One caution when replacing the thermostat; the el cheapo laminators have a
very small safety margin (in order to keep costs down). So watch it very
carefully during the first hours use.
TANSTAAFL!
Myc
On Feb 13, 2008 9:13 PM, Chuck Kelsey <wb2edv@...> wrote:
> I would have guessed that there might be two bi-metal disk thermostats
> in
> there, but will check.
>
> However, you made me smile with the overkill method you used ;-) Hopefully
>
> you had a controller available to you at no cost. But I certainly admire
> your approach.
>
> My thought was to simply replace the lower temp thermostat with a higher
> value, again, assuming that's what's inside. Given the fact that it's one
> of
> the low-cost units, I've got to believe that to be the case.
>
> Chuck
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "josemj1" <kerwoodderby@... <kerwoodderby%40gmail.com>>
> To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:57 PM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Laminator modifications
>
> > Chuck,
> >
> > I modified a cheap ($30) laminator I bought at Wal-Mart, by letting a
> > process controller like this one control the temperature:
> >
> > http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=CN132&Nav=temp03
> >
> > I have seen similar "autotune" ones on ebay for less than $50.
> >
> > Originally, the laminator had two things in series with the heating
> > element: a fixed-temperature thermostat for regulating the
> > temperature, and an over-temp breaker for protection, which tripped at
> > a much higher temperature.
> >
> > I ripped out all that wiring and let the process controller's relay
> > control power to the heating element. I used a piece of thermocouple
> > cable as the temperature sensor, by twisting together the wires at one
> > end and clamping this end to the heated frame.
> >
> > I'm fairly certain the GBC unit is similarly wired; you should open it
> > up and take a peek.
> >
> > Marshall
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Chuck Kelsey" <wb2edv@...> wrote:
> >>
> >> OK, new question related to the problem I believe I was having.
> >>
> >> Who has modified their laminator to either produce a higher heat or
> > longer
> >> (slower) processing time? Could you share the info?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> > Photos:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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