[TCML] HV-VF generator for TIG welding

[John Darwin Powers <jdp3@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,

My question has to do with coil winding, but is out of the normal  
realm of this group.

I am building a HF/HV generator to initiate a spark for TIG welding/  
plasma welding.  In TIG welding, there is a tungsten electrode and  
the work-piece with current flowing in DC or AC, and different  
polarity depending on the work being done.  To initiate the arc, the  
most used method is to couple HF/HV onto the working current, the arc  
providing the initial ionization path for the working current to  
follow.  The arc can be set-up to be continuous or until current flow  
is detected.  The HV part comes from a 12kV sign transformer, a  
series spark gap, and a couple of door knobs and resistors.  Anyone  
have any pearls of wisdom for me?  I had a thought about coupling the  
HF into the power cable.  Usually, they are coupled by winding one on  
the other together with a ferrite core.  What would happen to place  
the HV cable inside a copper tube with cross section rated for the  
welding current, essentially so they are coaxial, and then bend the  
tubing (with the HV cable inside the tube) into the coil form?  I  
know, probably unnecessary overkill.  Would this work?

Thank you.

JP
_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla