Placement of TC in PID-controlled tabletop oven for temper

Stromberg Knives

Stromberg Knives

strombergknives.com
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Hi!

I'm about to add a PID-controller to my temper oven (which is a ordinary tabletop oven).

My question is where in the oven I should put the TC for optimal performance?

Best regards,
CH
 
By tabletop oven, I assume you mean a small "toaster oven".

The TC should be where the blade is. It can sit right on the blade. Some people take a 1/2" plate of aluminum and drill it from the side for the TC to go in. The plate is set in the center of the oven and the blade is placed on the plate.
 
Hi CH,

as Stacy mentionned above and as a general rule in automation, it is best to place the measuring element as close as possible to the variable to be controlled. In your case, an aluminum block with a TC inserted would be excellent. If you want to go the 'easy' route, there are also magnet mounted Tc=Cs available on the market.

Regarding the TC type, any of the following are well suited for your application: E, N, T, R, S.

Before buying any, make sure the type you are planning to buy is compatible with the controller you will be using.

BR, Gab
 
For a tempering oven, I would pick a type K thermocouple. You can get them very cheap on ebay. Get one with a threaded probe. That way you can drill the aluminum plate and thread the hole for the TC collar. Here is one like I am referring to:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/K-Type-800C...521275?hash=item35c6ad6dbb:g:UnMAAOSw9N1Vp0B~

With the TC screwed into the plate it will only read the plate temperature. With the blade laying on the plate, it should be at the same temperature.

Place the TC at the center of the back side of the plate and drill a hole through the back of the oven for the cord to go out through.
 
Thank you! I really appreciate the help!

A final question: should I cover up the hole drilled for the wire at the back of the oven? If so, with what?

Best regards
CH
 
The hole will be only about 1/4". I would not worry about it, but you could put some refractory cement on it if you wanted to. The hardware stores sell it - Rutland's is the most popular type.
 
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