Big, Cheap Power for Steppers

The cheapest and most flexable power supply is a microwave oven
transformer. The transformers in microwaves are usually good. The fuse
or the triac often blows in the microwave and the owner just buys a new
machine.

The transformers are rated at 800 to 1200 watts. That is 33 amps at 24
volts or 16 amps at 48 volts. You will have an overrated power supply
for the cost of a bridge diode and some capacitors.

Cut out the high voltage coil. This gives you lots of space to wind a
low voltage coil.

You can include a 5 volt isolated coil to run your signal circuits as
well as any voltage for your motors.

Most transformers give you 1 volt per winding on the secondary.
Use big wire, #12 household wire works good. You have lots of room.

Add the biggest capacitors you can find surplus and a heavy bridge
diode. A curent limiting resistor is good to keep the diodes from
blowing out if you short the output during testing.

Welcome to excess!!!!

Walter