New casting pots with built-in PID controllers

[Hanz]

Hanz-What do you use for a thermometer?
Gary

Some big thing I bought on Ebay a number of years ago. It works well but I don't have a way of leaving it in the lead to constantly monitor the temp.

I just threw some money at the problem and ordered the RCBS Easy Melt. That aught to fix all my problems!

[Lumpy Grits]

FWIW: I use a Lyman label thermometer, and leave it in the melt.
PLZ post up how the new pot works out for you.
G.

[Martini2]

Here is a trick that barrows from both electric PID control and fuel fired. I typically run 20# Lee solid bottom pot / PID controller but also have rigged a propane torch with bit rich flame played on the top surface. This helps minimize oxidation since the mold sprew are also recycled as casting goes. I just like to run one melt/alloy to bottom which can happen readily pushing two 500 gr molds.

[TexasMac]

Although I have a RCBS furnace which is controlled with a separate PID, I ordered an Easy Melt from MidwayUSA yesterday & it’s on backorder. So I probably won’t qualify for the $25 rebate but it’s still a good deal without it.

Below is some feedback on the RCBS Easy Melt I just received from a guy that recently bought one. He also has a Waage pot controlled with a separate PID.

Wayne
=================================
I ordered and received a RCBS Easy Melt from Midway. I set it up next to my Waage w/PID controller to make a comparison. The Easy Melt has a built in PID. My observations:
Price RCBS $109.99 + $11.49 shipping and additional $25.00 rebate from RCBS (must purchase by 3/31/18) – advantage Easy Melt
RCBS holds more alloy and no thermocouple in the pot which is required with a separate PID. – advantage Easy Melt
RCBS held the temperature more constant than the Waage while casting 20 bullets each. – advantage Easy Melt
RCBS made in China. – advantage Waage
For the price, I couldn’t pass this up as a second pot. After using the Easy Melt today, my Waage w/PID is my second pot. I was pleasantly surprised by the Easy Melt’s performance, considering the low price. I think having the PID as an integral part of the unit is giving it better temperature stability.
I just hope the Easy Melt holds up……………………..

[Lumpy Grits]

Wayne-Thank you for the write-up!
How many lbs alloy will the RCBS hold?
Gary

[Don McDowell]

Sounds like that RCBS pot is a good one.

[Hiwall55]

My Easy Melt holds 25 pounds and it holds the temp right where you set it .

[Don McDowell]

Good to hear Bill. Thanks for the report.

[Kurt]

The problem with a 25#pot even if it is a PID controlled and the probe well is not in the center of the pot you will get inconsistent temperatures at different levels, especially if the pot is heated with a single coil and the temp is read at the pot wall were the band is in contact it will be a hot spot. The way to keep the over all temperature consistent is to stir the alloy with every dip of the ladle. If a band heater was used in at least a 50# pot like Shiloh sells then I would say that you can get consistent temperature. But again if you can cast a good bullet fully filled temp variances from what I see will weigh good. You can only get so much lead in the mould and you can do this if the lead is 700 degrees or 800 degrees. The weight should not vary 4/10's from light to heavy if this much.
Does the RCBS say it is controlled by a PID or do you think it is a PID because of the digital read out.
I'm with Bill on the fish cooker and large pot. I used to use a plumbers lead furnace and a 50# lead pot and it held a very consistent temperature but I don't like casting in the high summer heat or freezing winters outside so I use a vented box in the basement were it's comfortable all year.

[Don McDowell]

My Lyman 25 lb pot with the PID holds the temp all the way to the bottom.