Gunsmithing How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

308MAUS3R

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Jun 17, 2009
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Harbor Freight Hot Plate: $12
7" Duct: $6
BBQ Grill Thermometer: Free (YMMV)

I tack welded the 7" duct to the hot plate and have the barreled action hanging from a hook screwed into the plywood. There is a hole drilled for the thermometer in the plywood as well as a vent hole.

This setup easily creates the 350 degree environment necessary to cure KG.
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

That is awesome i've been wanting to do my own coatings, but didn't have an oven to cure it, Problem solved.
One thing, is the temp the same throughout the whole tube and if not does it matter?
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

Pretty slick, but I would bet you could get some insulated duct and make it much more effecient. I was looking at using the same hot plate in my old gun safe oven setup but cannot seem to find the damn things for less than $40 bux.
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty slick, but I would bet you could get some insulated duct and make it much more effecient. I was looking at using the same hot plate in my old gun safe oven setup but cannot seem to find the damn things for less than $40 bux. </div></div>

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-hot-plate-single-burner-67137.html

my local store had it for the same price
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ajwcotton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is awesome i've been wanting to do my own coatings, but didn't have an oven to cure it, Problem solved.
One thing, is the temp the same throughout the whole tube and if not does it matter? </div></div>

I don't know if the temperature is homogeneous or not, the instructions on the KG say it must be 350 or more. I set it so the thermometer reads about 400.
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

there was another guy that did this and used insulated pipe built with feet and an air gap between the hot plate and tube. his temps were pretty even throughout the tube. you could always make holes to take readings at different spots or just 2 or 3 thermometers.
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

Very cool idea.I lucked out, was at the scrap yard and saw what looked like a duracote oven. I paid 25 for it figured I could fix it it had a broken wire to the heating element.Fixed up in about 10mins Ived used it for over 5 years no issues works great
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

Ditto on what Axman said. I built one very similar but left about a 1/2" gap between the hotplate and the duct. I also insulated the outside just so I wouldn't burn the crap out of myself. With no gap, it got very hot near the bottom , but didn't bake well near the top.

I put two thermometer holes and use a kitchen thermometer with an alarm if it gets too hot.

Hillbilly gun oven.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1609093
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

One way to get a more even heat would be to build a Tee out of duct. Hot plate at the bottom of the Tee and rifle slides in sideways across the top of the Tee
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

Outstanding! We use a toaster over for pistols and small parts, but our old double tall oven is in storage 1300 miles away and we wont have space to hual it back for a while. This will cover our needs just perfect! Why didn't I think of it?
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: koz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ditto on what Axman said. I built one very similar but left about a 1/2" gap between the hotplate and the duct. I also insulated the outside just so I wouldn't burn the crap out of myself. With no gap, it got very hot near the bottom , but didn't bake well near the top.

I put two thermometer holes and use a kitchen thermometer with an alarm if it gets too hot.

Hillbilly gun oven.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1609093 </div></div>

thats the thread i was talking about.
 
Re: How to build a "Gun Oven" for less than $20

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now my search for and old school locker can end. I like the "T" idea mentioned above, may have to give that one a try. At the price of materials it wont hurt too much to play around with design.