Homebrew PCBs

--- SRY <southernry_n@...> wrote:


> I'm trying to build a resistance solder unit.

> http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/solderer.pdf
> 
> But this one uses a battery charger. I was hoping for something 
> a bit smaller and more home-brew.

But you're not going to find much cheaper, or easier to 
build around.  You can buy chargers like these brand new
for ~$20-$30, and it comes in a nice metal box with a line
cord, switch and current meter.  You could readily modify
it for a footswitch and there's likely room for a dimmer
or ballast for current control inside.  Volt amps is volt amps,
for a given power the transformer is going to weigh a given
amount, so I'm not sure how much smaller you expect this 
to get.  By using a charger you get the housing, cords and 
controls built in for you, so it doesn't get any easier than
that.