Work Support for the Induction Heater

[bill k]

I recently got an induction heater. Holding the work in the coil without arcing was difficult. I made the work holder pictured below. It has proven to be a great tool, making heating various work pieces much easier. 
 

 

[Daswulf]

Smart work Bill. I don't know much about the big units but my small handheld unit has coil covers. Do they have anything like that for the big coils to protect against an accidental bump?

[bill k]

3 hours ago, Daswulf said:

Do they have anything like that for the big coils to protect against an accidental bump?

They do. The machine I got came with a covered coil. A youTube channel "ej of the anvil" says he doesn't use them as they burn up when contacting hot metal and make a mess. 
 

 

[Daswulf]

They are technically a consumable. With my small inductor they recommend not "overheating" them as it deteriorates them. Over time they deteriorate anyway. I have had coild touch the metal as well.  Mine are built on so non replaceable as per the company. If they are replaceable I'd go with using them and your shelves. Unless cost prohibitive. 

[Frosty]

Using guides on machinery is normal. Were induction heaters not out of my price range I'd have guides and guards for them. I was already sketching different ideas while I was searching the web for a heater I could afford.

Frosty The Lucky.

[bill k]

I have enjoyed the heater. It does a great job. 
 

My wife saw a picture of a candle holder that had a conical base. The base was about 2.375" OD. I got some 2" pipe. I made a coil using 4 feet of 1/4" copper tubing wrapped around a piece of 2 1/2" pipe. The heater got it to working heat in under a minute. 
 

With the heating power turned to the maximum, I began to get sparks. I turned the heating power back and was able to soak the pipe at a yellow heat without sparking.  I am sure there is a lot to learn about the various adjustments. 
 

[Daswulf]

I could see a couple rollers or v rollers being useful for moving the piece back and forth to heat a larger area.

[bill k]

This material wasn't too heavy so it moved pretty easy. For heavier stock rollers would be nice. Instead of V-blocks I used two pieces of 1/2" flat bar to stabilize the stock. 
 

Here is a link showing the setup in action. 
 

 

Edited September 19, 2024 by Mod30
Remove excessive quote.