junked out PC, if you can find one, many of them are exactly the right size and have a built in fan and power switch...like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-ATX12V-Computer-Connector-ATX2POWER350/dp/B000FHGW8W

 

[Rockydoc]

I used something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Zulkit-Waterproof-Dustproof-Electrical-Electronic/dp/B083H9RRHM/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=plastic+enclosure+for+PID+controller&qid=1603742247&sr=8-2