Suggestions wanted please........

Thanks for the tips guys. My variac went kaput a while back, so I'm looking for another one. 

I have a few transformers packed away somewhere. Once the weather warms up a bit, I need to go through them if, for nothing else, just to see what stuff I still have. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a couple that fit the need. It's time I thinned out my stuff anyway. 

Come to think of it, it's been a while since I posted this. I have to remember where I put the iron. I totally forgot about it.

Use a 110 to 220 volt step up transformer. or hook up two 110 to 110 isolation transformers in phase in series.
 I doubt it draws much more than 2 amps or so.

I should add that you can use a 110 to 220 step up transformer in reverse, but pay attention to the primary winding capacity, as you will be using it backwards. Radio Shack used to carry them before they flopped, so they should be cheap. We used one in the shop backwards to fix 220 powered commercial equipment.

The 220-220 industrial isolation tx are pretty common.

Use A Variac, Line frequency doesn't matter as its a resistive Load frequency. Is your variac 220v?

Use a step-up transformer. Either store bought or homebrew from the junque box.

Some examples: Two filament transformers of at least 3 amps one with twice the filament than the other. Hooked back to back will give the 220 volts at some 2 amps, losses.

An industrial control transformer, most are "universal" voltage in and out at least 1 kva, more or less...

Other combinations of transformer are possible as well as an auto-transformer. Do note the actual power needed so device selection will be adequate.

There is one advantage to a transformer lash up unless an auto-transformer is used, complete isolation of the iron from the line for what ever relief that gives.

I, would not even consider a direct connection to 220/240 volts. That may be they way it is in other countries but it is not only the shock hazard but the current limiting...

Put it out for the Yard-Sale

Chas

Hi gang,

I bought one of those de-soldering irons off eBay. The kind with the iron and plunger style solder sucker in it. I specifically asked for the US type plug, which I got, however, the iron is still one rated at 220 volt. I wrote to them and got an immediate refund and was told I could keep the iron.

Just looking for any possibilities of modifying it to work on US voltage since I still have it?

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