Hi , thanks for the interest , the heat is 6 halogen heating elements connected in series running full length along the top inside of the tube with a reflector , the tubes are the glass ones from the oscilating electric fires , when connected in series they glow a dark red as they cant reach there full temp , you dont want them switching on very hot when it goes below 20C , it has to get slowly back to desired temp , a programmable thermostat from amazon , keeps it at constant temp , i also put some thermal cut off switches in line one for 50C and another for 75C just incase . Method bring inside tube to desired temp eg 20 C and the stave if possible before it goes in , pull a vacumn then turn off pump then wait for 12 hours remove stave test for moisture content then repeat until satisfied . yes the pump takes in water and the oil will need cleaning or replacing after each cycle . It does work suprisingly well , totally diferent concept to dehumidifiying air drying kiln drying etc ...
I would love to know the details as to build one myself. Awesome project.
What kind of pipe did you use? Any suggestions on what to use for one large enough for guitar bodys/necks?
Nice, but...why so many people put heater IN the tube, just wrap it with a heater coil.....
nice, what do you use to get some heat in?
doesnt water enter the pump?
or do you get vacuum and just wait without running it in between? good job
Hi , thanks for the interest , the heat is 6 halogen heating elements connected in series running full length along the top inside of the tube with a reflector , the tubes are the glass ones from the oscilating electric fires , when connected in series they glow a dark red as they cant reach there full temp , you dont want them switching on very hot when it goes below 20C , it has to get slowly back to desired temp , a programmable thermostat from amazon , keeps it at constant temp , i also put some thermal cut off switches in line one for 50C and another for 75C just incase . Method bring inside tube to desired temp eg 20 C and the stave if possible before it goes in , pull a vacumn then turn off pump then wait for 12 hours remove stave test for moisture content then repeat until satisfied . yes the pump takes in water and the oil will need cleaning or replacing after each cycle . It does work suprisingly well , totally diferent concept to dehumidifiying air drying kiln drying etc ...
Nice build, great vid except you keep saying 3 years to season a stave where one is fine.
Detail of the tube and end plate material would be useful.
Thanks for your interest , I actually say two years , maybe its my welsh accent that confused you , the end plates are 12 mm polycarbonate ...