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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: mccarlson on August 25, 2013, 12:17:00 PM

Title: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: mccarlson on August 25, 2013, 12:17:00 PM
Hello all,

I'm thinking of buying the hobby power supply from Hobby Town to use for a DIY feather burner.  Is the output from this device sufficient to heat .025 piano wire enough to burn feathers?  This thing is only $27.00 so the price is right.


  Hobby Town transformer link (http://www.hobbytown.com/Shop/Deluxe-Power-Pack-HO/)  
Model Power - MDP1250 - 1250 Deluxe Power Pack HO

For use with all trains and racecar sets that require controllable
 12V DC
Includes AC tap off/heavy duty transformer.
UL approved and circuit breaker protected.
Sturdy black plastic construction.
Forward and Reverse switch.
Red lever that goes from STOP (0) to FAST (100) in increments of 20.

Thanks
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: macbow on August 25, 2013, 12:38:00 PM
On the piano wire, would suggest getting the real thing, nicrome wire. Pretty cheap

After looking at the stats,for the wire might be,able to,determine the needed output from the transformer.
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: macbow on August 25, 2013, 12:56:00 PM
Do some searching on the Internet for foam cutters might get,what you need.
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: MoeM on August 25, 2013, 12:59:00 PM
A used PC power supply shall be even cheaper- and it provides enough power to glow a much thicker short-circuit wire (guess 110V supplies will have same outputs as 240V have and they work awesome!)
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: scars on August 25, 2013, 11:14:00 PM
The Transformer will work. Just be careful If you are planning on using brass studs and wingnuts to connect wire too it then I recommend making a plexi glass cover for a little more safety. Think built in safety.
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: JEFF B on August 25, 2013, 11:27:00 PM
fuse wire works just as good as anything else
Title: Re: Minimum hobby transformer DC output for DIY feather burner>?
Post by: LittleBen on August 26, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
All depends on the wire diameter/length