I would like to build a resistive soldering iron to do some brass modeling work. The commercial units are well out of my price range, so I look at building my own. Everywhere I look, this pdf keeps popping up. www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/solderer.pdf
I don't want to go out and buy a battery charger for this. I guess I need some help designing a power supply for such an iron. I was thinking of using a 24V 5A transformer I have from a washing machine lying around (or rewinding it for 12V and higher amperage). Do I need higher amperage? I have seen some schematics using linear regulators, but I don't know how well they will hold up for something like this. Most of my electronics experience has been with motor controllers and micros, so I am a little lost when it comes to power supplies.
Thanks
(also, no clue why this is italic)
I don't want to go out and buy a battery charger for this. I guess I need some help designing a power supply for such an iron. I was thinking of using a 24V 5A transformer I have from a washing machine lying around (or rewinding it for 12V and higher amperage). Do I need higher amperage? I have seen some schematics using linear regulators, but I don't know how well they will hold up for something like this. Most of my electronics experience has been with motor controllers and micros, so I am a little lost when it comes to power supplies.
Thanks
(also, no clue why this is italic)