Limited Range Variacs?

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <MShock8073-at-aol-dot-com>

I have been offered 2 commercial duty voltage regulators, that are used, 
but in working condition. They appear to be Superior Electric Stabiline 
units and do indeed have inside each, a pair of the large frame variable 
transformers Superior is known for. I was very excited at my "find" and 
overlooked the fact that the variacs had no info on their plates as I bid 
on them. I had come to believe that I lived in an industrial vacuum, devoid 
of surplus electrical goodies here in the deep south. So, I was surprised 
to be offered this treasure. To add to my theory of an industrial 
vacuum,  I now find out that the Stabiline units use limited range variacs 
that drive buck-boost transformers to gain clean power at incredible 
ratings. I was told by the seller that these units are rated to handle over 
200 amps each, constant. But, then again he described them to me over the 
phone as "gazintas" (i.e., electricity goes into here and goes out there.) 
I knew it had to be too good to be true that I found 4 1156Ds for an 
affordable price.

Now, the big question.... I need a variable ballast to control my vintage 
Westinghouse 5KVA PDT, and while I think my skills have grown up to piggie 
power, I am unfamiliar with limited range variacs. I need some advice from 
anyone with knowledge of these things as to whether or not I should buy 
them. Can they be rewired for fullrange operation by moving taps, are they 
useable as variable inductors for the range of a 5KVA pig, are they useless 
boat anchors for our hobby? I can get a new welder for about the same 
money, but these things have that mad scientist feel to them that keeps my 
neighbors on their side of the fence.

PS as you can see, I am an AOL prisoner, and we miss a lot of posts. It 
would be helpful if any replies could be CCd to the list and to my address 
too. Thanks in advance.

Marc S.