Foam Cutting Power Supply

[mr_wood]

Hi,

I currently use a 12v car battery to power my foam cutter. I want to reduce the temp of the wire, could I use a standard household dimmer switch to do this ?

Thanks
Tim

[Ollie]

You can't use a dimmer switch to lower the voltage fron a battery because dimmer switches only work on alternating current.

You can lower the temperature of the cutting wire by using a smaller diameter wire or by lengthening the cutting wire. The extral length of cutting wire can be coiled up on a form separate from the bow and wired in series between one side of the battery and one side of the bow. If you use an alligator clip to attach one end of the connection to the coil, then you can have fine control over the wire temperature by sliding the clip along the coil of cutting wire external to the bow.

[steve lewin]

Or if you have a spare ESC (speed controller) lying about that will do the job very well. The easiest way to drive it is probably from a simple servo tester. That's what I use anyway.

Steve

[TimOBrien]

I bought a kit from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty (they sell stuff for homebuilt aircraft builders... http://www.aircraftspruce.com ). This was years ago, but the kit was a big transformer and dimmer system for $25. Still works great. Get their catalog and see if they still have it!

[Ray Lowinski]

I use one of the transformer/dimmer type. put it in a box with a fuse holder, switch, and a convenient way to hook up the wire, banana plugs for me, and there you go.

Some people just have a problem working with 120 VAC that's been reduced to 12 to 24 VAC. Believe me, you'll know if the transformer shorts or otherwise goes bad. Of course I've seen control transformers (480V - 120V) last for years without problem. How about your TV or nightstand radio?

Besides, don't touch the wires after power up and you've nothing to worry about.

Keep 'em hummin'

Ray

[mt_100]

Can someone email me a copy of the Aircraft Spruce hotwire kit instructions?

I lost mine.

Thanks!!