Author Topic: Infrared Thermometer (Read 546 times)

Jim 44-40 · « **on:** May 13, 2006, 07:03:21 AM »

Picked up a Hand held thermometer at Sears that works from -58 up to 1000 degrees F. Holding it 12in away from lead pot gave me a reading of 650 degrees. Anyone out there try one yet?

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2006, 08:34:19 AM »

The accuracy of these tools depends on the reflectivity of the surface on which you take the measurement. Best accuracy is found if you use a flat black surface - shiney surfaces like the melt itself will degrade the instrument's accuracy.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2006, 05:21:04 PM »

With my bottom pour pot I like the thermometer to be reading the heat down in the pot. I can see where the IR item might have some really good uses but not for measuring molten metals.

jhalcott · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2006, 06:08:30 AM »

jim, I used one of these when I worked in the steel mill. They would check the bearing temp's with one. I "borrrowed" one for the weekend and tried it on lead that I was casting into 45-70 slugs. My thermometer and the IR one did NOT agree on the temperature of the melt.50 degrees difference or so,if I remember right.. I took my thermometer to the instrument techs for calibration and was told it was spot on! I could get different readings on bearings by varying the distance to the bearing or "reading" the shiny shaft as it came from the bearing.