RE: [TCML] sucker gap material

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

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
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