Heat control techniques for large billets pyrometer vs color vs time in fire

[Breylen]

I’ve been exploring heat control techniques for large billets, and I’m stuck between a pyrometer, the color of the steel, or just timing it in the fire. After I overheated a big billet and watched it scale like crazy, I really started to rethink my heat control habits. What’s your go-to method?

 

[Lorian]

Yeah, I messed up a melt once by just guessing the temp, total fail.
Now, I use a pyrometer for big jobs, but I still check the color to keep myself humble.

 

[hammertime]

That time-based alone is risky when a big billet scaled up way fast. Now, I use a pyrometer to be precise, check the color as a reality check, and keep tabs on time for pacing.

 

[crucibleking]

Used to only check the color, and I burned a billet. Now, a pyrometer is my crutch, I use color for hints, and time for a backup plan.