Sorry It has been a few weeks. I've been struggling with other projects, but I'm getting back to work now. Last test I had a problem with things overheating. First it was the power mosfets and rectifier. I stuck them on a nice heatsink with a fan, and they barely got warm, but then I noticed the transformer was getting too hot. So I tore everything apart and rebuilt everything to handle lots of power.

The transformer had to go. I replaced it with a rewound microwave oven unit that I was using as a welder. You can see the difference here.

With the transformer troubles gone, I needed to mount the mosfets and rectifier on a good heatsink. I started by rebuilding the circuitry so everything would fit. It still matches the schematic I used before.

And here it all is on the heatsink that has a fan attached. I pulled it off a really old cpu from a junk computer.

I set everything up for a test run like so. Notice the controller is still on a breadboard. It will stay there until I have a final design ready.

It works -

Yep, it works alright. It shot right up to the target of 180C in less than 30 seconds. Honestly I think it got hotter than that because the wood got a little burned and the electrical tape ended up like this.

I guess it is time to look for large heat shrink tubing. I couldn't find any big enough at the store, so I'll have to order some.

As for the rest of the hardware, I tried making the piston and discovered that my welder is not working. I'll have to figure out what's wrong before I can get much further because the project really depends on a functioning welder.