Open frame variac reassembly

[noluck]

This multicomp variac (rebranded ravistat) looks like it has the adjustment knob and wiper on the opposite sides.

Is it possible to remove the knob, so the variac could sit on it's metal base and mount the adjustment knob on the same side where wiper is mounted? Just like this old suntek variac.

Or is it just the way they are supposed to be mounted (the wiper and brush stays on the bottom)?

[Stray Electron]

  If I understand your question correctly I will say that the GenRad variacs are built the same way (with the wiper on one end and the knob on the other) and AFIK they can't be changed.  But if you want to find out more the manual for the GenRad variacs is online ( somewhere). But FWIW  I've never seen a variac that had the wiper and the knob on the same end. Putting both on one end could present a bit of a electrical shock and/or burn hazard.