Ok thanks, maybe ill just use screw on brass electrodes for now i dont have anything to round out tungsten.
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----- 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
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