Elemental question

[Daniel Morrow]

What is the simplest way to reduce the heat coming
from the heating element on a cheap 110v, 8a, (650 deg
F) heat gun? My math says it uses about 880 watts, so
I looked and a 1000 watt dimmer switch would cost
about $35, which is nearly twice the cost of the heat
gun. Its a lazy way to do it and slows down the fan
A $100+ 1000 watt resistor needs a heat sink and
only makes sense if youre going to treat AC like DC.
(which I am familiar with) Im trying to teach myself
AC circuitry, but Im not looking in the right place
or just not comprehending it yet. Any tips on doing it
right?

 

[Wim Ton]

"Daniel Morrow" <videoman@cdsnet.net> wrote in message
news:7108993b.0406051333.178af09c@posting.google.com...

What is the simplest way to reduce the heat coming
from the heating element on a cheap 110v, 8a, (650 deg
F) heat gun? My math says it uses about 880 watts, so
I looked and a 1000 watt dimmer switch would cost
about $35, which is nearly twice the cost of the heat
gun. Its a lazy way to do it and slows down the fan
A $100+ 1000 watt resistor needs a heat sink and
only makes sense if youre going to treat AC like DC.
(which I am familiar with) Im trying to teach myself
AC circuitry, but Im not looking in the right place
or just not comprehending it yet. Any tips on doing it
right?

Use a diode in series with the heating element. Halves the output.

Wim

 

While you are at it make sure the peak forward current rating and the peak
inverse voltage rating of the diode are sufficient for the application.

 

[Paweber02]

What is the simplest way to reduce the heat coming
from the heating element on a cheap 110v, 8a, (650 deg
F) heat gun? My math says it uses about 880 watts, so
I looked and a 1000 watt dimmer switch would cost

Put a 100-300 (trial-and-error) watt, 110 volt light bulb in series with the
gun (slows everything).

Or

Mount a mini-candelabra socket on top of the gun and wire it in series with the
heating element....experiment with bulbs again.

 

[Bob Stephens]

On 08 Jun 2004 00:07:38 GMT, Paweber02 wrote:

What is the simplest way to reduce the heat coming
from the heating element on a cheap 110v, 8a, (650 deg
F) heat gun? My math says it uses about 880 watts, so
I looked and a 1000 watt dimmer switch would cost

Put a 100-300 (trial-and-error) watt, 110 volt light bulb in series with the
gun (slows everything).

Or

Mount a mini-candelabra socket on top of the gun and wire it in series with the
heating element....experiment with bulbs again.

I picked up a used Variac at a local "hamfest" swap meet for five bucks and
use it for *everything*.
--
"Just machines that make big decisions
programmed by fellas with compassion and vision."
-D. Fagen
(remove yomama)

 

[Andre]

<chuckprim@bellsouth.net> wrote in message news:<3YPwc.16846$1s1.1260@bignews4.bellsouth.net>...

While you are at it make sure the peak forward current rating and the peak
inverse voltage rating of the diode are sufficient for the application.

Been there, done that I did this to a 40W soldering iron when my
Antex broke and I really needed it to do some fine work.

-A