[khemikuhlz]

I'm trying to create a nice hot plate from the heating element in a coffee maker... I figure what I'll need to do is remove any resistor that is capping off the highest temperature that it can reach normally.... then I'd have to find some way to manually control the temp... say maybe a light-switch dimmer type thing to act as a dial?

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[billnotgatez]

what is the hottest a regular lab plate attains?
do you think the resistor in a coffee maker protects the heating element?
why not use hot plates you get for heating food?

[khemikuhlz]

Yeah I've been wondering whether or not the thermostat is preventing the element from burning up...
..another thing I was annoyed with is that a 1000w watt dimmer is expensive enough to make me want to abandon the project altogether haha.

[skyjumper]

Just go spend 20$ at Wal mart. Easy

[billnotgatez]

I guess hot plates are cheaper than coffee makers at some stores.

But, a coffee maker with just the hot plate part working and the rest broke could be free.

[khemikuhlz]

I saw the $20 hot plate... How does this compare to laboratory hot plates?

Any major differences between consumer and lab hot plates?
(besides the fact that some lab plates have can stir)

Looking at the specs online does nothing to enlighten me as to say what temperature can be reached by the one at Wal-mart.

[billnotgatez]

in general lab stuff is supposed to be held to higher quality standards.  i suspect that many times the actual resultant quality is the same it is just not promised. I have noticed that some stuff bought at discount stores is not as rugged as name brand stores. Safety specifications may be more stringent in lab equipment.

To apply this to your specific item is something that i am not sure.