[TCML] sucker gap material

[G Hunter]

Hi Dan,

I've operated sucker gaps up to 7200VA with good results.  I use copper pipe fittings because they are inexpensive, nontoxic, easy to solder, and are excellent conductors of both heat and electricity.  I find that a single gap is much easier to adjust than any type of multi-gap.  The sucker gap is simple, sturdy, and nearly foolproof.

On the downside, sucker gaps are very noisy, and they require require considerable wallplug power.  A vacuum cleaner motor can pull up to 13 Amps.

See links below.

Cheers,

Greg
http://myweb.cableone.net/grcarhunter/vacgap.htm
http://myweb.cableone.net/grcarhunter/blogap.htm
http://myweb.cableone.net/grcarhunter/Inside.htm
http://myweb.cableone.net/grcarhunter/spgap.html


--- On Tue, 3/16/10, Dan Casaregola <ag2z at comcast.net> wrote:

> From: Dan Casaregola <ag2z at comcast.net>
> Subject: [TCML] sucker gap material
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla at pupman.com>
> Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 6:48 PM
> 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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