--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingto@...> wrote:
>
> > Hi all
> >
> > Well it seems I have hit on a solution to temperature control that works for me :D I dismantled and old clothes iron. Removed it's bi-metal thermostatic control and fitted it to the laminator. The control was only held in the iron by a bolt so that and 2 wires later I had it fitted. The case needed fettling to allow fixing the unit back into it but it's all working. Set to a little over polyestor, 5 passes to heat the PCB and 10 to toner transfer.
> >
> > The test PCB is fantastic! Crisp, clean, and no remeadial work needed as everything stuck as it should :D :D.
> >
> > Please note this is playing with 240VAC!!!! Safety safety safety!!!
> >
>
> Hey, I LIKE that idea - there should be an old iron lying around here somewhere - think I've got one on the boat. I WILL take that for a control. Do you have a temperature indicator? I took a short peice of type J thermocouple wire and screwed tight again the metal where the thermal switch went and connected to a 50mV meter - just read the mV signal to determine temperature. I checked the mV meter with a pot of boiling water - indicated 5.23mV with a good rolling boil - or 212F here at sea level. Pretty close.
>
> Only 120VAC here in the USA - but that still tingles (speaking from LOTS of experience)
>
> Thanks for the idea.
>
> Ken H>
>
Hi Ken
I have no temp indication. I'm relying on the thermostat dial to be 'true' :D
regards
Fenris