need answer about power supply to hotwire

[new flyer]

i have a computer power supply that i run my lilpol charger on. what i need to know is can i hook the power supply 12v wires straight to a dimmer switch and run a hotwire with it. or will it blow up on me

[Bruce Abbott]

It won't blow up, but it won't work unless your dimmer is designed for 12VDC.

Here's a simple dimmer circuit:-

Ian Purdie VK2TIP's 555 Light Dimmer (http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/devices/555-light-dimmer.htm)

http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/devices/555-light-dimmer-fig1.gif

[rcminiman]

I use a car battery charger. At 12vdc, you need at least 4 to 8 amps, depending how long the hot wire is, and material used:- nichrome, stainless etc.