[NSRCA-discussion] Foam Wing Cutting

[Lance Van Nostrand]

Here's an alternative that worked for me before I got the CNC cutter.  You can use 2 dimmer switches in series.  The first is a more expensive ceiling fan dimmer.  The second is a regular cheapo dimmer.  If you try to use one dimmer it is too sensitive and you can't get the fine adjustment necessary to make small adjustement to the wire temp easily.  I'm sure a transformer or 300watt light are doing the same thing.  Just depends on what you can get your hands on and is cheaper.  I've shared this before and others have had some success.
--Lance

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ed Alt 
  To: 'NSRCA Mailing List' 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 10:17 AM
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Foam Wing Cutting


  I just dug out my set up.  I used a Stancor P-8554 transformer.  The secondary winding is rated at 30 VCT  1.7A.  You could use something close to that, around 24 to 36V  would probably work, it will just mean that the dimmer switch position will be different depending on the characteristics of the transformer.  You might want something around 2.5A  rating, just for extra margin to keep it loafing along instead of straining it.



  Ed



  -----Original Message-----
  From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ed Alt
  Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 11:10 AM
  To: 'NSRCA Mailing List'
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Foam Wing Cutting



  You can use a light dimmer switch in series with a step down transformer.  Connect the cutter wire to the secondary and you have a variable temp cutter that doesn't have a shock hazard, assuming you properly insulate all the wiring from the AC cord, dimmer and transformer primary.



  Ed



  -----Original Message-----
  From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Earl Haury
  Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 10:44 AM
  To: NSRCA Mailing List
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Foam Wing Cutting



  I built one of these for my son several years ago (wish I'd built 2) and it's gotten a lot of use with no problems at all. The only issue now is that Radio Shack may no longer carry the parts - places like Mauser Electronic will have them though.



  Earl

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: jimmy graver 

    To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org 

    Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 9:34 AM

    Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Foam Wing Cutting



    I was wondering if I could get a little input. On the NSRCA web site there is a foam wing cutter controller and I was thinking of

    building it to try my hand at cutting my own wings. I never did this yet, always built balsa frame up. It will open up quite a few new

    designs for me. I was thinking of building a Boxer but I have to be able to cut foam. So any help would be appreciated. Did any 

    of the people on the list build and use one? If so how did it work? Any other controllers better? You can either put your reply

    on the list if you think there is an interest or send me a private email. Thanks for you help Jimmy.

    email: planedoc at ptd.net


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