RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
01-01-2009, 07:49 PM
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RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Do you have an old 2/6 amp or 10 amp battery charger ?
This can even work if the diodes have been blown and it will no longer charge a car battery. (transformer must still work)
You can find these old chargers for a song at most yard sales, flea markets and pawn shops....and even find fixable ones at the county dump so the sources are endless...;-) Most fail at the circuit breaker or diodes and rarely at the transformer (which is what you need for wing cutting)
Concept....2 things..
1)Put lamp dimmer into circuit before power transformer
2)switch charging leads from between normal output (DC) to transformer out (AC-pre rectifier)
simple!
all ya need is ...
look at pictures, youll be able to figure it out for your charger...
you can increment voltage/current to charge any battery now (assuming the diodes/rectifier is still good on the charger)
A)buy a $5 light dimmer switch at local hardware store.(or get the one out of your junk drawer)
B)one DPDT (double pole double throw auto switch needed)(can sub other types-yeah, back to the drawer!)
C)some crimp on terminals and crimper-who doesn't keep these laying around?)
D)lamp cord maybe 12"
E)whatever screwdriver you need to open the case (unless your good with mind over matter-or just use whatever will work!)
F) Voltmeter-(useful)
Another plus that I forgot to mention is the ease of turning the current on to the bow (which is the light dimmer switch). One you are ready to cut, just punch the switch and when done , punch it off. Makes for easy control.
This can even work if the diodes have been blown and it will no longer charge a car battery. (transformer must still work)
You can find these old chargers for a song at most yard sales, flea markets and pawn shops....and even find fixable ones at the county dump so the sources are endless...;-) Most fail at the circuit breaker or diodes and rarely at the transformer (which is what you need for wing cutting)
Concept....2 things..
1)Put lamp dimmer into circuit before power transformer
2)switch charging leads from between normal output (DC) to transformer out (AC-pre rectifier)
simple!
all ya need is ...
look at pictures, youll be able to figure it out for your charger...
you can increment voltage/current to charge any battery now (assuming the diodes/rectifier is still good on the charger)
A)buy a $5 light dimmer switch at local hardware store.(or get the one out of your junk drawer)
B)one DPDT (double pole double throw auto switch needed)(can sub other types-yeah, back to the drawer!)
C)some crimp on terminals and crimper-who doesn't keep these laying around?)
D)lamp cord maybe 12"
E)whatever screwdriver you need to open the case (unless your good with mind over matter-or just use whatever will work!)
F) Voltmeter-(useful)
Another plus that I forgot to mention is the ease of turning the current on to the bow (which is the light dimmer switch). One you are ready to cut, just punch the switch and when done , punch it off. Makes for easy control.
01-01-2009, 08:48 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
YOU DA MAN! I thought I was the price of chinz. The guy that could make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I pick up stuff from the side of the road on garbage day and repair it or save the parts for a yet to be determined future project. But, sir, I pass my crown to you. Brilliant!
Bill
Bill
01-03-2009, 11:30 PM
#6
RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Hey Mike,
Can you elaborate? I'm looking to build one and get into making my own wings....just started into electrics - been nitro'n for a while now. I looked at HD and found this transformer.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100627095
They have a few more, but this 16VAC at 10Amps. Does it matter what kind of dimmer is used?
Thanks!
Wiqar
Can you elaborate? I'm looking to build one and get into making my own wings....just started into electrics - been nitro'n for a while now. I looked at HD and found this transformer.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100627095
They have a few more, but this 16VAC at 10Amps. Does it matter what kind of dimmer is used?
Thanks!
Wiqar
01-04-2009, 12:04 PM
#8
RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Ok, my mistake. After looking at your link I remembered that I tried one of those, but burned it out. I am using an AT87A Transformer. I don't remember exacty where I got it, but I do know that it was local. But a quick Google search brought up lots of them. They cost about $22.
The dimmer is just a regular light dimmer like you would ude in your dining room.
The bow I made from 1 1/2" PVC with a switch, NiChorome wire, tension springs and wooden "Handles" for the wire.
The dimmer is just a regular light dimmer like you would ude in your dining room.
The bow I made from 1 1/2" PVC with a switch, NiChorome wire, tension springs and wooden "Handles" for the wire.
01-04-2009, 09:20 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
ORIGINAL: Kevlar
Hey Mike,
Can you elaborate? I'm looking to build one and get into making my own wings....just started into electrics - been nitro'n for a while now. I looked at HD and found this transformer.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100627095
They have a few more, but this 16VAC at 10Amps. Does it matter what kind of dimmer is used?
Thanks!
Wiqar
Hey Mike,
Can you elaborate? I'm looking to build one and get into making my own wings....just started into electrics - been nitro'n for a while now. I looked at HD and found this transformer.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100627095
They have a few more, but this 16VAC at 10Amps. Does it matter what kind of dimmer is used?
Thanks!
