Re: top load smoothness (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:50:22 -0500
From: Drake Schutt <drake89@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: top load smoothness (fwd)

Scott- with my first coil I tried to cover regular (not flex duct) ducting
in bondo to try and make a smooth toroid and that was an utter waste of
time.  Without covering flex ducting in fiberglass or something, the
cheapest and least time consuming way to make a smooth surface is to use
flex ducting covered with aluminum tape and then smooth it down with a
spoon.  I just did a couple like this recently and they are VERY smooth.

Drake

On 7/5/07, Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 18:40:30 -0700 (PDT)
> From: G Hunter <dogbrain_39560@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: top load smoothness (fwd)
>
> > In a message dated 7/5/2007 3:44:33 P.M. US Eastern
> > Standard Time,
> > tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
> >
> > Hey  guys,
> > Concerning the surface of top loads, does it make
> > any significant
> > difference in overall performance whether the
> > surface is  very smooth or not
> > (ex. spun aluminum toroid vs. dryer duct toroid).
> > If one is going for
> > absolute maximum spark length (for his budget) would
> >  it be worth his while
> > to cover his corrugated toroids with something like
> > wood putty or paper
> > mache and cover it with aluminum tape, or just leave
> >  it alone.  Thanks.
> > Scott Bogard.
> >
>
> Another alternative is paper mache.  Obtain a vinyl
> swim ring pool toy.  5" x 20" is a popular size for
> small children.  9" x 38" is a common adult size.
> Inflate the swim toy as hard as possible using lung
> power and cover it with several layers of paper mache.
> It looks all wrinkly when first covered, but if the
> traditional recipe of newspaper, white glue, and water
> is used, something cool happens.  As the paper dries,
> it shinks, forming a smooth, tight skin.  Allow it to
> dry completely, then toughen the shell with many coats
> of polyurethane varnish.  The paper mache soaks up
> lots of varnish--be prepared to use a whole can.
> After the varnish is fully dry, wrap the form in
> aluminum duct tape and rub it down good with the back
> of a large spoon.  With patient rubbing, the aluminum
> tape covering will take on a burnished, chrome-like
> appearance.  This kind of toroid looks much smoother
> than anything made from corrugated ducting and it is
> much cheaper than spun Al.  Takes lots of time
> though--very tedious.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Greg
>
>
>
>
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