Re: [RCSE] foam cutting power source

[Kirk Hanson]

Using a fan control on the input will not vary the output voltage, the supply will remain in regulation until the input gets to about 90V and then it will shut off. Most of the computer supplies will not supply much 12V current unless there is a load on the 5V, on the order of 2 to 5A. You will need to add a load resistor to get this. A simple heat adjuster would be to mount a length of the same wire you use for the cutting bow on a couple of nails a couple of feet apart in a board . Run the 12V into one end of this wire, use an alligator clip on the wire that goes to the bow and you can place the clip along the wire to adjust the current. I use 60lb stainless fishing leader on my bow and I think 32" requires about 8V.   Kirk Hanson TPG San Diego ----- Original Message ----- From: gldrgidr To: RCSE Sent: Monday, July 16, 2001 6:34 PM Subject: [RCSE] foam cutting power source I've seen posts (here or the e-zone) about using a computer power supply to power battery chargers.  Can they also be used as a power source for a foam cutter?  With a  dimmer switch or one of those attic fan controls, the cutting wire temperature could be varied.  The power supply I bought puts out 12v at 10 amps.  Is this enough?   John