Anyone build their own powder coating oven?

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My brother gave me this little charcoal smoker that I probably won't use. Thinking, can I turn this into a powder coating oven?Maybe put an element in the bottom? Hang parts from the grill and spray and bake in the same place?Possible? Worth it?Keep in mind, I know nothing about how to do this so any help, recommendations is appreciated. Types of elements etc? Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Go to a used appliance junkyard and get a real oven that works. Maybe $40, and it will save you a world of disappointment.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:I have that same smoker, only electric.  You can buy the electric element which will work in this, but it will only get this up to about 180F.  You'll need 400-500F for powder paint.  The big missing part in this unit is insulation, to keep the heat inside.  It seems like a lot of work (and that smoker makes AMAZING spare ribs.  Low & slow for 8 hours.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Go w/ a kitchen oven, look on CL Free section. I have one I use for PC in my shop, also use it for a loadbank to test smaller gensets after service. Sometimes I get lucky and do both at the same time...
Reply:Another vote for the old kitchen oven as a good first PC oven.  I've converted two of them.  I like to turn them sideways so there's more vertical to hang parts.  Remove all the stovetop crap and replace the stock controls with a PID controller and solid state relay.As for guns, I would recommend (at a minimum) getting one of the Eastwood HotCoat guns.  The Harbor Freight gun is cheaper, but it's pretty crappy.If you need any more info / advice, feel free to PM me or join the forum over at Powder365.com.
Reply:What's a pis controller?My thought with the smoker was to add arms and legs and make it look like a robot and double as an oven.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleWhat's a pis controller?
Reply:I think that's a flow controller.  The basic jist behind a PID temperature controller is that it switches the element on and off (via a solid state relay or contactor) in order to reach and maintain a set temperature.  During initial oven heatup, it'll just be constant on, then as it gets closer it will switch on and off and vary the amount of on and off time as needed so it doesn't overshoot the setpoint (or at least not by an excessive amount).  Then it switches the element on for short periods as needed to maintain temperature.  Most of them have fuzzy logic and can be set to autotune mode to learn the response characteristics of the system (which is affected by air temperature outside the oven, part mass inside the oven, oven construction (including amount of insulation, vent holes), etc.).Personally, I've had good luck with these Auber Instruments ones for SSRs:http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...&products_id=3There are cheaper ones and more expensive ones out there, but these have done well on my powdercoating ovens and lead-melting pot.Last edited by dbotos; 07-21-2014 at 10:35 PM.
Reply:That PID is a neat solution to controlling the temp in the oven.  I had a real oven thermostat stick once and it thoroughly baked the living cr*p out of the part I was trying to powder coat.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma