Re: Cheap Variac Substitute?

• To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
• Subject: Re: Cheap Variac Substitute?
• From: Bruce Ives <brucei-at-bellsouth-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
• Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2000 08:18:36 -0700
• Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
• Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

At 05:22 PM 2/1/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>Original Poster: "B2" <bensonbd-at-erols-dot-com>
>
>Hi All,
>     I recently got a catalog from Eagle America tools.  On page 49 is a
>router motor speed controller rated up to 3 1/4 HP or 115 Volts/15 Amperes.
>  It is on sale for $34.99.  The part # is 421-1300.  Web page is at:
>
>  http://www.eagle-america-dot-com/
>
>Question:  Has anyone tried this particular unit successfully on a Tesla
>coil?  Did filters improve the performance of this unit (aka prevent it
>from being cooked)?
>
>Cheers,
>
>Barry
>
>

HI Barry, I have a similar router speed control that I bought from harbor 
freight a while back for about $20. It is also rated at 15A 115V . I used 
it to power a 1.5 HP blower at half speed and it overheated and partially 
melted the case in about 15 minuets {:^o .I think we have to assume a duty 
cycle consistent with router use. Also I doubt it would survive a secondary 
to primary strike. Other than that It may work fine for lower powered 
coils. If you try it let me know how it works out.
ps  The motor is an ac series motor and draws about 6 amps at half speed. 
The router speed control looks funny but still works just fine {:))

Be safe,
Bruce

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