I'm one of those that built mine out of a styrofoam cooler + foil, but I added a dimmer switch to my lamp so that I could have the perfect temp and not keep having to turn the light on and off (also I added a meat thermometer on the side away from where my bulb sits to have a visual way to check the temp and made sure it's not too hot in the box). And you are correct in regards to LED bulbs not really working for this because they don't put off enough heat like incandescent bulbs do.
Hi! I made my own today, then saw your suggestion of a dimmer switch. What did you find that worked for this? I googled “attachable dimmer switch” and “dimmer switch” and got confused
a suggestion on the lamp. If you can't find a bulb or lamp that you think is good in a hobby shop or lowes, go to a pet store and ask about reptile supplies. Reptiles being cold blooded they need equipment to help keep their tanks and enclosures at optimum temperatures. There's a wide variety of things you can make use of from lamps, to heating pads to ceramic heat emitters that allow you adjust the amount of heat you want. So theoretically you could keep your box at a stable, constant temperature without needing to turn the light on and off. Just find the ideal temperature you would like for your clay to be and bingo. Though I'm speaking from theory and only a bit of experience, it's been over 20 years since I kept herps so consult with someone about the best ways to keep a box at a stable and constant temperature.
This is a good idea, I think the issue is that reptile keeping stuff is usually more expensive. I did find a solution for the temperature problem though, a dimmer plug! It's only $10ish on Amazon and works like a charm
Because I am working with small amounts, no more than a pound at a time, I have been putting clay in sealed plastic bag and wrapped in a small electric heating pad. It won't liquefy the clay so It can be kept warm for hrs, allowing me to continually add small amounts. Keeps me warm, as well. :)
@@KazplayVideos Yikes. Since writing my comment I ruined nearly a pound of Mont Marte polymer "Make and bake". Even in a sealed plastic bag it dried up hard in only a couple hours forgotten in the heating pad. I. It should still be a useful method of keeping an oil and wax medium such as Monster Clay. I will find out tomorrow. I have an Amazon delivery then its off to Opus art supplies for a box of monster clay. Disappointed that I ruined a ponnd of the MontMarte. A17 $ lesson learned.
@@KazplayVideos Happily, these days I can afford such lessons. It's a pain in the butt but no great tragedy. In my starving musician dats it might have shut me down, as far as the clay was concerned. Now it just means an unplanned trip to Opus for a box of monster clay. Learning an art form that does not use music and words inspires my ancient brain to see new things again. Losing 17 Canadian Pesos is just irritating. I haven't had this much fun for a while.
Have you tried to use a baby food warmer? They work with water, therefore should provide heating from "all sides" and can hold temperature. Also, they are extremely cheap, though I'm not sure they consume less electricity. The downside is that they cannot hold as much clay obviously, but it also doesn't take up much space...for around 10 bucks I'll give that a shot...if it works fine I'll let you know
I didn't know there was such a thing! The only potential problem I see is scooping the clay out of the narrow opening could be annoying. But it might work! I added a dimmer switch to my setup to better control the temperature and it works perfectly, I couldn't be happier with it. But I do understand that it takes a of space. Honestly you could probably just suspend the lamp above the clay tub for a minimal setup
I can say this box has been a game changer for me, no more bra clay XD it's totally worth the size imo. I added a dimmer switch to it to solve the temperature issue, it perfect!
I constructed one with a Styrofoam case from a microwave and made a magnetic panel/door. Used some scrap reflective foil and used a 30 watt bulb. Still gets hot enough to scald ya if it heats too long - I made it too thermally efficient, I guess.
I'm one of those that built mine out of a styrofoam cooler + foil, but I added a dimmer switch to my lamp so that I could have the perfect temp and not keep having to turn the light on and off (also I added a meat thermometer on the side away from where my bulb sits to have a visual way to check the temp and made sure it's not too hot in the box).
And you are correct in regards to LED bulbs not really working for this because they don't put off enough heat like incandescent bulbs do.
Oh I didn't even think about a dimmer! That's a fantastic idea. Thanks!
