Food dehydrator speed up curing times?

[cyberkid]

I remember seeing a post here saying that the max temp that should be used is 90 something F. I don't recall the exact number.
Could some one who knows the 'facts' post them up? I mean, the max temp to be used.

[mj71]

Originally Posted by cyberkid

I remember seeing a post here saying that the max temp that should be used is 90 something F. I don't recall the exact number.
Could some one who knows the 'facts' post them up? I mean, the max temp to be used.

My experience is strictly limited to Tamiya styrene, but I've been good up to 110F. Beyond that, when removed the styrene is definitely getting softer. I usually keep it at 105 in case the thermostat has some slop in its sensing. I'd certainly recommend taking some sprue or a chunk of whatever material you're using and test a temperature first.

On a side note, be very careful putting spray cans in to warm them up. I've read where getting the can warm can help flow, but I've had several invert their bottom "lids" at 110F. I now don't go above 95 for spray cans.

[cyberkid]

Originally Posted by mj71

On a side note, be very careful putting spray cans in to warm them up. I've read where getting the can warm can help flow, but I've had several invert their bottom "lids" at 110F. I now don't go above 95 for spray cans.

One word: DON'T!
metal itself conducts heat thus making a one source 110F environment turn into a 110 x n source environment. If something goes wrong, ie: temp sensors haywire, heat knob or button gets accidentaly nudged etc etc... you could end up with a grenade in your oven.
What I find works well and is safe is to run handable temp water over the can or let the can sit in the sink filled with handable temp water... What I mean with handable temp is that you are able to hold your hand in or under the water without it being too hot for you to stand. I heat my cans for 5-10 minutes.

[Sixx]

Originally Posted by mj71

I have great luck with an Excalibur branded dehydrator. Very large internal volume. It would fit a 15" 1/12 car without any problem. They're pricey, but when you're not using them for modeling, they do a great job at making great snack food!

http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/5...gular-prod.htm

I wouldn't want to eat at your house

just kiddin' man, my ol' lady would kill me if her dried apples tasted like paint