Hi I am planning to build a table top hot wire foam cutter .
The problem is that I am not able to get a dimmer switch .that has the on off control intergrated into it .and I also want a project box can you guys help me.
why r going for all costly electronics....... i had build mine in less than 150 rs..... used a ac/dc adapter... that had multiple dc options..... 3V, 7.5V, 9V...... u can even reduce price to below 100 rs. ....... use ur printer or mobile adapter that provides 12V.... u can very well regulate the temp by adding resistance to circuit....... ( for cost reduction just add enough wire)
what i did was ..... i bought a sitar/violin string from a musical store (its finest metal wire ) abt 2 mts ( i just needed 1 mtr) ...... turned the extra around the bow in coils..... (take care coils dont touch each other) ........ and then u cud easily control temp by attaching a crocodile clip to proximal or distal coils......
just take care that u dont short ur circuit too much or ull burn ur dc adapter