[Dave]

Discount tool stores like Harbor Freight have decent entry level multimeters. Look for one that has a has larger gauge leads and a fold out stand. They are usually in the $30 range. Stay away from the cheaper ones, they work fine but the leads tend to beak easily.
A good place to find a variac is at a swap meet or a ham radio show. I recently bought an antique variac at a hamfest for $30. I had to replace the dry rotted wiring, but it works great & the price was right.
Dave