Wiqar
Paul
01-06-2009, 07:32 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Unless my memory fails me...and my basic, that thransformer is 10VA or 10 volt-amps or 10 watts and approx 1.6 amps. Yes. it will work, BUT runs the chance of fast burnout and will be running very hot. Radio Hack sells theirs for 10$ and is 2 amp...still not enough. the transformers in these old 12 volt chargers are about 15-18 volt 4 amp...and if you can find a dead charger...may be free...good chargers (older looking the better they were made) can be had easily for 5$ to $15 usually around $10
01-06-2009, 07:51 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Cool bow, I will run a pic or two on my bow soon. It uses an idea from the feathercut, a Wood backbone(no need to insulate wire and uses the standard battery charger large battery charger clips to make connection) with a swivel castor tire assembly instead of a wobbly nose wheel assembly, a guitar-bridge(wonder why?..;-) type quick change cutting wire attachment. (very easy to make wire ends and change them in seconds) and use of braided wire (30#) stainless fishing leader you can get 30' for at you localBass Pro Shops for less than $5.(used balance of 30 ' to make my gravity pull strings/pulleys)
01-06-2009, 08:02 PM
#13
Senior Member
RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
Since I already own a 12 v Wal-Mart full size boat battery.... is there any reason why I couldn't just us it (along with the light dimmer, of course) for a power source? I could re-charge it as needed over night . thanks Rich
01-10-2009, 09:05 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
The dimmer is only to reduce the ac voltage prior to the charger. You will not be able to use the dimmer on 12 volts althought if you get the right type cutting wire and the right length...(use alligator clips directly on the cutting wire and adjust length between them to increase heat- more wire less heat-closer=more heat) you can use the boat battery just fine.
04-05-2009, 09:16 PM
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RE: RED NECK Foam wing cutter power supply
ORIGINAL: gittarpikk
Do you have an old 2/6 amp or 10 amp battery charger ?
This can even work if the diodes have been blown and it will no longer charge a car battery. (transformer must still work)
You can find these old chargers for a song at most yard sales, flea markets and pawn shops....and even find fixable ones at the county dump so the sources are endless...;-) Most fail at the circuit breaker or diodes and rarely at the transformer (which is what you need for wing cutting)
Concept....2 things..
1)Put lamp dimmer into circuit before power transformer
2)switch charging leads from between normal output (DC) to transformer out (AC-pre rectifier)
simple!
all ya need is ...
look at pictures, youll be able to figure it out for your charger...
you can increment voltage/current to charge any battery now (assuming the diodes/rectifier is still good on the charger)
A)buy a $5 light dimmer switch at local hardware store.(or get the one out of your junk drawer)
B)one DPDT (double pole double throw auto switch needed)(can sub other types-yeah, back to the drawer!)
C)some crimp on terminals and crimper-who doesn't keep these laying around?)
D)lamp cord maybe 12"
E)whatever screwdriver you need to open the case (unless your good with mind over matter-or just use whatever will work!)
F) Voltmeter-(useful)
Another plus that I forgot to mention is the ease of turning the current on to the bow (which is the light dimmer switch). One you are ready to cut, just punch the switch and when done , punch it off. Makes for easy control.
Do you have an old 2/6 amp or 10 amp battery charger ?
This can even work if the diodes have been blown and it will no longer charge a car battery. (transformer must still work)
You can find these old chargers for a song at most yard sales, flea markets and pawn shops....and even find fixable ones at the county dump so the sources are endless...;-) Most fail at the circuit breaker or diodes and rarely at the transformer (which is what you need for wing cutting)
Concept....2 things..
1)Put lamp dimmer into circuit before power transformer
2)switch charging leads from between normal output (DC) to transformer out (AC-pre rectifier)
simple!
all ya need is ...
look at pictures, youll be able to figure it out for your charger...
you can increment voltage/current to charge any battery now (assuming the diodes/rectifier is still good on the charger)
A)buy a $5 light dimmer switch at local hardware store.(or get the one out of your junk drawer)
B)one DPDT (double pole double throw auto switch needed)(can sub other types-yeah, back to the drawer!)
C)some crimp on terminals and crimper-who doesn't keep these laying around?)
D)lamp cord maybe 12"
E)whatever screwdriver you need to open the case (unless your good with mind over matter-or just use whatever will work!)
F) Voltmeter-(useful)
Another plus that I forgot to mention is the ease of turning the current on to the bow (which is the light dimmer switch). One you are ready to cut, just punch the switch and when done , punch it off. Makes for easy control.
Tha REDNECK returns...!!!
This time with an add-on speed control that will speed control a router, heat of a soldering gun, heat gun..etc
Pics will show you how to add it on...You can use a completely enclosed ac outlet box and screw it on the outside if you don't want to do the dremel cutter/grinder wheel for the oulet. Just drill a hole through into the enclosed outlet box for the wires (use a rubber grommet for wire pass through so they won't short to case).
