The little Variac that could....

[W7TFO]

Actually, it uses an Ohmite Variable Transformer.

It is a glorified adjustable AC voltage & current monitor.

I built this in a vintage Western Electric box with home-made new panels of laminated Formica/plywood, like the originals.  Lots of precision wood-craft here, but you wouldn't know it.

In keeping with the genre, I used cloth wire, vintage parts & hardware, except the the Neutrik Powercon connectors. 

She will do 500+ Watts, just the thing for those boatanchor bench tests.

I have quite a few of these boxes to repurpose, they are really different from the usual chassis/panel enclosures.

73DG

[KA2DZT]

DG,

Nice Variac box.  I was also working on a Variac box this morning.  Must be something in the air.  I've built a number of them that I use all the time.  I don't add the amp meter, just the volt meter.  If I need to measure current I'll use an external amp meter.

Fred

[KM1H]

Variacs are great to have for repair projects but I start by having all the service and operating benches wired with a large bucking transformer that delivers 110-113V to everything.

Odd voltage transformers with 10-20A secondaries are almost ham fest "take it please" items.

[N8UH]

Nice work DG... Quite buzzardly.

I was just recently thinking about slapping together a bucking transformer box for the stuff in my shack that needs one. I may borrow one or two of your design cues when I get around to it...

The leather handle is a nice touch BTW.

[W7TFO]

Radio stuff can be built buzzardly, but something with cow parts is another thing altogether.

At least according to Groucho!

Mooo.

73DG