"http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-9400...id=1287097407&sr=8-1

I just attached this to a by passed hotplate and it doesnt work.
it works in the full on position but when i switch to variable-- no output. i tested it the other day on a blender and the both the variable and constant controll worke ok.

I will bring the unit back in and retest tomorrow. i hadnt tested it on a hotplate first.
tomorrow i will bring the by passed hot plate and router controll for some proper testing

Did i buy the wrong controll?

i use a variac for my other applications and all this talk of router controlls tempted me because of the compact size.

the hot plate is 750 watts

any guidance is welcome.:)"

"I just found this comment somewhere. Does it make sense-- i think i did this already but will try some of it in a little while


""Turn the router speed control to the on position and get full heat up. Then turn to half on the knob and flip to the knob side. The control will not work unless you have heated the element to full heat first. The homedistiller guys are half right. It does work if you heat the element firrst, then flip the switch. it seems to mimic a phase motor. If you find the control gets too hot, drill the sides of the box with holes like swiss cheese then reassemble. You may also need to remove the clip and add a large heat sink to the metal plate. as a last ditch a small fan if needed. Holes will probably be adequete for the hot plate, but it may be fine as is. """

i just wrote for a warranty--- i used my variac--it always works.

"

I just checked out the link you posted RAT.. that router control is the one that is one step better quality than what i bought. I just returned mine and amazon seems to be issuing me full credit plus shipping-- I will then order the one like yours.
My variac is fine for when i'm distilling but as a control for cold smoking it is so big and clumsy.

thanks for the note. i was thinking of that one but needed a heads up.



the variac is as big as the cold smoke generator i built.
I will hang the router contyol right on the aluminum box and keep it as a dedicated control for cold smoking. I put a small hook on the top right of the aluminum box intending to hang the router control from it.




Thanks again RAT"