Just looked on eBay out of curiosity. Lots of kits really cheap. All look good except the thermocouples all seem to be short versions that will not work with a lead pot unless you can find a way to drill the pot and thread it to put the end deep enough to be submerged. I would not buy a thermocouple less then 4” from thread start to end of probe.

I have built about a half dozen of the PIDs.
The usual PID controller unit comes with 0-400C range, but they can be reprogramed simply. I reset them to 450C(842F)
which is plenty high for any of the usual lead alloys to cast well. I usually run at 405 to 420C (761-788F)
The short K thermocouples that come with the kits are "0-400 degrees Centigrade range. I simply set them aside.
So, I order in the 4" units with 0-600 C or more range for only a few bucks off fleebay to enable the higher temps we run at. They extend plenty deep in the pot. 
beltfed/arnie

I seem to remember someone was selling a PID controller that you just plug your existing non-PID-controlled pot into. You did not have to modify your existing pot. 

Does someone remember who was selling these and are these a good alternative to modifying your existing pot? I like the idea that this type of PID controller is portable and can be used on different pots if you have several.

How accurate are those PID's? I bought one of the new RCBS's a few years ago and had a problem trying to cast with it. I put it back in the box and never used it again until I saw this post. Got mine going again yesterday and found out that it's 100 degrees lower than it should be.  I had to set it at 850 degrees and the lead temperature was about 745 degrees measured with two different thermometers. Is there anything that can be done to change the temperature setting that these PID's record?

3 to 4 C? That's like 5 to 7 degrees F. My gas pot holds to way less than half that and it isn't short term cyclic.

" Isn't there a way to do it with a dimmer switch? "

Art there is and I have used one for years and there is no cycling on or off and nothing inside of the pot to get in the way. 
It also needs to be 1000 Watt Dimmer switch and the one I bought was a sliding Dimmer Switch from Lutron. 
Once you find your temperature settings all you then need to do is to use volt meter to set the power going out to your pot. Or you can also just put a mark or marks on the sliding switch to also get you there. 

Old-Win wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2021 at 7:48am:


I assume you mean one of the RCBS pots with a built in PID.  If so than I have 3 possible suggestions:
1) Call RCBS.  Although the pots are made in Japan they may be able to help you - may even take it back for repairs or adjustment.
2) There are several YouTube videos on programing PID.  Possibly one can give you some ideas.
3) If you can't resolve the issue via 1 & 2 above, Adjust the PID front panel setting to 100 degrees higher if possible.

Wayne