How do I make a sportsman?

Well here are a few pics. they're not the best because there's not really good lighting in the basement. I made the basic box framing from 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" spruce lumber. The inside lining is waterproof white tileboard. the exterior is 1/4# oak plywood with a couple coats of urethane. I have 1 1/2" dense foam insulation inbetween the inner and outer shell. There is an old cast iron name plaque from the Buckeye Incubator Co. attached to the door that I recovered from a busted up old kerosene fired 100 year old bator to give it a retro look.
19063_000_3053.jpg
[/img]
There is an access door at the top to get at the wiring and electronics. I used a solid state temperature control from Petiatrics Co. They make and sell parts for high end parrot brooders and bators.
19063_000_3047.jpg
[/img]
Here'a a pic of the inside without shelves or turner. The heat element and fan are on top. The thermostat probe is mounted in the middle of the back wall. The 2" adjustable vents are on the top and bottom of the back wall.
19063_000_3050.jpg
[/img]
Here is my pvc turner with egg racks. It's currently set up for 3 racks of 48 eggs each. I can adjust it to accept 6 racks in about 2 minutes. i don't need to cook more than 144 eggs right now.
19063_000_3051.jpg
[/img]
Here's a look at my control switch, access panel on top, and indicator light.
19063_000_3056.jpg
[/img]
A view of the top with the element, fan, and extra 110 volt outlet to operate any ad-on accessories later on.
19063_000_3058.jpg
[/img]
 
I still have to finish up a few things and assemble the motorized part of the turner. I started this project because I wanted a cabinet style bator that was well build and would perform well. I tried to find a used Sportsman but like many of you there was none to be found. I built exactly what I wanted, and although I went a bit overboard and used fairly expensive materials, it cost me around 350.00. If you figure in what my time is worth, it's probably outrageous, lol.

I also have to install my hygrometer/thermometer display on the front. I really do feel a sense of accomplishment after getting this far, and I have a very good understanding of how everything works, since I built it. I think that anyone who has basic carpentry skills and a lot of patience can do it. Thanks for looking, Jim.
 
That's really nice. I'm working on something too, not nearly as fancy as that though. However mine is going to have a fun paint scheme.
gig.gif
The total cost will be about 55.00 though!
 
Last edited:
That's very nice. Does your fan blow up or down? Where is your temp sensor located? Can you take some temp measurements at the top and bottom racks of eggs once you have eggs in? I'm curious if a cabinet that size needs something to direct the air flow back to the bottom to keep the air from stratifying. If what you have works well I may well revise the plan that I've had in my head for a while...
 
Hello. The fan blows down. I have set three different thermometers in three different levels in the incubator and they all read within .5 degree of each other. I am more than satisfied with the uniformity, and lack of thermal layering. The inside measurement is 32" high from floor to ceiling.

And thanks for the words of encouragement from all who replied to this thread. I'll post an update after my first hatch.
Quote:
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom