How To Make Custom Power Transformers

Learn how to make your own custom power transformer using a microwave oven transformer. Using the information contained in this video, along with the transformer winding calculator software(Free Download Link Below), you can make just about any power transformer you desire if you have the proper size core/enamel wire. This video is one of the few highly detailed tutorials available online.
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LINK TO FREE TRANSFORMER CALCULATOR SOFTWARE:
www.sklaic.info...

[@JesseCotto]

Excellent Video. Thanks for pointing out the vibration detail before the welding makes total sense. Thanks!

[@52n1]

I found your video by accident whilst looking for something else. I'm glad I did! Thanks for the clarity of your explanation. I live in the UK where the rms line voltage is around 230V at 50Hz. The principles behind your video can, however, easily be modified. Thanks again for this most informative video.

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks for watching AJ! Please share my channel with others, and rate Thumbs Up.

[@ronaldbrown9638]

These transformers are a gold mine. I have built spot welders battery chargers and I got a 5000 watt industrial microwave oven transformer and made one of the nicest little welder with tapped out puts 35 65 and 90 amps AC and by using surplus industrial forklift battery charger diodes have DC operational welding. I have used these to burn wood it can be done safely at 2000 vac and 600ma there a death trap. I use varnish and everything . I'm glad to see you took it apart the right way ! I always save my secondary windings. I use it on all sort of other projects . Helpful tip after you rewind it you can spray it down real good with varnish and put it in an oven on 160 deg F for 2 hours and BAM just like factory. Just don't tell the wife lol. Also there is a cloth electrical tap you can get at home depot or any other electrical supply it's high temp rated it's normally white it works wonders to cover your cores to prevent rubbing. Also it can be used to tie up wire and varnish soaks in real well. Also don't forget in microwave ovens save the temperature switches there's one for the microwave gun it's to high but the transformer one is 220 deg F use it to protect your new creation ! Nice video 😁👍

[@NOBOX7]

I counted the primary on several mots and found that they all have 120 turns , kinda cool seeing as how most homes have 120 volts so a 3 turn secondary gives you 3 volts and so on .

[@stephanc7192]

I tested a 240V primary and it also gives about 1V per turn. Interesting

[@joeeiken1108]

Best one I’ve seen to build one yet

[@RoshDroz]

Great video, thanks! I'm just looking to make a 1:1 isolation transformer so this should be fairly straightforward

[@electronicsNmore]

Glad I could help! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others on social networking sites. Thank you! kzbin.infoplaylists

[@electronicsNmore]

Helpful Tip: There is a simple solution to GREATLY reduce core heating if you did not rewind the heavy gauge (120v)primary winding with much more turns of a thinner gauge wire. Place a 20uF to 50uF OIL FILLED run capacitor in series with the 120v winding! The result is lower current draw on the 120v winding, lower output current, and MUCH cooler core. Give it a try!

[@Cabal2600]

By the way,What gauge of wire you use for secondary???I have 2 thick types of copper wire.....I cutted my microwave transformer long ago but never been able to accomplish that project,have my primary coil assembly sitting on shelf and core itself somewhere among other things....By watching your transformer I realized that there more room to add another turns to reach 350 volt,350 volt means 350 turns of wire per approximate 25 -30 layers..So one turn consider as 1 volt...If that particular transformer would work than it would be a perfect part for my power supply project...Question is how hot would secondary and primary goes????Would cooling fans resolve some getting hot problem???As for my plasma welder prototype it would be an life saver option to construct proper transformer,this is the only part that slows me down and prevent to construct housing and add all rest of parts..

[@danielsrheim5084]

electronicsNmore thanks I’ll try it one day

[@dnantis]

My problem is to convert permanently the inner transformer inside that the green\blue Makita sander has from 220volts to 110 volts which is the current which is mostly the current power we use on the western part of the world ! Can it be converted inside to a 110v sander with no external step down gadgets ?? Thabks in advanced

[@kreynolds1123]

alternatly, if one leaving the magnetic shunts in, it will limit the ac current.

[@joew1865]

My understanding is that the heating is caused by the transformer being saturated which in turn makes it draw much more current. You don't want it saturated. A solution is to add more turns to the primary (120V) winding. I haven't personally tried this, though.

[@shanehatfield3586]

thank you for explaining everything in detail it helped me understand this so much more

[@electronicsNmore]

Glad it was helpful Shane! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others on social networking sites. Thank you kzbin.infoplaylists

[@ki4dbk]

I used to rewind these for 6-10v tube filament supplies, as did a few others in the early 2000s tesla coiling community.

[@en2oh]

Thanks for replying. In the world of Brushless DC Motors, the laminations are all electrically insulated one from the other. The best situation from a "core losses" perspective is, I believe, thin electrically insulated laminations are best. If the core is electrically solid, I would think that you are trading some of the eddy current losses for ease of assembly. I'm pretty sure that laminated toroid cores are insultated one from another, but I've been wrong before! :) Take care, Nitrous

[@zaprodk]

Cool video. If i'm not completely mistaken, the reason that the 120V primary runs rather hot, is that the amount of copper and iron in the transformer is very low, to save on materials and weight. They usually push 700-1000 Watts trough a core like that, but it needs forced air cooling and low duty cycle to survive.

[@electronicsNmore]

That is correct. This transformer is not intended for continuous use using the primary winding as it was, but microwave ovens are designed to operate non-stop for well over an hour at full power. The cooling fan in the microwave oven is usually "NEAR" the transformer, but not exactly right next to it. This transformer, as I stated in the video, will be enclosed in a housing with a fan from a microwave oven. In addition, I intend on using the transformer primarily to step down, and when I go from 240v to 120v, there is no heating problem like the heavy gauge primary. Thanks For watching.

[@electronicsNmore]

Laharl Krichevskoy Like I said, if you use the transformer to go from 120v to 240V, then using a moderate to heavy load will keep the winding temp cooler, but for going from 240V to 120V, I used 500 watts for a few minutes and the winding did not get hot, only warm. In that case, no fan is needed. I will still be adding a microwave oven fan. I made a desk fan from one(in my video list), and the amount of cooling is incredible. CPU cooler is not necessary. If you are that concerned, then I would suggest you rewind the primary with smaller gauge wire with more turns. The issue would be gone.

[@j.a.mcbean.4043]

Exactly what i want to do.

[@darwinspirithawkwhitt4847]

Please be careful and never touch the transformer if it’s plugged into outlets ! It will make you un-alive ☠️ and anyo standing next to you as well ! 2500 + - is nothing to take lightly. But if your careful it’s a-lot of fun and entertaining! God bless

[@rikkybora7895]

I needed a higher wattage step down transformer for all my US bought tools to work on 240V mains. Didn't really want to spend money on those Chinese junks. This helps, I can always score some free nonworking microwaves here. Liked & Subscribed!

[@electronicsNmore]

The transformer I made works perfectly stepping down 240v to 120v. I have a lot of excellent videos on my channel that cover many different subjects, so be sure to check out my extensive video playlists for other videos of interest to you, rate thumbs up, and share my channel with others. Thank You

[@paulmorrison1821]

Brilliantl, very useful video - thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge

[@electronicsNmore]

Your welcome! Please be sure to rate "Thumbs Up", share with others, and check out my other videos as well.

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

Great information! I have one question - how did you keep the welding sparks from getting on the windings and damaging the insulation?

[@electronicsNmore]

You shield the windings with a metal plate of other shield, Thanks For Watching! Be sure to share my channel with others, and rate Thumbs Up.

[@dash8brj]

Nice work. I especially like your corn flakes transformer bobbin - very neatly done :) Great hint on derating MOTS too - they will never supply the actual wattage stamped on the transformer (unless you don't want them to last very long) :)

[@electronicsNmore]

dash8brj Thank You!

[@cardboardboxification]

I wander how good it would be to take 2 microwave transformers and stick both 120v coils on one core to make a isolation transformer .??

[@electronicsNmore]

hill billy I thought of that already. :-). It would work, but the "No Load" current draw would be high.

[@suzesiviter6083]

Yes; I heard 8A is typical for no load.

[@stephanc7192]

Do you think 60 vs 50 hz will have that big an influance?

[@bparker86]

lso those high frequency transformers are also using direct current s well

[@davidspiller413]

You can salvage the high voltage wiring by unwinding it from the inside out and reuse it in other projects, almost all the way to the outside layer where it is heavily varnished. You can also change the transformer dimentions where you use 1/4 or 1/2 the transformer plates. I am making a PEMF Bob Beck pulser with the 110 V coil as the open air core.

[@electronicsNmore]

Many times the wire will have the enamel pulled off as you unwind.

[@campbellmorrison8540]

Ive never understood how come welding the core like that doesnt muck up the core like a shorted turn?

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

I don't think it is the same 'conduction' issue like a coil - just a small fraction of the surface of the core is conducting - but I agree it's worth looking into since MOT's are notorious for being noisy and they stand alone in that they are welded and not E and I's interleaved like most others

[@Engineer_Anton]

Wouldn’t both outputs be hot and u would have to tap in the center for neutral?

[@johncookson5879]

Grate job 👍😊. however, I can't see the link .

[@mevk1]

I don't have welding skills. It is ok to clamp and epoxy the I piece back to the E part?

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

That is what I am doing as of now - I cut some angle iron pieces with slots cut out and made a base with 3/4 ply - tapped some holes for 5/16" rod and put 4 rods outside the core - then put the angle iron on and clamp down - remember also to sand or emery cloth the core faces - I am on here right now to find out how much induction improves by welding it - evidently the tiny gaps between the steel are super critical so maybe even 'lapping' the I unit to the E unit might be advised

[@mean1flyer]

cool,thank you for the quick replys and for a great video

[@monalong8900]

Impedance matching for any application. If you can isolate the primary winding the find the voltage per turn you are away. I have been taking the cores and winding them as inductors. So many odd transformers on hand .

[@chesshooligan1282]

"A travel transformer [...]" Yeah, sure, let me throw that in my backpack. 😀

[@tonypower5625]

Excellent video ....I have a question....when you step down from 240 to 120....the 240 are two hot cables of a 120 v each??....or it is the European one cable at 240???

[@gamingonmonster8596]

I have done the transformers with the alternating E and I s they are a pain in the ass to do I agree with u

[@bluelightningfilms57]

What if you just cut the coil you're taking out, then feed in the new wire, without cutting the core?

[@electronicsNmore]

I do that when making my 52VDC stick welder(I have a video) or 12V lead acid battery charger.

[@nomanwadood3117]

dear sir when i was removing secondary winding of mot for spot welder i damaged the primary winding of mot,😂 could you tell me how many turns and layers required in primary winding 220v i canot find answer of this on internet plz reply

[@jafinch78]

Neat! Was lately thinking about making a Prius HV battery pack charger to charge the battery as-found with propper connection for a quicker temp restore, versus the individual cells or all the cells removed and packed in parallel using like a hobby charger. This would definitely be an analog part of the solution as-is with potential for switching to create a more optimal pulsed DC with MCU controlled charge curve. Of course will need current limiting and rectification. That might be a super video to show, both the analog and digital range of methods or at least one method.

[@hmarillejla7]

How do you guys manage to remove coils intact? Every transformer I dismantled were all stuck for keeps by some sort of resin or whatever.

[@electronicsNmore]

Sometimes the enamel coating acts like a glue.

[@GGUU03]

Use thinner, just a few drops.

[@18141776hhhh]

Ahh So the core vibrates if not welded. Thanks for sharing

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks for watching Joe! Be sure to look over my video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others on social networking sites. kzbin.infoplaylists

[@HillbillyRednecking]

So if you had a plasma table you could get silicon steel and cut your own plates, looks like they just ran a tig torch down the sides with out filler

[@tanzchris7072]

Hi Love your vids keep up the good work!!! I'm trying to make an isolating transformer 1-1 It's 2x 240v class 220 mot's, I've cut them and removed both primary windings intact I've also saved the shunts from the middle wasn't sure if they will have to go back in? My plan was to fit the 2 primary's back onto one transformer and weld it up again BUT! is the direction of the windings important as I wanted the 240v in on one side and the 240v out on the opposite side but it's very confusing trying to figure out what way round the windings are running? Any help is much appreciated Cheers from Scotland Chris

[@uniteddrones7626]

Do you still do this, I have 3 I need repaired

[@brennane.17]

This is extremely helpful! I have been trying to figure this out for a WHILE now. Is there any way I can do the calculations that the program does without using the program? The program appears to be obsolete :(

[@electronicsNmore]

You should still be able to use the program

[@RightlyFree]

What if connected two secondaries (identical or different ) around the other cores (not the primary core) ? what would be the power efficiency ? then if you connect the secondaries in series or parallel?

[@j.a.mcbean.4043]

Great, i have a welder 240 v. But do not have 240 outlets, that transformer could help me

[@electronicsNmore]

Watch my latest video, the unit I show is ideal.

[@juggallo42O]

if you dont have small have the right gauge uncover varnish wire for said winding can you use wire of the right gauge but with coving on it?like phone line for ex?

[@AmitKumar-el3pn]

How can i make a single core step down transformer .....plz telll diameter of wire....and length of wire to be used ......

[@a.dalmier4360]

Great video that is much appreciated! I have some questions if I may: 1. What would happen if the top part (the "I" shaped part of the core which you placed the wood on) is not put on and you run the transformer? 2. What happens if it is still not welded and you place something heavy on the top but not very heavy which allows some vibration? 3. Does it matter whether the primary coil is on top or bottom? 4. Does it matter if the primary coil is placed up side down?

[@gman7543]

1: the plates would burst out to the sides and the transformer eould not work 2: it would make a ton of sound but would work just fine 3:No. 4:it does not matter if its upside down or not

[@en2oh]

nice video. I'm wondering about the trade off you are making by welding the laminations together (Not that it wasn't the original trade off made by the manufacturer) I'm not a big transformer guy but know that in BLDC motors the laminations are insulated one from the other to help reduce eddy currents. Is this a problem with welding the core together?

[@electronicsNmore]

nitrous dude Hi there. All the laminations are touching, not insulated. The currents flow through each piece. Welding the core back together is fine because you are not going that deep into the core. Thanks For Watching

[@blackIce504]

Nice rewind if you want less noise a cheap way is to use dip your windings in hot wood varnish you will find they will vibrate less i do this to mine and so far no problems.

[@electronicsNmore]

Yes, the varnish works good at making noisy transformers quiet, but it also adds a layer of insulation which causes the transformer to heat up more than it normally would. Thanks For Watching!

[@blackIce504]

electronicsNmore A little bit of heat not much, besides if your transformer is heating up to much your loosing too much energy. I did forget to mention you want it to drip for a bit. The heating of the varnish thins it out but you can also add some thinners. 1000 watt MOT 240volt primary 14 volt secondary. I tested with 800watt load gets a little warm. The pain was winding that lol as you can imagine. 10AWG. Anyway don't you just love when someones microwave blows up and you find it on the side of the road..... Next rewind is for 30 0 30 @ 8 amp. using an old 240volt to 120volt transformer. P.S thanks for the Transformer calculator link that really helps as i just been guestimating or leaving 100Watt+- headroom. P.S i found this really cool chip you might like, LT4320 from Linear i believe T.I make one as well and its a Diode Bridge Controller so you can use Transistors as a Diode with out the voltage drop of a diode and high current with low loss. Enjoy. "i can't wait to try it and if it has low noise i will use it for my audio stuff".

[@enriquesalgadoaceves9017]

OK so I got a micro hydro turbine puts out between 60 and 80 volts only problem is it puts out like 30 amps, how can I tie it to a mot or anything to get more amps?

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I have a similar size microwave transformer 240V in. Pain is they welded the mounting plate on the side, covering one of the lamination welds. It is actually rated at 1100 watts.

[@electronicsNmore]

Grind off the plate spot weld areas.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Thanks that was the plan.

[@kevinanderson9243]

I rewired a MOT after watching this video about 18 months ago and just picked it up again tonight. I rewired it with insulated awg 10 wire with about 16 or 17 turns. I attached an old lamp cord to the primary inputs and attached my meter to the 2 ends of the 10 gauge wire. When I plugged it in my meter says 14 vac and it is making a buzzing noise...any ideas? It is a YEC 120V 60HZ. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thx

[@electronicsNmore]

A buzzing noise is common.

[@TechnoW1zard]

The transformer software installer says it is not compatible with 64 bit versions of windows.... how else can I do the wattage calculations?

[@electronicsNmore]

If using Windows 7 professional, ultimate, or enterprise, then you can use Windows XP mode to run older programs.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Ok first thing. The transformer calculator ONLY WORKS IN 32 bit WINDOWS! But anyways I know the formulas and can do them in my head or on paper.. I have a 120 / 240 step transformer that is rated at 600 watts and has its protective covers and a handle on it. We use it to plug in EU type radio battery chargers from the US mains sockets. It does work both ways also. Somewhere I have a multi-tap "BIG BOY" that takes 120 VAC and steps it up to 208/220/240/280/360 and 440 volts. He's a big heavy "E/I" core one. It's not something I use all the time so I think its out in my storage room ATM

[@ashscott6068]

I noticed the rusty laminates...I have a choke in a guitar amp, and it was in a sorry state, so I cleaned all the laminates individually, but they all had a thin layer of laquer or varnish on. Surely I need to replace that before reassembling, right? I thought the plates were supposed to be separated or they'd just kinda act like one lump and they'd get hotter? But I've been Googling for like an hour and can't seem to find anything about it. I think the whole belief that they need to be separated, comes from having seen what looks like laquer between the plates of that one choke. I either made a bunch of assumptions from there, that warped in my mind into actual vague memories of something I once read, or a fragment of a dream ended up in the wrong place. I dunno.

[@harukoyama9515]

Yes I know bare wire need be insulated. The problem is romax copper insulation is too thick. Can not get enough turn in the available space for the current I want. So the alternative is to use bare copper wire. And DIY insulation with electrical tape or some sort of heat resistant tape. But I don't know exactly how much insulation is required.

[@bobbyjoe9805]

Mister, you are a wizard of your world. I bow down to thee with respect. What I wish from you is just a little bit of your wisdom. I would like to create a transformer from within my toy box of junk in my garage. One such as the one used in this welding machine : Lincoln Electric 240 Volt / 225 Amp Stick Welder..I have seen the KZbin videos describing how to take a couple of microwave transformers and rewiring them to get a small type of welder. What I really want to try and accomplish is to build one bigger transformer that can do the trick.. Can you enlighten me on what type of materials I can use as a core instead of the I,E plates and what size wire and how many wraps for secondary and primary windings? Does the type of wire matter? I have a compressor motor from a central air unit that has been submersed in mineral oil that I don't care about so much that I am not willing to go ahead and remove the beautiful wire within.If you can help me to construct this transformer I need very badly, I will be forever grateful and indebted to you, your Wizardness. Kind Regards, Bobby

[@electronicsNmore]

+Bob J It is much easier using 2 smaller transformers, than getting your hands on a large, high current transformer.

[@Kevin-lh6xu]

How do you get your transformers? I need 4 to do some experiments on. also how do you put the transformers into a series of transformers to get a very high voltage please help.

[@pudge9837]

when a current from a solar panel is pulsed (turned on and off), on a transformer , you get A.C. All inverters do is pulse small transformers that step up current into another larger transformer. The larger the transformer , the more stronger the magnetic field (electric field) becomes. The long length of wire will increase voltage and magnet strength. The diameter of the wire determines the amplitude. Go thru your house and write down how much volts and amps you use on each item. This is your Total max power consumption when all are working at the same time. Remember , you don,t use all these items at once and some of them (like the refrigerator) turn on by themselves. Add the totals of volts., then add the totals of amps. This is the numbers you need to know when making your own transformer to power your home on solar power. Remember you need a (Properly placed ground) not attached to transformer output. This is an iron pipe driven into the ground 3 feet or more with a thick diameter wire attached to it on top, this is your positive. A wire coming off of transformer (the white wire) or neutral wire. (center tap wire) this is the wire that switches poles. The Black wire is the Negative. Use green for ground, black for negative and white for neutral when you make your own transformer, so don,t get confused and learn how to make a transformer. Larger transformers have higher magnetic strengths in the cores. The higher the core strength (magnet strength) in the transformer (when puled) , the higher the output. Do not use battery positive as ground. Use the earth ground, for ground. output wires are the wires comming off of the end transformer and earth ground. Use these wires to power your home. EXAMPLE: , (TRY) the use of a 10 gauge magnet wire primary with about 600 turns and secondary of even larger wire, 12 to 20 turns connected to a 12 volt power source that is pulsed into this transformer. The makeup of your transformer may be different because we all don,t use the same amounts of electricity. I don,t know if anyone makes an iron core this large or not. You may have to make the plates yourself. EXAMPLE: IF your house uses 8,000 watts. You need a transformer (when pulsed) that puts out 400 volts with 20 amps to equal 8,000 watts. 10 gauge wire wrapped 425 turns primary and you will have to work on the secondary wraps to get the right amperage correct. See transformer chart.

[@pixiepaws99]

Hi, could you please make a video of welding the two halves back together? I would like to see it before I attempt to weld it myself, but can't seem to find any videos of anyone actually welding the two halves back in place.

[@moxncal]

how did you take the copper windings out of the core? did you heat it? need to show how to do it. i have been trying but unsuccessful. the glue is the problem.

[@electronicsNmore]

No heat. After the core was opened up, I kept wiggling, and gently prying the primary winding until it started to lift out. Be careful. You do not want to damage the primary. Use a thin piece of wood or plastic against the coil and pry against that(close to the core). As one side lifts, you have to insert a wedge to keep it from going back down as you pry up the other side. Don't worry about damaging the HV secondary. When they are both removed, you can take a razor blade and clean the core to remove any varnish. Thanks For Watching!

[@Elijah-n6s]

Wow! Absolutely one of the best videos on the subject. I have been watching videos on high voltage and transformers for about 2 years now. I want to make something cool out of my pile of scavenged trans, caps, tons of big electric motors, etc. I would love to make a insanely powerful fly back but i cant understand how to make the driver. Anyway i learned more in your one video than i have from all the others. Only thing i wish you explained is what exactly makes the transformers different freqencies. What are the physical aspects of a transf9rmer that dictates it as a 50/60, or 50, etc. Is it the thickness of laminate plates that makes up the core? Anyway i dis mot know about all the stuff you explained about ytansformers, thank you and God bless.

[@GalaXy808]

I have question? What type if wire winding did you put? How did you connect the hot & neutral?

[@electronicsNmore]

This transformer had a 14-15ga AL primary winding of 100 turns. I made a secondary winding of 17-18ga AL. When feeding the heavy primary winding 120V, it makes no difference as to where the wires go(Since your only using one transformer, the phase makes no difference going in and out). The output which is 240V, each leg is 120v. When you feed 240V into the secondary, you get a TOTAL of around 120V(60V per leg). If you want 120V(one wire) and a neutral, then you need a secondary winding for 240v with a center tap(zero volts-neutral). For me, a total of 120V stepped down, is just fine. I do not intend on connecting this to my house. This is simply a portable step up/step down down power supply. Thanks For watching. Be sure to check out my video playlists as well.

[@dogeeecart6082]

I have microwave transformer and i need 12v 40A power supply for continuous operation, but my transformer heats up in matter of seconds, how i can reduce input current but keep 500W output power, for example idle current should be less than 500mA but it draws 5A without load at 230v

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

One idea already suggested is take a Run Capacitor (AC) and put it in series with your low turn primary - this however will simply limit the input current - another idea is use two MOT's in series on the primary side - this will cut each voltage in half - so put 120v into both - each will 'see' 60 volts and now you are much farther down the BH Curve below saturation - okay ? now on the 2ndary side - you want 12v 40A - so you will wind same 12 turns on each MOT but now connect those in series as well since each 12 turns will only be 6 volts (since that MOT is only getting 60 volts) - will you get that much current ? 40 amps ? probably not but I don't that - but your MOT"s should be much quieter and cooler - food for thought - and I am doing that as we speak so ask me later I'll tell you how it works

[@abbaspourmoghadam3850]

Hello,can u replicate floyd sweet VTA solid state?

[@mccunecp]

thats pretty cool Idea you have there. there are a lot of uses with this info for this transformer core to low voltage high current applications, cool video.

[@electronicsNmore]

Glad you liked it. :-). Use the transformer winding calculator software and make whatever you need.

[@mccunecp]

I have about * of these from scrapping. my main goal was to collect as many of the Primary Winding's as I can and hopefully the same size, for a wind turbine build. but now I see other uses for them.

[@GuyChouinard]

Very nice work the link to calculate the coil not working for I have windows 10 and i try to find a new software but I'm not lucky so fare can you help me to find a other one thanks

[@KG5RK]

Great video. Would you gain any more efficiency if you reversed the placement of the windings? The 120 volt winding would be deeper in the well of the E laminmations. Your comments please?

[@electronicsNmore]

Should not make any difference. They are both inside the same core and welded tightly together.

[@georgeturner9500]

What will happen if I cut two microwave transformers and weld the two E together so I can wound more copper wire inside

[@electronicsNmore]

Before I'd try that, Id place 2 identical MOT's in parallel or series.

[@harukoyama9515]

I was wondering what difference is there if I just take old electric cooktop. Connect 2 end with a wire to burn some red hot wire Is microwave mod any different then electric cook top ? Both is capable to deliver high amp?? Or not?

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

Does it matter which way you wind The Wire?

[@electronicsNmore]

Only if you plan on connecting 2 identical transformers in series or parallel.

[@rupeshlikhar9372]

how many turns are there on primary side? and what gauge wire is used?

[@rlominick1]

Why would you reweld the end plates after rewinding?? Mots are made cheaply, those two welds increase eddy currents dramatically, because it shorts out all of those, "independant, insulated plates" that should never be electrically connected to any other plates.. When connected by weld, you basically turn the entire core into one iron block !! It would be better to put a thin cardboard strip between E and I core to keep them insulated from each other.. Then they can be glued or taped back together. This will decrease heat losses due to eddy currents. I file the edges after I cut out the weld with an angle grinder, in order get to a clean surface with each layer exposed and no longer touching its neighbor plate on either side.

[@electronicsNmore]

Incorrect. The welds are SHALLOW. If that was the case, they would not bother welding transformer cores after assembly at the factory. Yes the eddy currents are increased, but not to a level that causes big problems. If you choose to not put the transformer back together the way you found it, then that is up to you.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Well you can always scrub the original core and get a solid core replacement or make one if your that good.

[@vlogcity1111]

What awg wire are the thin secondary?

[@magnetech9943]

I just uploaded a video to my channel of how a microwave transformer is correctly modified

[@yottky]

wouldn't the cutting and re-welding damage the insulation of the laminations? If yes, that could increase the eddy current

[@electronicsNmore]

To make a custom transformer, you need to do as shown. Just make sure everything is lined up before welding it back.

[@IdelcoEM]

Would be nice t see how you cut, solder, and the more important how you take out the coils... i have tried this before and was impossible without damage the coils. how you did these steps? thanks

[@electronicsNmore]

Hello. You CUT the weld using a cut-off wheel, hacksaw, or grind it away. I have another video showing how to take one apart. You weld the core back, NOT solder it. Thanks!

[@IdelcoEM]

cutting the core is easy. I have got problems to take out the coils. They are to tight. how have you done it?

[@electronicsNmore]

Very carefully pry the winding out. Some can be troublesome, others easy.

[@IdelcoEM]

ok thanks!

[@hammysmad]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing.

[@electronicsNmore]

Your welcome.

[@theq4602]

Aight, I'm looking to get 32000v and 30mA out of one of these. I plan on winding my own secondary of 28 gauge wire. Can you give me a rough estimate of turn number? Oh, a side note I will have a full bridge rectifier feeding it so it will be pulsed DC.

[@electronicsNmore]

Never happen. Not with this transformer.

[@theq4602]

@@electronicsNmore I mean as a step up transformer? Do you mean the core won't handle it or that 28 gauge wire won't work? Could you give me some pointers?

[@thomassylvester1460]

very educational, thank u

[@electronicsNmore]

Your welcome Thomas. Please share my channel and rate Thumbs Up. Thanks!

[@Jacobpew]

If you were going to build another DC Arc welder, would you use the enamel wire or the stranded insulated like on your 52v?

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi there. The same wire I used. :-) Thanks for watching! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for other videos of interest to you, and most importantly share my channel with others. kzbin.infoplaylists

[@Valko19996]

isn't the power loss due to eddy currents big because of the weld that they have on the steel core

[@electronicsNmore]

What power loss? That surface weld has little effect on the core.

[@geoffgeoff143]

How do you know the specs of the iron? What calculations did you use with regards flux saturation?

[@electronicsNmore]

The laminations are most likely silicon steel. I relied on the program, which worked fine for me. Thanks for watching

[@beholderer]

Hello, Sir. Do you know where can I buy online the laminations/sheets for the core? Thank you in advance.

[@electronicsNmore]

No, better off looking inside scrap electronics.

[@rolfmader2783]

Bitte den hohen Magnetisierungsstrom von etwa 3,4 A bei diesem Kernmaterial beachten!!! Und das im Leerlauf!!! Macht ganz schnell den Akku leer plus Erwärmung.

[@fathershand]

This is a very well done video. How do you keep from burning the coils when you re-weld the two halves together? Also, it would be nice to see the temperature of the transformer when it is running. Thanks for sharing!

[@electronicsNmore]

The welding is not done continuously. The secondary winding is not against the outer part of the core. The primary is very close, but there is a layer of white temp resistant fabric between the primary and the core. The temp of the transformer only gets warm when going from 240 to 120. The other way around, if no load is attached, you can get hot. That is why a moderate load to heavy load is required when going from 120 to 240. This issue will be a thing of the past when I assemble this transformer in a housing with a MOT cooling fan within inches of the core. Thansk For Watching!

[@owensrayfeilds6800]

60 volts 42hz input,primery,,,how much can i do on secondary ,,,need help,,step up volts power,

[@electronicsNmore]

Use the software.

[@omsingharjit]

1:55 exactly what I want to about thanks

[@electronicsNmore]

You're welcome! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others on social networking sites. Thank you kzbin.infoplaylists

[@dougeverett4201]

Good video, also great for making an isolation 1:1 transformer.

[@electronicsNmore]

Doug Everett Thanks for watching Doug! Be sure to check out my video playlists, rate thumbs up, and share.

[@naknakacknak]

I can't tell if the jigsaw has a metal housing. If it does, I'd suggest throwing it out. Tools with metal housings usually have ground faults that can give you a lethal shock. I see them in Goodwill stores occasionally, and just pass them by. Most are not grounded and only use 2 wire cords.

[@electronicsNmore]

It's was an old, but very well made jigsaw. Failures are very rare, and it may have been double insulated.

[@TotalFreedomTTT-pk9st]

you could also insulate them somehow - cut strips of pop bottle plastic and hot glue them on -or use rubber inner tube - but hey - I'm with you for sure - I had some vintage really nice aluminum drills / circular saw nut NO WAY my hand and fingers are gripping that thing tight - I've felt 60 hz buzzing me enough times to not want that feeling again

[@andyhiew3487]

Hi. Is very great information that you provide. As for the Software installation, I having difficulty of installing Transformer Winding Calculator Software. My PC is using WIndows 7 Home Edition 64Bit. Please advise.

[@yevettexoxo4335]

When you stepped down the 240v to 120v....did you just plug it in the reverse direction? (240v secondary coils to outlet & 120v primary coils as output)

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi there. You supply 240V to the winding I made to replace the 2KV winding, and you get 120V out of the other winding..

[@yevettexoxo4335]

Ok :D thanks :D

[@mohammedzaman1937]

great word man! i am trying to make a transformer so i can get 5 volt DC 70 amp+ after bridge rectifier. is it possible this kind of transformer?

[@electronicsNmore]

Yes. Use the calculator shown in the video description area.

[@Cabal2600]

Transformer windage software not works with windows 64 bit version...

[@TeslaExplorer]

Very slick!

[@electronicsNmore]

:-) Thanks.

[@davidblakely2627]

i want to see you take two transformers and use them as a double (E) and get rid of the i's for use for multable voltages at high amprage are you up for the challange thank you

[@dejiadeyale1768]

Great information. when are you going to put the transformer calculation link ?

[@electronicsNmore]

The link has always been in the "About" section. Thanks For Watching! Be sure to share my channel with others.

[@manla8397]

Hi I love your video. I followed your instructions and cut the top off. However I found it is very hard to remove the coils from the transformer. It is very tight and stuck inside the core. I wonder if you have any hints to remove the coils. Thanks again for the wonderful video

[@electronicsNmore]

They hammer out. Try a large drill bit to drill away some wire to loosen it up. I never had a problem.

[@walt5797]

Hi and thanks for your informative demonstration. Would it be practical to rewind a MOT for use as a high amp DC regulated variable power supply? Could I increase the primary winding to reduce the operating temperature of the core?

[@electronicsNmore]

Walter Cengia You would need to use more turns of smaller wire for the primary winding(You can calculate using the software), or take an oil filled RUN capacitor and connect it in series with the HOT wire leading into the primary winding. You will have to experiment using different values. The core temp will drop due to reduced current into the transformer. Output voltage will remain the same, but lower current output. You can also do nothing and place the cooling fan from the microwave oven right next to the transformer inside a housing with one end of the housing left open to draw the air in to keep it cool. Be sure to check out my video playlists, rate Thumbs Up, and Share my channel with others. Thank You!

[@msjakal]

Yes sir i have a qwestion is it possible to run a 1000watt indor grow system using a transformer to keep my power usage low

[@electronicsNmore]

msjakal 1000w is 1000w. It does not matter how you power it, the power consumption will be the same,. Thank You

[@joemancino9049]

Did you just get your wire from an old motor or another transformer or did you buy a spool of it?

[@electronicsNmore]

I had 20ga enamel wire laying around.

[@electronicsNmore]

@robrat5162 New link is up

[@sarahszabo4323]

+electronicsNmore I've heard that cutting the core open is a bad idea: true/false if I can weld it back together?

[@electronicsNmore]

I would not call it a bad idea, nor would I call it a great idea. If you carefully cut the old shallow weld, and weld it back together all lined up using a similar shallow weld, you will be just fine. You may lose some efficiency, but nothing major. Thanks For Watching!

[@NOBOX7]

+Sarah Szabo actualy you dont even have to weld it back together , i currently have such a device and it does not matter because its magnetism thats important not current . im not saying current doesnt flow threw the core but i think its undesired so any thing that can stop eddy currents as they are called is said to be a good thing

[@sarahszabo4323]

NOBOX7 Yeah, I welded it together a while back and have been using it since, it's pretty quiet. Seems fine!

[@MsRichardyang]

How did you open the transformer when the sheets are alternate stacked and glued? I spent all day trying to open it up...

[@electronicsNmore]

Not glued. You simply cut the welds.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

In file MOTs are common in todays cheap microwaves, I think they quit doing alternating "E/I" cores in MOTs back some time ago to increase production. I have some MOTs from the late 70' and 80's that are alternating "E/I" cores and are noticeably bigger and rated for higher wattages (1000 watts). these make the best low voltage high current welders too. they are easy to re-wind IF your careful with a chisel to cut the secondary out.