I did have a belt sander but it got returned to HD due to being junk (it actually broke on first use).
Since then i've been trying to find a source of affordable tools that are also well made and reliable. My search is not going great so far :/
----- Reply message -----
From: "Phil" <pip@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "'Tesla Coil Mailing List'" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [TCML] Spark Gap Electrodes - Flat or Rounded
Date: Wed, Jan 20, 2016 5:55 AM
Matthew,
You can round out the ends of Tungsten (in my case 0.25") by a belt sander
or linisher, and using a drill.
It WILL wreck the belt though, but I find I can do eight ends on an already
used belt ok.
Start the belt and chuck the Tungsten in the drill and simply hold against
revolving belt. I used to make half hemispheres but now I find just rounding
the edges is sufficient - just need to lose the 90 degree edge.
You can just make the curve out in third photo down:
http://www.hvtesla.com/srsg_2015.html (statics are 3/8 Tung / Copper,
revolving are pure Tungsten)
Green welding rods (pure) are harder to do than those that are doped with
something, I have found though.
Tungsten copper will cut very easily and you can round those with a file,
but it ablates quicker (3/8 inch Diam' on 7kw or so)
Phil
-----Original Message-----
From: Tesla [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
msweeney23@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: 19 January 2016 00:26
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: Re: [TCML] Spark Gap Electrodes - Flat or Rounded
Ok thanks, maybe ill just use screw on brass electrodes for now i dont have
anything to round out tungsten.
Sent from my HTC
----- Reply message -----
From: "Carl Noggle" <cn8@xxxxxxx>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [TCML] Spark Gap Electrodes - Flat or Rounded
Date: Mon, Jan 18, 2016 6:12 PM
All spark gaps should be rounded. The field enhancement at the edges of
a flat gap electrode will cause it to go into corona before the spark
forms, giving erratic operation. A radius of curvature less than about
25% of the gap spacing will go into corona first. Also, with wear the
electrodes will eventually become rounded, requiring adjustment during
the process. (Nature usually knows best.)
---Carl
On 1/18/2016 4:21 PM, Matthew Sweeney wrote:
> I see a great deal of conflicting information regarding this, and I'm in
> the process of making my tungsten spark gap for a small single NST
> (12k/30ma) coil.
>
> Should I be using tungsten rods with flat ends, or rounded? I've heard
that
> rounded ends are good for safety gaps but actual spark gaps should have
> nice flattened ends. Is this true for static gaps and not just rotary
gaps?
>
> I will eventually make an RQ gap but starting off simple for now with a
> basic one or two static rod gap design.
>
> Any help appreciated!
>
> Matt
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
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