Re: Top load smoothness matters

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Original poster: "John Richardson by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <jprich-at-up-dot-net>

Hi Gary,

On the mini coil I am building, I used Al ducting as you did, and then tried
to wrap it many times with masking tape, as was recommended by someone.  By
the time I got it smooth, it was about twice it's original size.  Not good.
Next I tried using the good 3M electrical tape, the stretchy stuff, and
wound it perpendicular to the duct ribs (i.e. around the major toroid
diameter as opposed to around the minor diameter).  Worked like a charm.
Albeit, I did have to cut strips and place them individually in the center
of the toroid, because it was so small, but the tape stretches so nicely,
that everything came very smooth.  I still haven't mastered the application
of the Al tape, but for a first attempt (OK, second.  I got mad and crushed
to masking tape mess!) at a topload, I think it came pretty darn good.

John Richardson

 > I tried using 1-2 layers of duct tape over the corrugated duct to smooth
 > out the ridges, but they still were evident after Al tape was
 > applied.  Anyone know of an easy way?  I once used a wood filler compound
 > to fill the ridges, which required a LOT of patience and sanding.  It
 > ultimately yielded a nice smooth surface, but it added considerable weight
 > and might not survive the drop test.
 >
 > Regards, Gary Lau
 > MA, USA
 >
 >