Re: [TCML] why do variacs cost so much?

[Neon Tesla <neontesla@xxxxxxxxx>]

         I did use a penny switching arc welder but operation
was less than stable, any after 4 runs my secondary fried :(

On Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 1:53 PM, Bob Arenella <rja12@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> .........All were purchased within the last 3 years!
>
> Regards,
> bob
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Lux" <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 9:52 AM
>
> Subject: Re: [TCML] why do variacs cost so much?
>
>
>> On 7/12/12 5:29 AM, Bob Arenella wrote:
>>>
>>> I have 3 1256D variacs. Picked up one at a ham fest for $50, two others
>>> at a garage sale, $10 each. All 3 cleaned up nice and all work!
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> bob
>>> N2OAM
>>>
>> yes, but how long ago was that.. I've got a few 40+ year old variacs out
>> in the garage that I bought surplus 15-20 years ago..
>>
>> I think the OP was commenting that prices are going up for this kind of
>> thing and/or that they are getting scarcer in the surplus chain.
>>
>> Sooner or later, someone is going to make a "solid state variac" kit for
>> pig powered spark gap TC duty..  Should be easier than a SSTC in some ways.
>> 15 years ago, I fooled with this using a 555 + FET in the middle of a bridge
>> rectifier to replace a smaller 4 Amp Variac driving a fan. It worked ok, but
>> was too complex for the application.
>>
>> Or, perhaps repurposing inexpensive variable frequency drives use for
>> induction motors... they typically can adjust both frequency and voltage.
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-- 
Don't lower your expectations, raise the voltage !
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