Re: [TCML] Gaps

[bartb <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well said Brian!

I remember all the gaps you mentioned. I personally like to epoxy my 
pipes to the pvc. Reason is that I can accurately set each pipe exactly 
at the distance I need and perfectly parallel. I tried bolt methods in 
the past and it's just not the best way to do it. I install one pipe at 
a time letting the epoxy cure between each pipe installation. I use a 
feeler gauge between each pipe and let gravity aid the exercise. Not 
hard to figure out really. It's so easy it's ridiculous. A perfectly 
symmetrical RQ gap can be built on any given Saturday. Parts needed is 
your pvc tube, copper pipes, feeler gauge at the spacing wanted, and one 
tube of clear high temp two part 10 minute epoxy.

Here's 10 steps on how to build a perfect RQ pipe gap (or any type of 
pipe gap):

Step 1) Mix small amount of epoxy and apply a 1/4" strip along the 
length of one pipe.
Step 2) Mount pipe to pvc (epoxy side to pvc tube) and ensure it is 
parallel in the pvc tube.
Step 3) Let pipe cure for 30 minutes.
Step 4) Mix another small amount of epoxy and apply again to second pipe.
Step 5) Mount pipe next to first pipe (epoxy side to pvc) parallel to 
first pipe.
Step 6) Insert feeler gauge between pipes and leave it there.
Step 7) Turn pvc tube so that the new pipe is forced onto the first pipe 
and pvc tube by gravity (~45 deg angle).
Step 8) Block pvc tube into position so it doesn't roll and wait 30 minutes.
Step 9) Repeat above steps until all tubes are in place.

Step 10) Install fan, connect wires, run coil, take photos, share photos 
with TCML.

Take care,
Bart


Brian Foley wrote:
> Hi, I built a so called "RQ" gap, pvc with copper tubes inside, i use a computer fan and the top of a pill bottle so all the air is in the gaps or thru the pipes. It works well on my coil. 
> For those of us who have built coils and been coiling for years have found Tesla Coils are as unique as people...what works wonderful for one coil doesnt mean it will make your coil wunderful....there is no perfect size, no one size fits all...
> there are many designs that built carefully work just fine, once tuned to the parts of that coil.......
> this style gap seems to suit smaller coills up to several KW or a little more....If you ran and tuned your coil to a simple gap set at 1/4 inch then the spacing you might use would include settings that were less than 1/4 inch and slightly more than 1/4 inch...
> Gap distance divided by the number of gaps approximately..
> I found the pvc pipe difficult to drill slots so the pipes could be spaced to a certain gap distance......easily done however in a machine shop....Now there are many gaps made with pipes layed out flat, one used staggered or high and low pipes for a shorter overall distance......some glued the end of the pipes to a block of plastic, one even was made on a flexible surface and as the tension was increased the gaps became wider.......interesting and very simple design.  My best recommendation, look at a lot of pipe style gaps, decide which is easy to make, and expirement.....you own innovation might be just what your coils needs to be happy....enjoy...Brian F.
>   

_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla