I received an emal soliticitation form this company and while I normally do not investigate spam, I did take a look at this one.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/variacs

What do you guys think of their variacs and pricing?

I think they seems pretty good and am tempted to buy a newer one for my bench.

I've had the $52 unit for over a year now and it is very stable and accurate, but, they are NOT isolated from the line, so they should be used with an isolation xformer. Otherwise they are worth the price.

Dale

They have been discussed here before. Just be aware they are made in China.

IMHO, money is better spend on a real variable AC power supply, such as the Heath SP-5220, or other similar units. They will give you isolation, fused output, and full metering for voltage and current.


Pete

I second what Peter said. I have a Heathkit 5220 and it is isolated and variac up tp 3 amps with 2 separate meters, a volt meter and ammeter.

Sal

Expanding on what Pete said, if your expectation goes beyond a functioning variable transformer--in other words, if you think you'll get a quality item like a Staco, with a steel housing and generously rated parts, you will be disappointed.

I had one of these, and while it did what it was supposed to do, the build quality was so cheesy (like the thin-gauge aluminum housing) I got rid of it.

I just didn't want it on my bench next to well-made, solid units from the past that work just as well.

I'd also suggest a Heathkit 5220, a BK Precision 1655, or a Sencore PR57. Those are the three units I know about that offer isolation, a variac, and metering all in one unit. You have to watch eBay fairly closely, but good deals on these do show up. I recently found a BK 1655 for $110 shipped that is in very nice condition.

The only variac I would ever get is one that has both metered Volts and Amps.