Was about to get a toy- then I did some research...

[AndyUK]

Firstly, as the drives can take AC, is there any need to convert the output current from the torodial transformer to DC? As I've understood in case I go for AC to AC I could simply connect the first winding to the mains (with fuse for safety) and the second directly to the drives? Also, assuming no DC conversion, is it safe to use a 70VAC rated torodial transformer to power the drives rated at max 70VAC?

If the drives take AC, don't bother rectifying it into DC. Go straight from the transformer to the drives. Don't daisy chain them though. Size the transformer by taking the max motor current (e.g. 4A) times the number of motors (3 or 4), so lets say 12A, then reducing by 1/3rd, so 8A. Don't go too overboard on the VA of the transformer, get what you need. Bigger transformers can suffer from large amounts of inrush current which can trip the power and just be a pain without other compensation.

Now, if I've understood correctly the total amps my 4 steppers will draw is roughly 2/3 of the sum of the rated amps of the steppers, i.e. 4*5A*2/3=13,33A. So the PSU would have to supply (rounded up) at least 14A? As the torodial transformer is rated at only 6A, should I consider wiring several in parallel to get more amps or would it be better to simply look for a beefier one to supply all the current i need?

Well clearly I should have read ahead because you already know the method. Oh well, not editing it now. No just get a larger VA transformer. You probably need 1000VA based on your 13.3A current, but that seems a little high? Most of us have 500-600VA transformers when turning into DC, perhaps someone can shed more light on this.

And so the voltage. This has me the most confused, some recommend to not over do the voltage for fear of getting components burnt, while others prefer higher voltages in order to not lose out on max performance (however, in these cases drives usually have some sort of voltage regulators). Now, if I've done the math correctly the Vmax of my parallel wired steppers is 32*√(2.4mH) = 49.6V., so well within the 70VAC outputted by the torodial transformer so as to get the most out of the steppers, BUT (and see first question above) would I run the risk of overheating my drives/steppers with this setup? The drives I've been offered (Lichuan LCDA86H) do list "overvoltage protection", but this sounds to me more like a fuse type protection than active voltage regulation.

I think most people tend to ignore Vmax and just give them as much as the drivers can manage, then limit the current on the drives so they don't burn. Typically with 3.2mH motors with a Vmax around 58V people use 68V (convenient toroidals are available). Basically I think you want the motors to be warm but not burny hot (demagnetisation occurs when they hit a certain temp).

The overvoltage protection you talk about is interesting though - what do the drives spec for the voltage?