Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting PID Temperature Controller

I think that is exactly how they work Although I have never used one or installed one on anything.

That's it in a nutshell.

Been looking through the PAGES of PID controllers on Amazon and, well, it's all Greek to me. I was looking for the plug and play easy button and I guess I'm not seeing it. My imagination suggests a controller box with 110v in and out and a thermocouple to stick down in the pot. Am I going to have to get an electrical degree before I do this?

I'm not the average dumbass and I can figure things out if I need to, but about 35 years ago I did hand the test book back to the IBEW test monitor and apologized for wasting his time. Didn't even look at page two of the test.

I’m in the same boat as Feral American. I can do some basic wiring but I was hoping for something like he described. Put the thermocouple into the lead, plug the PID into 120 outlet and the lead pot into the PID. Doesn’t seem to be available ( at least at prices I am searching)

I'm a tinkerer with most stuff and love building my own gear, but like I need another project right now to add to the couple dozen others I have in play.

My goal here is to upgrade my casting game to supply a couple project Marlin lever guns (45/70 and 35Rem, and maybe one in 375Win), my muzzleloader longrifles, and some 45LC pistols we have kicking around here.

I'm an old school bullet caster. Lead pot, ladle, and running 2 or 3 molds at the same time. I cast a pile of bullets, let them cool, then cull by weight and appearance.

I have a new plan to set up a casting station and cull as I cast. When I get it rolling I'll make a post about it. I want to cast two alloys at a time, pure lead and 50/50 WW/Pb. I want to take a day and cast enough good bullets and balls to last months, maybe enough to last a year at a time. With the 50/50 alloy I want to be as precise as I can be.

This PID thing caught my attention and I've realized good temp control has to be part of the precise casting part of things. In my research I've ran across the RCBS Easy Melt, which LOOKS like it already has PID temp control built in. The reviews indicate it is very precise at controlling temperature.

Part of my plan is to buy another pot anyway, for the 50/50 bullets, and one with a larger capacity than the Lee pot I'm currently using. That Lee 10lb pot will get relegated to the pure lead stuff once I get my station set up. The Easy Melt supposedly has a 25 lb capacity which is PLENTY big enough for the 50/50.

Weighing cost vs return vs effort I'm thinking (unless somebody can talk me out of it) buying the Easy Melt and killing two birds with one stone. Just a plain pot would cost me near $100 for something big enough, plus the $ for a PID set up, would put me at or near the cost of the Easy Melt. Add in the fiddledicking to get the PID working and the math is easy for me to figure out what I need to do.

I'm gonna buy an Easy Melt and be done with it.

HATCH over at Castboolits. Have had mine for a few years, no issues. Still have the makings to build one myself accumulated. After i found his setup for $125-$150 have not bothered. I’ll look for link. Hasn’t been that long ago he posted having some ready to go.

Ring3, that would be great if you could post the contact. I have looked for a Hatch contact but haven’t been able to find one.

He is listed on the sight in the “Vendor Sponser” section. Hopefully this link will work.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?277-HATCH-Automation

I got in touch with Hatch and have plans for a new PID in time for Spring casting. Thanks for the contact info.

Could you "spec" out what you're acquiring from Hatch?

Plug and play?
Temp probe (thermocouple)?
Cost?

what's wrong with a analogue thermometer ? Temperature range isn't that critical and many guys don't have this digital unit cast decent bullets.

I think he’s pretty clear somewhere in his posts what is offered.

Mine was “plug and play”, came with temp probe, and as I remember cost $125.


Cant imagine anything wrong with analog temp. Use one often. For me a PID provides precision and consistency. My first LEE pot got away from me a few times. Current RCBS pot not as often. PID levels things out nicely.

I’ve used it for the PC oven too with good success.

I just ran an oven at 440 degrees with a WW cast from 9 to 15 BH in 15 minutes, so I don't have to add alloys to bring it up.

My thermometer has low end and high end scales.... Lyman recommends the low end for ladle casting. However, I was able to stabilize my Lyman Big Dipper well, and it cycles on and off maintaining temperature consistently.

Haven't dug in deep enough yet over there to find much of that, but you answered my questions. Thank you.

Hatch said $125 shipped. Will order a plug and play and should come with the correct temp thermocouple.

Keep us posted. Will appreciate seeing what you get and how it works out.

Your welcome. Hope your outcome is satisfactory. I’ve been pleased. Technology applied properly to our applications can certainly be helpful. Those who have years of experience and knowledge may not benefit. What gets those of us lacking either to success is a plus. Again, I’m very satisfied with the performance experienced using a PID. Good luck!