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Re: qualifications
Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson" <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi Jim,
I've used basic Al tape from hardware stores. It will work fine for
smoothing out flex tubing. The adhesive has no ability to withstand
the voltages (about 3 to 5 kV) we see at the toroid. So don't worry
about the adhesive conductivity. I've never had a problem and I have
built some decent toroids out of flex tube and Al Tape. Just pick up
the normal (about 2.5" wide) aluminum tape and cut strips that will
cover the tube diameter (for example, if 6" tube diameter, cut 20"
strips). Smooth it out with a big Craftsman socket or something hard
and cylinder shaped will work to smooth out the tape. No hard science
here, just elbow grease.
For reference, I usually wind a band around the entire diameter
(horizontally) and another strip horizontally just above that strip.
After that, I then cut strips to adhere vertically along the toroid.
After all strips are in place (a little overlap of each), I simply
smooth with a hard cylinder. I then install a center disk (back then,
usually just a wood disk covered in the same tape). You will end up
with a decent toroid. It's not spun aluminum grade, but will still
work just fine.
If you want to really make it smooth, then use a plaster to fill all
the knooks and cranny's, sand smooth, and finally cover in Aluminum
Foil and contact cement (not Al Tape). The smoothing technique is no
different. This makes for a very smooth toroid and hard to do better
even with professional spun toroids. From that point, a spun toroid
offers a cosmetic upgrade. But as far as sparks, no difference due to
the smoothness.
Take care,
Bart
Can someone /recommend/ a good conductive tape for my toroid. (I have
> hvac silver duct tape) and I've gone to Lowes' plumbing department
> for conductive tape but to no avail. My question also is, does the
> adhesive portion of the tape have conductive properties?
>
> Thank you for your assistance and concern!
> Jim