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Construction tip from kVA Effects
A construction tip from the guys at kVA Effects...
Support Tubes:
Here's a quick and easy way to make support tubes
for your Tesla coil project. Many coilers use two
platforms separated by a distance for their projects.
A lower platform supports the tank circuit and a top
platform supports the primary and secondary coils.
These platforms can be separated from each other
with PVC pipe for a clean, finished look.
Materials:
1-5/8" dia x 1/8" wall PVC Pipe
1-3/8" dia Closet Pole
3/8" Brass Threaded Rod
Nuts and Washers for Threaded Rod
Tools:
Hammer
Miter Box and Saw
Drill Press or Hand Drill
7/16" Drill Bit
Directions:
Cut the PVC pipe into a number of equal lengths to fit
your project. Six or eight pipes works fine. Don't overdo
the distance between platforms (pipe lengths). Using
the miter box and saw, cut the closet pole into one inch
thick slabs. Drill a center hole in each slab. With the
hammer, press fit one slab into each end of the PVC
pipes. Recess each slab about 1/2" to make room for
nuts (if any). The fit should be very tight. The slabs
will now act as centering rings for the threaded rod.
Drill holes on both top and bottom platforms to
accommodate the threaded rods. Place the cut
lengths of PVC pipe between the platforms and insert a
threaded rod all the way through the top platform, PVC
pipe with centering ring inserts, and lower platform. Add
washers and nuts to both ends of the rod and secure.
As for platform material, check your hardware store for
precut, finished, wood "rounds" or an unfinished furniture
store for round tabletops.
Before final Tesla coil assembly, paint the platforms and
tubes separately. That way, you can still temporarily
remove a tube to install equipment if necessary.
Have fun and don't touch it when it's "ON".... :)
Jeff W. Parisse
Director, kVA Effects
www.teslacoil-dot-com