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Thread: Power box from Li-ion batteries

  1. #1
    Supporting Member olderdan's Avatar
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    Power box from Li-ion batteries

    Since retirement my 18 volt ni-cad power tool batteries have expired from lack of use, as I still have 9 power tools I have upgraded to 4 Ah lithium. To get more use from these new batteries I thought a power box might be useful to use with my home made rotary tool and for use as a nickel plating current supply as voltage is easily set from 3 to 18V.
    I used a dead radio as a socket mount but could have made something similar from wood. Nothing special inside just a cheap PWM board and a few bits I had in stock.
    Since making it I have realised how useful it is to be able to work outside with better lighting than in the shop.

    Power box from Li-ion batteries-imgp0035.jpgPower box from Li-ion batteries-imgp0036.jpg

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  2. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to olderdan For This Useful Post:

    Frank S (Apr 17, 2018), Paul Jones (Apr 18, 2018), PJs (Apr 18, 2018), rlm98253 (Nov 30, 2018), rossbotics (Apr 18, 2018), Seedtick (Apr 18, 2018), tonyfoale (Apr 20, 2018), Tuomas (Apr 17, 2018)

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    Supporting Member Tuomas's Avatar
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    That's usefull idea. I have many extra batteries laying without use. Thanks!

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    olderdan (Apr 18, 2018)

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    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
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    I have several dead 18v power tools dumped in a box somewhere. At one time I thought about getting a transformer and wiring in a bridge rectifier them mounting that in one of the battery casings but have never gotten around to it mostly because even though they would be corded they would still have the bulk of the battery pack on them. Another thought was to make a stationary 18v DC power supply then cut away all of the extra plastic from the power tool and install a round pin or a twist lock socket in the handle making them more useful, for me at least. even though I have owned a lot of battery powered tools I have yest to find one that I really liked.
    I like corded tools better I guess.
    And that is one thing I like about your box even though it is still using batteries the tool becomes corded
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

  6. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Frank S For This Useful Post:

    olderdan (Apr 18, 2018), philipUsesWood&Brass (Aug 10, 2018)

  7. #4
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    Thanks olderdan! We've added your Power Box to our Electrical category,
    as well as to your builder page: olderdan's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:




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    Don42's Tools

    Power box from Li-Ion batteries

    Quote Originally Posted by olderdan View Post
    Since retirement my 18 volt ni-cad power tool batteries have expired from lack of use, as I still have 9 power tools I have upgraded to 4 Ah lithium. To get more use from these new batteries I thought a power box might be useful to use with my home made rotary tool and for use as a nickel plating current supply as voltage is easily set from 3 to 18V.
    I used a dead radio as a socket mount but could have made something similar from wood. Nothing special inside just a cheap PWM board and a few bits I had in stock.
    Since making it I have realised how useful it is to be able to work outside with better lighting than in the shop.

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	23353Click image for larger version. 

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    Say more about the PWM board, please. Schematic? Source?

  9. #6
    Supporting Member olderdan's Avatar
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    Hi Don, there is not much to say about the pulse width modulator board, there are hundreds for sale on Ebay very cheaply, just make sure you choose one for the amps rating you need. Connections are clearly marked.
    Power box from Li-ion batteries-imgp0037.jpg
    Regards
    Olderdan

  10. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to olderdan For This Useful Post:

    philipUsesWood&Brass (Aug 10, 2018), PJs (Apr 18, 2018)

  11. #7
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    Thanks! that's a good use of those two items. i have a couple of the PWM boards lying around, i think i will go give that a whirl.



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