I have a Neycraft Jff-2000 heat treat furnace. It is an all manual 120v model and reaches a maximum of 2012F(1100C). I think I've had it for about 25 years. Still works like new.
Carefully select the PDI controller, many of the extremely cheap ones will require a 24VDC supply. Also if you are going to implement your own control system you really should have a separate high temperature limit controller of some sort. The PID controller will also require a high current switch, which might already be in the oven already; however you need a PID controller that can drive that old relay.
https://www.ottofrei.com/Neycraft-JFF-2000-Fiber-Furnace-Chamber-Size-9-W-X-9-D-X-6-1?quantity=1&custcol_of_option_voltage=7
I am going to put a PID controller on it. I was thinking about using a basic PID since all I need is to be able to set ramp up, soak, and ramp down for basic heat treating. It is a pain in the butt having to manually monitor this thing every time I use it.
Ramp Up, Soak, and Ramp down are not basic functions. If you want controlled cycles you will need to make sure the controller actually supports the features you want in the way you want. Frankly many of the cheap processor controllers are a bit of a pain to program, so you might want to look for easy of use features.
I was thinking of using one or the small ones from Automation direct, but I wondered if any of you had a recommendation for a better and/or preferably cheaper one that won't go bongo in the first try. The prices on some of the Ebay ones are so low that it scares me to even try them.
Thanks
If you want to control costs I'd look at the various ARduino projects out there. You then get extreme flexibility for setting up you ramp/soak cycles. If not DIY then there are dozens of possibilities form the likes of Omron, Watlow, Omega, Automation direct and many others.