Variacs and possible alternatives

[Findm-Keepm]

Originally Posted by danrulz98

I'm thinking two MOTs wired like that would work, those handle a few amps normally.

Unmodified, I wouldn't recommend. But rewiring one for use as an isolation transformer has been done before. Just use high-temp 90 degree wire and remove the magnetic shunts to prevent overheating. There are numerous websites that show how it's done.

I've rewound only one MOT - I used it for a high current supply before I found a battery charger that had a more capable (heftier) transformer.

RCA Isotaps and B&K isolation transformers use to go cheap on fleabay at auction, but now most are fixed price - BIN sales, so the bargains went away. I got a Sencore PR57 off eBay for cheap and promptly resold it. I wish now I'd kept it!

Cheers,