@@KazplayVideos Yush! The dimmer totally helps you have much better regulation of the temp inside of the box so you don't end up with soup XD
Hi! I made my own today, then saw your suggestion of a dimmer switch. What did you find that worked for this? I googled “attachable dimmer switch” and “dimmer switch” and got confused
The dimmer is a great idea.
a suggestion on the lamp. If you can't find a bulb or lamp that you think is good in a hobby shop or lowes, go to a pet store and ask about reptile supplies. Reptiles being cold blooded they need equipment to help keep their tanks and enclosures at optimum temperatures. There's a wide variety of things you can make use of from lamps, to heating pads to ceramic heat emitters that allow you adjust the amount of heat you want. So theoretically you could keep your box at a stable, constant temperature without needing to turn the light on and off. Just find the ideal temperature you would like for your clay to be and bingo.
Though I'm speaking from theory and only a bit of experience, it's been over 20 years since I kept herps so consult with someone about the best ways to keep a box at a stable and constant temperature.
This is a good idea, I think the issue is that reptile keeping stuff is usually more expensive. I did find a solution for the temperature problem though, a dimmer plug! It's only $10ish on Amazon and works like a charm
@@KazplayVideos huh i had no idea that dimmer plugs were a thing. I'm glad you found a solution to the problem.
YESS!! The claymation studio I interned at used to use an ancient crockpot set to the lowest setting, kept it on at all times.
Thank you for this!!! Just made my own, your tutorial made it really easy.
Excellent .. I will be taking your idea and making my own. Thank you for you time and effort.
Excellent tutorial video ... thank you for time and inspiration
Because I am working with small amounts, no more than a pound at a time, I have been putting clay in sealed plastic bag and wrapped in a small electric heating pad. It won't liquefy the clay so It can be kept warm for hrs, allowing me to continually add small amounts. Keeps me warm, as well. :)
@@Thomas-r8w9x this is a great idea!
@@KazplayVideos Yikes. Since writing my comment I ruined nearly a pound of Mont Marte polymer "Make and bake". Even in a sealed plastic bag it dried up hard in only a couple hours forgotten in the heating pad. I. It should still be a useful method of keeping an oil and wax medium such as Monster Clay. I will find out tomorrow. I have an Amazon delivery then its off to Opus art supplies for a box of monster clay.
Disappointed that I ruined a ponnd of the MontMarte. A17 $ lesson learned.
@@JohnnyWrongo-b9l oh no! A sad lesson to learn :(
@@KazplayVideos Happily, these days I can afford such lessons. It's a pain in the butt but no great tragedy. In my starving musician dats it might have shut me down, as far as the clay was concerned. Now it just means an unplanned trip to Opus for a box of monster clay. Learning an art form that does not use music and words inspires my ancient brain to see new things again. Losing 17 Canadian Pesos is just irritating. I haven't had this much fun for a while.
Thanks!
I've never been super thanked before, thank you!! 🙇♀️
Have you tried to use a baby food warmer? They work with water, therefore should provide heating from "all sides" and can hold temperature. Also, they are extremely cheap, though I'm not sure they consume less electricity. The downside is that they cannot hold as much clay obviously, but it also doesn't take up much space...for around 10 bucks I'll give that a shot...if it works fine I'll let you know
I didn't know there was such a thing! The only potential problem I see is scooping the clay out of the narrow opening could be annoying. But it might work! I added a dimmer switch to my setup to better control the temperature and it works perfectly, I couldn't be happier with it. But I do understand that it takes a of space. Honestly you could probably just suspend the lamp above the clay tub for a minimal setup
I'm completely guilty of the clay in the bra method lol. Thank you SO much for this!!!!!
I can say this box has been a game changer for me, no more bra clay XD it's totally worth the size imo. I added a dimmer switch to it to solve the temperature issue, it perfect!
I constructed one with a Styrofoam case from a microwave and made a magnetic panel/door. Used some scrap reflective foil and used a 30 watt bulb. Still gets hot enough to scald ya if it heats too long - I made it too thermally efficient, I guess.
Maybe, I also turn the light on and off again periodically to keep it to my preferred clay temperature.
sadly the bust isn´t available anymore
Sorry for the mistake, my Etsy shop is all the way open again, busts are available!
@@KazplayVideos REJOICE!!