Buying a variac: advice needed

[slidincharlie (Carlo P)]

I think it's time to buy a variac...
I'd use it for tests on my work bench.
I wonder what max current should it be?
The models available at a large web-based supplier which distributes its items in Italy range from 0.75 to 15 amperes, and the price it correlated to the current handling.
I don't want to make a wrong buy... do I need a high current variac for use i tube amp troubleshooting/testing?

[dai h.]

depends on what you are going to use it with. I bought a 5A since that is about enough to use with a 100W Marshall (which is probably the most powerful device I'll use it with). It is pretty useful. You can use it for adjusting soldering iron temperatures, powering up an amp gradually, adjusting lights, etc. If you can get one with an AC Voltmeter and Ammeter that should be very useful also.