electromagnetic shielding components

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "JT Bowles" <jasotb@xxxxxxxxxxx>

I currently have an ignition coil powered monopole tesla coil(nicely built).
It is run off a 12v, that goes into a 555 timer pulsing squarewave 
into a 2N3055. This in turn pusles 12v into an igntion coil. I have 
the whole igniton coil drive circuit, and the ignition coil in the 
base of my coil - just 4 inches below my primary coil. I noticed 
while connecting the battery, sparks of up to 1/2" in length jump to 
my hands( from the battery terminals). I know this isnt too bad for 
the drive circuit, because after a good 20 minutes of compiled use it 
still works. But, it cant be too good either.

I am wondering if placing a sheet of steel directly underneath the 
top of the base(above the top is the primary) will atleast hinder the 
electromagnet field reaching the drive circuit. Or, will this sheet 
just waste vital energy from the primary field?

In addition, will that steel or copper sheet mess up my counterpoise 
effect, that I have bolted to the base of my coil?

Any help would be appreciated, because the coil is so compact and 
beautiful-I want it to last longer. Thank you in advance.

_________________________________________________________________
The MSN Entertainment Guide to Golden Globes is here.  Get all the 
scoop. http://tv.msn.com/tv/globes2007/?icid=nctagline2