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Re: Static Spark Gap



Justin,
The easiest gap to start out with can be made with a pair of carriage bolts 
that you have mounted so the gap is adjustable. You can eyeball the size of 
the gap or start out with using  drills or a feeler gauge to set a gap near 
0.02 inches. That's a starter for a small coil. You have to mount the gap on 
insulated material. The gap will get very hot so 
you can't use plastic. I use ceramic standoffs. It is not necessary to blow 
air over the gap
but it does result in a great improvement in the quenching ability. I use a 
15 Amp variac.

Suggest you consult the various Tesla web sites and get a copy of John 
Couture's
Tesla Coil Construction.

Remeber that Tesla coils are mean, extreme toys. Think safety. