Re: spark gap (working copper)

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Original poster: Ian Macky <ian@xxxxxxxxx>


> My problem is getting motivated to purchase and hack up three feet 
> of 3/4" copper bar to test next to tubing...

Introducing the Joy of Carbide: Woodworking tools with carbide bits can
work aluminum and copper!  A woodworking chop saw with a carbide blade
zips through aluminum and makes beautiful cuts.  And, it does hard or
coft copper too, but more slowly.  With a handheld router and carbide bit,
you can hand "mill" aluminum!  (This is best with guides tho).

--ian

P.S. But, be warned, copper is a b**** to machine in an traditional engine
lathe or mill (especially older, slopperier) since it's soft and grabby
and the bit just kind of dives in and the whole thing wedges up in a flash,
quite ugly (was showed some examples of ruined copper parts).