Heating Help!
So my new major has me in a machine shop that is at my disposal. I have made a few shift knobs but with living in the Northeast it can get cold in the winter months.
I want to heat the knobs, which means finding something that is...
- Small enough to fit inside a roughly 1" dia cylinder, depth minimal.
- Quickly heat the knob
- But not over heat it
- Run on a 12v standard supply
- Minimal cost
I have considered trying to find a "Heating Element" but am unable to find such in a size I need and within a price I want. Maybe a soldering Iron element?
I tried "Peltier" but they all are over-sized and debate the conflicting effects of hot and cold. However if figured out I could flip it for summer.
I debated running a resistor/other electronic component with just enough power to cause it to heat up, but am worried about it breaking.
I wanted to do a high power light bulb, but don't see that working as well as I plan.
So I am kinda at a loss...if you have a specific item you can link me to let me see it, or just let me know of an item I can use.
Comments
10 years ago
Peltiers are PUMPS and in a low temperature ambient won't source any energy you can use. The metal clad resistor is the SIMPLEST method, turn the knob in two halves, make a screw joint around the edge and mill a pocket for the resistor inside the two halves. A good machining exercise !!
Steve
Reply 10 years ago
i was thinking of boring out a hole to the size of roughly 1" dia. thread it and then make a brass insert to thread into it, with a slot on the side for the wires. This way everything is concealed by the leather boot but still accessible.
Now for this "Metal Clad Resistor", I am assuming you are referring to "Use a 1-2Ω, 15W (or greater) resistor and power it through a 20A fuse."
I am going to guess the schematic would be....
- 12V supply
- Switch
- 20a Fuse
- Resistor in knob
Now what do you mean by "Metal Clad Resistor" as opposed to other types? My knowledge of electronics is limited, I know the very basics.
Reply 10 years ago
This is a metal-clad. resistor
Steve
10 years ago
How about using a lathe to turn some nice replacement hardwood knobs, wooden knobs are much warmer to the touch than metal and most plastics.
Reply 10 years ago
I very well could. But I love working with metal, and the weight is the real reason I am doing metal. I love a good heavy shift knob.
I do want to powder coat some of them, I have some stuff that is powder coated and when it sits in my car its not that its warmer but it does allow for some resistance to the cold.
Reply 10 years ago
. +1
10 years ago
They're too cold to the touch?
Wrap in foam perhaps and wear (fingerless)gloves
L
Reply 10 years ago
True, would be an easy fix, but I want a challange. I want to make something that as far as I know no one else has made. Something to put my beginner skills to the test.
Reply 10 years ago
Nacho has the right idea. Use ni-chrome wire (you can get it insulated) for a heater.
Reply 10 years ago
Where could I buy this stuff and how would I know what level of power to feed through it?
10 years ago
. Use a 1-2Ω, 15W (or greater) resistor and power it through a 20A fuse.
10 years ago
Still Looking
10 years ago
Maybe wrap the ribbon nichrome wire heating element/tape from a plastic bag impulse sealer around the knob. I think it uses pwm to control the heating. You can search for the ibles on this or look up electric socks. Good luck.