My current problem is a driver for my voltage multiplier circuit. The multiplier consists of 500 stages of 1n4007 diodes and 820pf 1kv non pol caps (and no it's not a hypothetical circuit I spent 3 weeks making it). Now i gave up trying to find a transformer that takes in 120vac and outputs roughly 300-330 vac there either not available or way too expensive. So my question is, is there a circuit that doesn't involve a transformer to invert the ac up.(like an ac to ac inverter) If no circuit exits the transformer idea isn't out of the question, but it has to be cheap.

 

The multiplier consists of 500 stages of 1n4007 diodes and 820pf 1kv non pol caps

What is this thing for?

 

Its for a powder coating gun it will output a negative high voltage.

 

Get a 240 V to 120 V step down transformer and wire the 120 side(normally the secondary on this transformer) as the primary. This will give a 240 V out put. Then adjust the number of stages in your voltage multiplier to get the output voltage you want/need.

However you end up doing it, just make sure you use a transformer from your mains and fuse the circuit. Safety first!!!!

 

The problem is I don't think even 240v would run the circuit. I plugged in a 10 stage circuit of the same components into 120v and got no output.

 

Do you have the diodes and caps in the correct sequence? Are the diodes connected in the correct direction(anode and cathode correct)? When connecting that many stages, its easy to slip up. Here is a application note with information; http://www.vishay.com/docs/88842/anusingr.pdf

I know you want to do this DIY, but somethings are just easier/less frustrating to buy ready made. I have a powder coat gun from Harbor Freight that so far works real good; http://www.harborfreight.com/10-30-psi-powder-coating-system-94244.html
on sale for $69.99, with a 20% off coupon in most car mags you can't beat it.