[NSRCA-discussion] Foam cutter power supply

[Ron Van Putte]

Forty years ago I made a foam cutter power supply; it is still in use  
today.  The primary parts are a 24 volt transformer, a 50 ohm  
variable power resistor and the nichrome wire (I used 0.016" wire).   
Attach one lead from the transformer to one end of the nichrome wire;  
attach the other lead from the transformer to one end of the variable  
power resistor and attach the other end of the the variable power  
resistor to the other end of the nichrome wire.  Adjust the setting  
of the variable power resistor to achieve proper foam cutting.  You  
can also add a switch in one of the leads from the transformer.  I  
put everything in a small aluminum box.

Ron

On May 21, 2009, at 3:25 AM, Paul LaChance wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I was told about a way to make a power supply for a foam cutter  
> using 2 dimmer switches.  I was also told to measure the final  
> voltage to get an approximate starting point of 15 volts.  I am not  
> getting a voltage change with the dimmers.  I have tested to see  
> that there is a difference by using a drill to see that it is  
> reducing the speed.  Does anyone know how I can measure to get a  
> starting point or is it going to be trial and error?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Paul
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