I need a current regulator capable of 5+ amps at 12V!

[spasticteapot]

This isn't technically for a flashlight, but the application is pretty similar: A constant-current power supply for electroplating. I need to build a (preferably simple) variable current regulator capable of five or more amps at twelve volts, preferably cheaply. Efficiency and noise aren't really major requirements, as this will be plugged into a wall outlet and small variations in output power aren't a big deal. If someone could suggest a simple linear or switching regulator to do the job, I'd appreciate it.

 

[TorchBoy]

How about a car battery charger?

 

[Minjin]

Does it really need to be regulated? If not, a transformer and a rectifier should be all you really need.

Here is the only switching chip I saw that meets your needs:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/TPS51220ARTVT/?qs=pkQTLUobhYoVab8oOdBDSg==

If you want a linear regulator, here is the only one I found:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMuLLNXTG1MZaqO0MZHxS4iR5ISeRNlIE8Q=

 

[Justin Case]

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

 

[spasticteapot]

Does it really need to be regulated? If not, a transformer and a rectifier should be all you really need.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMuLLNXTG1MZaqO0MZHxS4iR5ISeRNlIE8Q=

It does - in fact, a variable regulator is required (Which I probably should have mentioned in the first place.)

 

[VegasF6]

LM338, LM138? Nothing new there.
http://cache.national.com/ds/LM/LM138.pdf

Current control calculator:
http://diyaudioprojects.com/Technical/Voltage-Regulator/

Need a nice large transformer, or better still as suggested above a converted PC power supply.

Interesting reading here as well.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/power-supplies/154818-i-need-big-current-regulator.html