Improved dryer box.

That's a clever retrofit, Don.

A...cool, idea, if I may allow myself the pun

Don, I really like the change. And one of these days, I'll get off my duff and make one for myself. 

What do you use as a drying element?

Hi Don;

    I have been using an old Aquarium with the vented top and a " Critter Light . ( A light for Lizards)" Seems to work well. At least after ten years, I guess so.

I use a 6o watt incandescent bulb.  If you ever intend to build something using a bulb for a cheap heating element, you'd better buy a bulb or too now- it needs to be a real 60 watt bulb, not a fluorescent or LED that gives the equivalent light.

I have the light in series with a light dimmer/switch so I can adjust the temp (that is a thermometer sitting in the otherwise empty chamber. I find the amount of power I need to reach the temp I want- 110 to 115 degrees- depends on season and temp of my shop. I have allowed parts to get too hot.  Wings started to sag when I let a plane set in there for awhile when it got a few degrees above 120.  Because I run the bulb at a lower temperature than in a light fixture, I expect a long bulb life, but I do still need to buy a spare or two.

Hi Don;

  Gotchya on the bulb thing. I bought a dozen. No, that said, Right now I am using an Open " Critter Light ( Warming ) for this job. It sits In an old architects light unit. So I can adjust the distance some. Works well with the framed Panty-Hose Mesh. Keeps the dust out and the air clear inside.

I’ve used a food dryer. It gets too hot if not vented a bit; up to 115F. Never on the bottom tray or with a tight lid, either. Mine is round and about 15” in diamteter.