RE: [TCML] sucker gap material

["Richard Schmuke" <rdj@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gary , this is from an old machinist. SS is safe to machine, no fumes, no
problem. I have spent many machining all kinds of stainless steel. I have
also machined, lava  ( a ceramic before it was baked) carbon and fiberglass
had to wear breathing protection. The only thing to avoid a straight
beryllium. 
Beryllium copper is very common in electronic applications and is safe to
machine. It is used in the clips that grip the pins on vacuum tubes and
other electrical contacts. More problems can be caused by fumes from cutting
oils  and dust from metal that the metal itself being cut.
Rich

-----Original Message-----
From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Lau, Gary
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 7:54 PM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: RE: [TCML] sucker gap material

I would choose brass fittings over SS for a variety of reasons.

The cost of two brass fittings can't be that great compared the rest of your
coil, even if SS is free.  Machining SS is a lot tougher than brass.  I
think I recall hearing that if SS is heated, it may emit toxic fumes, but
can't confirm this.

As to the opening, I think you're referring to the axial hole in the
fittings.  The thing that matters is the air velocity through the arc
channel.  I don't think the axial hole diameter will affect this too much,
as long as it's not too small.  Mine was roughly 3/8" diameter; I wouldn't
go smaller.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA


> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Dan Casaregola
> Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 7:48 PM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
> Subject: [TCML] sucker gap material
> 
> I'm building a sucker gap, and was wondering whether stainless steel would
be
> acceptable as gap material as opposed to copper or some other metal.  I
have a
> neighbor who tells me not to buy any type of fittings since he has plenty
(all
> stainless steel).  Second question; what size opening is appropriate in
the gap?
> Larger opening allows greater flow of air, therefore better cooling?  Or
smaller
> opening causing increased pressure of air stream?  Thanks  Dan
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
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