Re: Coil form

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

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <FutureT-at-aol-dot-com>

In a message dated 8/26/02 9:31:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
writes:


>
> What's the best material to use for a secondary form?

Calvin,

In many ways, the best material is simple PVC pipe.  Athough
this material absorbs water, this doesn't seem to affect the
performance to any noticeable degree.  Materials such as 
polyethylene, polypropylene, and styrene have some better
qualities (lower losses), but are not really necessary unless
special work is being done.  Plexiglas (lucite) is another
material that looks good and is often used, and works well.
One could say that what is best depends upon ones needs.
This is unspecified in this case.

The idea that the form material is super-critical, is basically
a Tesla coil myth, of which many still persist.

The typical coiler is usually well advised to concentrate his efforts
in areas that truly make a difference, if long sparks are the goal  

John