New Solar Oven

 This is my newest project. A Solar Oven that pivots to track the sun. Like most of my projects it is made of recycled materials. I started by cutting 2 half circles and 2 arcs. Glued and screwed together. These will be the end pieces.

  Sorry the pictures are not in order. This is a close up of the pin to aim unit at sun. Legs are 1" PVC from habitat for humanity thrift store. The pin is a 1/4" cement stud I put red tape on for a knob later. Drilled some holes to lock unit in place.

   Put a piece of tempered glass in a hinged frame and chain for a stop. lined inside with heavy aluminum foil glued in with elmers glue and water mix. Pan is gimbled to a bolt with wire so pan always sits level. Drilled a hole and inserted a digital thermometer. Added strip of D shaped rubber weather strip.

For the reflectors I used elmers foam poster board. Glued on mylar from emergency space blanket with water glue mix. Used aluminum tape to wrap edges and make hinges.

                                                                                                       Taped the back so they would hinge.  The 4 small pieces hinge in so the large ones will fold flat for storage.                                 

 Found some small brackets to bolt reflectors to lid. I did a test and put in a pie. Came out great. The temperture reached 333 degrees. Hottest I've had it so far.                                              

 

This is bending the inside into place. Had to soak the wood paneling to keep from splitting. I lined inside between the inner and outter panel with cardboard for insulation. I use a long dowel to aim unit at sun. when the shadow hits the lines painted on the frame it is aimed at its best focal point. Adjustable up and down and east and west.

A very simple unit to build and gets pleanty hot. I cooked a 2 lb. pork roast in it yesterday and it came out a little over cooked.

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