I'm building a vacuum forming table with an overhead heating element.
I'd like to make it 120V if possible as I don't have a 240 readily available.
I don't need the element to go over 500*F. I'm being generous here as I am mostly using just .093 ABS sheets, which soften enough at around 190*. I'm just wanting to be able use it on other plastics should the need arise.
The size of the heating box is 34"x18", and I figure it will snake across the 34" four times, so 30" to 32" x 4 gives a rough element length of 120".
I'll be using coiled Kanthal A1 wire (20-24 ga). Is there a formula to figure coil length?
So far I've come up with this list of items:
PID controller
K-type thermocouple.
SS relay
Thermocouple, rated to @ 500*
switch
Hope this makes sense.
Is it doable/recommended in 120v?
Would two 60" element legs be better than one full 120"
Other recommendations are welcome, if any.
Thanks.
I'd like to make it 120V if possible as I don't have a 240 readily available.
I don't need the element to go over 500*F. I'm being generous here as I am mostly using just .093 ABS sheets, which soften enough at around 190*. I'm just wanting to be able use it on other plastics should the need arise.
The size of the heating box is 34"x18", and I figure it will snake across the 34" four times, so 30" to 32" x 4 gives a rough element length of 120".
I'll be using coiled Kanthal A1 wire (20-24 ga). Is there a formula to figure coil length?
So far I've come up with this list of items:
PID controller
K-type thermocouple.
SS relay
Thermocouple, rated to @ 500*
switch
Hope this makes sense.
Is it doable/recommended in 120v?
Would two 60" element legs be better than one full 120"
Other recommendations are welcome, if any.
Thanks.