Re: tungsten carbide magnetic?

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Harold Weiss" <hweiss@xxxxxxxxxx>

Hi Mike,

Thoriated tungsten will make a gap break down easier, which is not such a 
bad thing.  I use them for Terry Filters and rotory electrodes.  The 
thorium will tend to ensure gap firing which is a good thing when resonant 
sized capacitors are used.  It will fire the gap before it rings up high 
enough to cause damage.

David E Weiss

> Original poster: "Mike" <mike.marcum@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> I've heard thoriated rods are a bad choice for a gap, not just for 
> radioactive reasons. The thorium is added to make the rods arc more 
> consistently in a welder. If that's the case, won't these make for a TC 
> gap that has poor quenching?
>
> Mike
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 7:27 PM
> Subject: Re: tungsten carbide magnetic?
>
>
> > Original poster: Lee Kohlman <lwkksw@xxxxxxxxx>
> >
> > I am designing a static spark gap using 1/8" tungsten welding rods (yes, 
> > thoriated but to be used outside).  I have access to phenolic fiberglass 
> > to support them.  I have a total of 10 rods that I would like to lay 
> > parallel and still have some way to adjust gap length.  Of course I would 
> > love to build a SRSG but that's too involved for now.  Any suggestions?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Lee K.
> >
> > Original poster: BunnyKiller
> >
> >
> > but do you need that extra diameter? I am using 1/8" dia pure welding
> > tungsten no thorium ( and you know what power Im dealing with ;) ...
> > and have very little wear and erosion problems.. plus the minimal
> > diameter makes it easier on disc design and dwell time...
> >
> >
> > Scott D.