RE: [TCML] sucker gap material

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>]

Thank you Bert,

I wasn't suggesting that _machining_ SS was hazardous and a source of toxins, just more difficult that brass.  That welding SS is a recognized hazard is good to know, even if some deny it.   Maybe a difference between melting it with a flame and vaporizing/ablating it with plasma?

For those interested, the safety URL you provided contains spaces, and the spaces are a necessary part of the URL.  So you can't just click on the link, as the spaces won't be picked up; one needs to copy and paste the whole thing into your browser:
"http://www.weldreality.com/Safety stainless issues.htm"  Never knew you can have embedded spaces!

Regards, Gary

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Bert Hickman
> Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 10:05 PM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [TCML] sucker gap material
> 
> Dan,
> 
> Gary is right. When used in a spark gap, small amounts of the electrodes
> will be vaporized. This has the potential of spreading microscopic
> fragments of various oxides of chromium and nickel into the air in the
> immediate vicinity. Some of these (especially hexavalent chromium) are
> carcinogenic, while others can stimulate allergic reactions, or even
> cause internal organ damage. These are recognized hazards when welding
> stainless steel. Brass, copper, or tungsten would be safer (and perhaps
> even better performing) choices.
> 
> Some more info:
> http://www.weldreality.com/Safety stainless issues.htm
> 
> Bert
> 
> 
> Lau, Gary wrote:
> > 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
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