[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: polyethylene



At 10:25 PM 2/4/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Subscriber: c604313-at-showme.missouri.edu Tue Feb  4 22:03:53 1997
>Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 21:51:16 -0600 (CST)
>From: c604313-at-showme.missouri.edu
>To: Tesla listserver <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>Subject: polyethylene
>
>Hello to all!
>
>     I have a few books on T.C. design, but they don't even come close to
>the wealth of information I have found on this list! I'm convinced that
>some of the best stuff being done on these Tesla coil things are being
>done first and foremost by many of the people on this list! This list is
>THE BEST resource on T.C.'s I have found! Thanks,
>    
>     Here is a question I would like to throw out in hopes of a short
>reply:
>     I have collected some good info on Primary Cap construction and I'm
>wanting to get started on the construction of some home brew caps. For
>this I want to use polyethylene sheets. Where might some good quality poly
>sheets be found? Who would carry something like this? Might I be able to
>find suitable material by ordering it from a hardware store or glass
>store? If so, what should I ask for?? (I have tried both hardware and
>glass stores asking them for pure polyethylene sheets, but they just look
>at me like I'm crazy.)
>     
>     One of the coolest things about Tesla coils to me is that it is just
>a bunch of wire and insulation with a few slabs of conductive material
>thrown in, most of which can be home-made. If done right, nature takes
>over, and WOW home made lightning!!!
>
>      Thanks again,
>            Bert S.       
>
>[ Look in the yellow pages under Plastic.  That's where I found Colorado
>Plastics.  They had 4x8 foot ldpe sheets, but now just have poly pro. In
>Denver there are some ldpe sheets available.  (Dave Burman should be
>recognized for his efforts at procuring them for me) -- Chip]
>
>All,

Polypropelene has some slight advantages over polyethylene in the area of
heat standoff.  The voltage standoff is nearly the same.  I have made caps
from both as well as modified styrene.  All are good.  The heat issue is
never important in Tesla caps made from any of these materials, and since
poly prop is more expensive, styrene is tough to roll, we tend to use only LDPE.

Richard Hull, TCBOR