Electromagnet power supply

[Mutant Funk Drink]

I built an electromagnet for use in an experiment I'll be doing in the near future. I've been trying to use some batteries and small power adapters in order to power the electromagnet, but I'm just not getting enough power. What would be a good power supply for my electromagnet that would make it really powerful?

[MunkeyQ]

If you're wanting to go the DIY route, a big transformer from an older VCR or something similar coupled to a hefty bridge rectifier will work well. Much more current than small batteries or little power bricks.

Does the application call for a DC electromagnet or is an AC one ok? If it's AC, you can rewind the secondary of a microwave transformer with a few turns of heavy wire for very silly electromagnet-melting currents. Just don't power it up with the original HT secondary still in place... You'll need to cut it off with a hacksaw or grinder.