If you are setting up a shop as a Cerakote applicator, there are a LOT of things you’re going to need. One of those things is at least one curing oven. Depending on your goals, your available time, and your budget, you may want to either build a Cerakote oven, or buy one. In this article we’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach!
What To Look For in a Cerakote Oven
Before we get into the “DIY -vs- Pre-Built” discussion, let’s cover what you want to look for in a good Cerakote Oven!
Internal capacity/dimensions
If you’re Cerakoting rifles or rifle Chassis parts, you’re going to want an oven with about 5′ of internal height! The length and width are factors that you can roll and flex with, but height is something that you’ll want to focus on heavily UNLESS you are only Cerakoting small parts like pistol parts or similar.
Racking options
At minimum, you’ll want racking at the top of the oven (ceiling of interior) so that you can hang parts. An optimal setup will have multiple shelves that can be used, one at the top, and one in the middle so that you can either hang tall parts (fewer) or many shorter/smaller parts using the multiple shelves!
Covered Element
A covered heating element is CRITICAL with a Cerakote oven. This will prevent direct radiation from the heating element hitting your parts which would result in hot spots.
Circulation Fan
The circulation fan works in conjunction with the covered heating element to optimize temperature uniformity. By blowing the air around in the oven, the air temperature will be much more constant.
Insulation and Seals
It’s easy to overlook the importance of insulation in an oven. With good insulation and good seals, you’ll retain more heat which will lower your electricity bill, and also keep you cooler in the shop during the summer!
Support / Replacement Parts
Time is money, and if you have issues with your oven, it could bring your Cerakote operation to a grinding halt! Obviously you want to avoid that. Having a company to support your product and to talk to in the event of down-time will be very valuable in the long run.
Extras! Deluxe Controller, WiFi connectivity and More
There are a lot of things you can add to your oven, some of which are VERY nice to have! A touch screen will make it quicker and more enjoyable to edit programs and operate your oven. WiFi connectivity can enable you to monitor your oven remotely and even to control it remotely!
DIY: Re-purposing or Scratch-Building
If you have time, interest, and skill- it’s worth considering a DIY Cerakote Oven build. Here are some factors to think about:
Pros:
- Can save money – this may depend on whether you can find something “close to” an oven to start with!
- Some of the work is done for you if you can find a “shell” to start with.
- A local find can help to avoid freight charges
Cons:
- Time = Money: If it takes you 40 hours to build the oven, and tools + supplies + parts have totaled $1500- you may decide it’s not worth the time (that’s where I landed).
- End result may be compromise: For complex projects, the first go will typically result in quite a few “I’d do that differently next time” situations!
- Lack of turn key kits (it’s a science project). When I started to investigate this approach, I quickly discovered that it wasn’t straightforward, and would involve a lot of learning (which I didn’t have time for).
- May not look professional. This all depends on how far you go with your project!
- Lower resale (especially if the result is non-pro).
Above: Example electrical components diagram for DIY Cerakote Oven
Buying a Pre-Built Oven
If you are starting or expanding a pro shop, I would recommend investing in a quality pre-built Cerakote Oven like what is available at Built American. When time is money, and you can’t afford time for a build or down-time in production, this is a great investment. Here are some thoughts about pre-built ovens:
Pros:
- Time = Money, spend time coating not building. If you saved $1500 building an oven, but it took 20 hours to build, that’s 20 billable hours at $100.00/hr or $2000.00 in missed productivity.
- Quality and Optimal Functionality. Oven manufacturers have years or decades of experience, and many of them have perfected their products based on a lot of customer input, trial, and error!
- Resale Value. A quality oven will hold much of its value in the case that you want to sell it.
Cons:
- Can cost more than DIY oven build.
- Freight charges are non-trivial. If you buy multiple ovens and/or booths you can spread out this freight cost over more assets however!
Conclusion
My recommendation is to carry out a DIY build only if you are interested in the project, and aren’t running a substantial business. A pre-built oven is likely the best option if you are serious about starting/growing your coatings business for sure!
About the Built American BAE-200
We have two BAE-200 ovens at Precision Rifle Concepts.
These units have an attractive black finish, low energy consumption, a user-friendly, microprocessor-controlled interface, convection assist airflow, and a max temperature of 550℉.
The touchscreen control also connects to a phone app for remote monitoring capabilities.
They also have a high-quality cord, two shelf fixture system, high temperature ceramic fiberglass door seal, dual heating elements with covers and castor wheels.
From Built American:
BAE-0200 Standup Capacity Cerakote Convection Oven was engineered specifically for Cerakote™ applicators. It is built for curing Cerakote ™ ceramic coatings. The convection assist airflow design teamed with the high temperature motor provides temperature uniformity to ensure consistent drying, curing and baking results.
– Corrosion-resistant stainless steel curing chamber
– Durable exterior finish
– Low overall energy consumption
– Operating temperatures from 000° to 550°F
– User-friendly, microprocessor-controlled interface
– Convection assist airflow high temperature provides temperature uniformity
– Two (2) shelf fixture system
– High temperature ceramic fiberglass door seal
– Dual (2) long-life mineral insulated metal sheathed heating elements
– Heating element cover plate
– one year limited warranty
Electrical Specifications: 208-240VAC; 40A
Mechanical Specifications: Chamber Volume:28.68 cu.ft.
Weight: 700 lbs.
Interior Dimensions: 32” Width x 29.5” Deep x 52.5” Height
Exterior Dimensions: 37” Width x 35” Deep x 64” Height
This oven also has a few available options: a touch screen controller upgrade with WiFi and a stainless steel chamber upgrade.
Our two ovens have both of these upgrades. This oven is also available single phase or three phase. We chose single phase. Each oven has a breaker and on/off switch.
Get the Gear
Use the code UR5 to save 5% sitewide on BuiltAmericanEquipment.com.
BAE-0100 Desktop Capacity Cerakote Convection Oven
BAE-0200 Standup Capacity Cerakote Convection Oven
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Thanks,
Gavin
