Technal 550 Dry Mount Press in Europe?

I brought my old Technal Dry Mount Press, model 550, from the US to Europe, and I have to use a bulky transformer in order for it to work on 220v electricity. Has anyone tried to convert the press to 220v so that there's no need for the transformer? Can something like this be done at all? Even if I wanted to buy a new one, I'm having a hard time getting rid of this. It's huge and heavy, and nobody needs a US press in Europe. So, ideally, I'd like to convert the device to work on European electricity without the need for a transformer, if possible.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Converting it - I don't see that happening, to be honest. It would entail replacing the actual heating elements and I doubt that's feasible.

If volume and/or weight of the step-down transformer are a concern, you could look for a solid-state step down converter. This basically rectifies 230VAC into HV DC and then creates a new AC sine wave from that at the desired AC voltage. Count on this being a fairly costly piece of kit, but maybe not as costly as a real transformer with today's copper prices.

If you already have the transformer, I'd just use that.

koraks said:

If you already have the transformer, I'd just use that.

Click to expand...

If the transformer works well, Koraks' suggestion is the way to go. Your press looks somewhat like the Seal 210, which handles 16x20in. (and 20x24in. when pressing in parts) and that's a costly press here in Europe. New (D&K) or second hand. And second hand they do not show up often.

For my 210, I have made a low table on wheels and when not used, it sits under a bigger table. I just roll it out when I need to use it. It would not be difficult to create space for the transformer, inside the low table.

I ordered a transformer from Amazon that can handle up to 2000 watts, as this press works at 1250 watts.

The transformer is going to be more expensive than the press itself, since I paid $50 for it, on Craigslist years ago

It may be as simple as changing the heating element on top and bottom from parallel to series. You should check and see.