step up transformer

[akio123008]

I'm trying to make a step up transformer that transforms 17 Vac into 1700 Vac. I don't know that much about transformers, but I do know the basics. I know that in order to 100x the voltage, the secondary coil needs to have 100 times as many turns as the primary coil. Obviously, since a transformer isn't an amplifier the power output will be equal to the power input and therefore the current will be 100 times smaller in the secondary coil. 

 

Now here's the problem I have: I don't know the absolute number of turns the primary coil should have. I mean, in theory it could be only one turn, with the secondary being 100 turns, but I don't think that's right (it would probably fry the power supply). It would also mean that there's no difference whether you use a tiny nail as the core, or a big chunk of steel. 

 

I have seen some ''explanations'' online, talking about turns per volt, core area etc, but they were not very clear, and most of them were just a bunch of maths without a proper explanation.

 

Could anyone out there clarify this for me? 

[bob345]

What is it you are trying to do with high voltage? If you just want arcs a simple flyback transformer and driving circuitry should suffice. 

[akio123008]

At this point I have successfully created a high voltage power supply using a microwave oven transformer. A flyback would have been great, but I didn't have one of those laying around. I did have an old broken microwave. 

 

I really appreciate your reply, I apologise for posting this message an entire week later.