Hey Fat Daddy...

[bfrancis]

What are you using for a thermostat and controlling the temp

Great question! GQF products.

https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=115

https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=149

 

[bfrancis]

Bill, the way I see it, when you ponder plans for such as this.....and let it marinade long enough.......and it all comes together because you did your homework......and you set your first eggs after fine-tuning your machine......and start seeing pips and zips in a wooden box that costs some $500 - $600 - $700 - $800........you should be able to feel a sense of pride that a lot of Americans can't this day and time. I'm proud of my lil' wooden heat box, and am planning for another one of a different twist. Keep up the art-work, my friend...

You're right. I was just talking to another BYCer on the phone and like told him, I could have bought a cabinet model off the shelf model for cheaper than this build...but I don't have an out building to hide my incubators...so since this will be living in the house, wanted a piece of furniture that serves a purpose and lasts. My 4 yo son has been helping me with the build, so it will bring fond memories for years to come.

With folks like you and Bill mentoring along the way, telling me what's worked and what hasn't with your guys...it certainly making things easier.

Looking forward to throwing the switch on and firing it up!

 

[njduck]

thanks, so that thermostat is mounted outside with some sort of probe inside?

 

[Fat Daddy]

What are you using for a thermostat and controlling the temp

As for the controller. I used this one as per Randall's suggestion..... I like the digital temp read out... Bit cheaper too. But it is bigger in size and the probe cord is 8' long.... lotta wire to hide! I really like it over all...Bill

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RANCO-ETC-1...091?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebb28f4b3

 

[_Randall_]

Bill,
I don’t know if there really is a true 25 watt difference in the 225 watt element you have and this 250 watt: http://www.snlivestock.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=46 , but the 250 watt is what I went with because of the cabinet size. Yours is gonna have a lot of volume, and it may pay off to get the 250 (again, “if” it’s a true 25 watts more). Wire length should be the only difference. )

 

[bfrancis]

Thanks Randall, just ordered it! I can use the one I have now for the hatcher build this fall...less space to heat.

 

[bfrancis]

Ok so it's been a few days...still have the farm to take care of, lol.

So the few hours worked on it today, got a little more accomplished...

Got the back on, glued and screwed


Got everything sanded (which was a job in its self) With help from DW, started staining.



Door joint


The exterior of the cabinet



The interior and exterior will be covered with the water based polyurethane. Only stained the exterior surfaces.

 

[bfrancis]

Still staining and poloy coats...sand and more poly...but the finish is looking deep so far. Got the new 250 watt element in the mail today...so hope in a day or two everything will be dry to start wiring this bad boy up.

 

[bfrancis]

Got it all wired today, but the stinking thermostat doesn't work

Have to order another and try again. The one I got was given to me second hand use...guess they got all the use out of it, lol.

 

[Fat Daddy]

Bil, We gonna need a pic or two man...