Re: burning tungsten

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "BunnyKiller by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <bigfoo39-at-telocity-dot-com>

Tesla list wrote:

> Original poster: "Metlicka Marc by way of Terry Fritz
<twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <mystuffs-at-orwell-dot-net>
>
> all,
> i have been working on a triggered spark gap and i am using some very
> fine tungsten wire for the trigger electrode. the fine wire is burning
> and leaving a yellowish white powder on the carbide points of the main
> gap.
> my question is what exactly could this powder be? first thought would be
> tungsten oxide but i'm not sure, and will it kill me?
> thought i would ask before i grow a third ear or something.
> thank you,
> marc m.

Hi Marc...

what you see is tungsten oxides color varies from orangy yellow to sun
yellow non toxic if not
ingested. dont breathe the "fumes" while the tungsten oxide is being
formed. as with any volitile
oxidation of metals, it is best to aviod respiration of fumes.

Scot D