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Ken, Electrical power is Voltage x Amperage. If you have 10 volts worth of potential and 10 amps of current, you are using 100 Watts of power. Transformers allow you to change the relationship between voltage and amperage. With a transformer, you can step the voltage down and increase current (or vise versa). Using the previous example, if you run the 10 Volt/10 Amp source to the primary side of transformer, you could achieve 5V/20A on the secondary (notice power is still the same). The ratio of Voltages achieved across the coil is dependant on the ratio of turns on each side.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, look at the diagram on the following website:>Link
You>Link can find more information on the topic by searching for "transformer theory". I hope this helps. As always, be careful when you're playing with this stuff!! One note: make sure you use insulated wire when you make the coils. The number of turns in the coil is what determines the strength of the magnetic field. That is what transfers power between the primary and secondary loops. If you use uninsulated wire, the current will simply jump across the coils rather than going through all the wire. Welders have variable transformers that allow different current settings. If you make your own, you'll only have one setting. Also, you'll probably need a fan to cool the transformer. Remember, if your insulation melts, the coil will short and your welder will be finished.
Take it easy,
Steve
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