Looking for a digital contact thermometer

[Coyote71]

Thinking I might be having a problem on a section of the heating element. Tried using the infared thermometer to check accuracy of the controls, but not even close. Any ideas where to get a contact thermometer? Thanks

[Frog]

I used to have a digital thermometer with a flexible probe that just looked like a braided wire, with a capped-off end. I could sandwich that in my press.

This ain't it but could work similarly. http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.aol_refer.false.tpl.detail.msn_refer.false.item.K129183.ref.GBA?cm_ven=GOOGLEBASE&cm_cat=Cooking%20&cm_pla=Kitchen%20Tools&cm_ite=K129183-000-000&cookie=set

folks also use those paper tape sensors to find dead spots, but also, even if grossly inaccurate (which is partly due to the platen's teflon coating), your non-contact thermometer can still show you inconsistencies and possible dead zones.

[Frog]

Here, this one seems to have the type of probe and thermocouple I described. http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Parmer-Remote-Monitoring-Thermocouple-Thermometer-Deg/dp/B003NV2LU0/ref=pd_sbs_indust_2

And it's reasonably priced.

[SkylinePrints]

I know this is a lot higher end but I have seen quite a few people who use this probe.

http://estore.lawsonsp.com/atkinsdigitalthermometer-digitaltemperaturemeasuring.aspx

[Frog]

The weighted end of this type is too thick to close in the press isn't it?

[SkylinePrints]

i would agree but since it rolls through on the belt, i'm sure it would reflect changes in temp as it passes under the different elements.  again, it was just a thought

[Frog]

Nathan, this is for his heat press.

[ebscreen]

Any old probe and thermocouple (within the correct range) should do it. Probably ~$15 on Evilbay.

[Frog]

you just need a thermocouple and probe that you can place anywhere in a 15"x15" or 16"x20" platen area.
So, little short probes need not apply.
And I dare you to not think the obvious comeback to that!

[ebscreen]

Ahem, wouldn't this be one situation where a short probe would be beneficiary?

A long one might read across too far of a reach? I guess it depends on how the
coils run in the casting though.

[Frog]

The one I had, had a tip of about 1/2" on a three foot wire. The tip was the only "senser"
It could be taped down in various places on the rubber pad.

[ebscreen]

All of mine are 7" plus.

[Frog]

you can see the tiny tip on this one that I posted earlier. The link is to Amazon for about $25

[Frog]

Actually closer to $35 with shipping, but I wouldn't be surprised if a little sleuthing wouldn't find it , or a similar one cheaper

[Coyote71]

Thanks guys for all the links. I have a k type thermocouple for my fluke that is very simillar to the one frog showed. Problem is, there is about 150 degrees difference between the infared and the thermocouple. I know that there should not that much difference between the 2 thermos, thats whey I am trying to locate a third tool to try and see what the temps actually are. Will get the evilbay one a try and see of I can find some heat tape and test different areas of the element. Thanks guys