Temperature Probes Suitable for Bending

[Darryl Young]

Posted this on OLF and thought I would add it here.

One challenge of measuring temps while bending is that the temp can change quickly whle ramping and the temp probe likely won't keep up. So while the probe shows you are stopping the ramp at 300F, the actual temp may be 350F as the probe just hasn't had time to catch up with the changing temperatures. Digital thermometers including most meat/cooking thermometer are notorius for taking 30sec , 60sec, even 90sec to settle at a temp even when that temp is constant (like when stabbed into a turkey breast for example).

Some digital thermometers are much better than others. The best I've found are available online from ThermoWorks. Their ThermoPen is a meat thermometer that will settle at a new temp in roughly 3sec and accuracy less than 1F.....but it's $90 or so.
http://thermoworks.com/products/thermap ... ifications

They have a cheaper option ($19) that has 0.9F accuracy and settles in about 6sec which is plenty fast I think. Only problem is it only goes up to 300F.......but it's a great, low cost meat thermometer.
http://thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600c.html

So here is a cheap option for a bender. Similar design to the one above, IP67 rated so withstands moisture, settles in roughly 15sec, temp range is -58F-572F, accuracy is 1.8F up to 250F and 3.6F up to 572F, C/F switchable, probe 0.137" diameter and 4.8" long, battery life 2,000 hours (continuous). Price - $19!
http://thermoworks.com/products/low_cos ... escription

Or if you don't need a dual purpose meat/bending thermometer or want a bit more accuracy in the upper temperature range, here is another option they have on clearance. K-Type thermoprobe, big temperature display, temperature range -22F - 572F, acurracy 1.8F over entire range (and that is total accuracy of probe and meter combined), probe 0.125" diameter and 4.25" long, 9V battery life 500 hours, and will settle at any temperature within its range in about 10sec (impressive). Clearance price - $31.50 (half original price) Even comes with a NIST traceable certificate.
http://thermoworks.com/products/handhel ... ifications

Remember, resolution is NOT accuracy........so your digital probe may display 1/10 deg F......but it may not be accurate within 10 deg F. And that accuracy assumes you give it 30-60 seconds to stabilize at a CONSTANT temp........so when the blanket is heating up and temps changing quickly, you may be 50F off at a given time in the ramp (possibly more) if the temp probe doesn't respond quickly.

Try to find specifications for accuracy of the thermometers available at Wally World, Lowes, etc. much less the settle time. This company provides thermometers to USDA inpectors and is well known in the meat and cooking industry for their quality, calibrated products at fair prices, and detailed specifications.

[tippie53]

I use a basic cooking thermometer. Anything that helps you control a variable you will be fine.

[Ben-Had]

My thermometer is a Themoworks and I have not had any problems that I am aware of.

[cooltouch]

I use an industrial temperature controller connected to my heating blanket's thermocouple. I can dial in an exact temperature with the temp controller and the temperature will stay put until I turn it off.