Original poster: dave pierson <davep-at-quik-dot-com> 
T>How are 240 VAC variacs made? Since the feed you get from your pole pig is
 >240 VAC center tap,
    Sometimes.
    For the industrial applications where 240vac is standard,
    it is common to find  240VAC to neutral (480 cross the
    outside...)
     120 to neutral is _home_ standard.
    Other feeds are used in industry...
    best
     dwp