Re: Tungsten static gap

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

Original poster: dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com 


One observation is that most people who are building static gaps are
typically beginners and first-time tesla coilers.  The beginners and
first-time tesla coilers usually use
what they have easily available at their disposal and also are running at
low power where tungsten really isn't necessary.

On the otherhand, the more seasoned tesla coiler is willing to put in the
extra time, effort, and money and build things very carefully especially
with higher powered systems.

But for most static gaps, copper pipe is adequate enough.  Tungsten isn't
the easiest material to get (especially in larger diameters) and is
prohibitly expensive for the average
tesla coiler.  I recently purchased a bunch of 1 inch long, 0.25" diameter
pure tungsten rods for my ARSG gap and paid $15.00 each for them!!!

Dan


 > Hello,
 >
 > Why don't more people use tungsten for their static gaps?  Is it strictly
a
 > cost factor, quenching factor, or what?  It would seem to me that the
 > reliability and lack of frequent adjustments/cleaning would make this
ideal.
 > If there are any negatives, please let me know before I proceed with
 > sticking money into a dead end.  I've got an idea for a novel gap layout
 > using tungsten rod, and it will be forced air with two HUGE muffin style
 > fans, so I don't see lack of airflow being a problem.  I also like to make
 > things once, and I don't mind putting a little extra time and $ into a
 > reliable product.  Please keep in mind that this is going to be powered by
 > two 12/120's.  I'm going to hire a friend who builds rotaries for Dr R's
 > transformers when they are available, but think that a static gap would be
 > better suited to long term NST survival for this coil.  Big NST's like
this
 > are too hard to come by.
 >
 > Thanks again,
 > John Richardson
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >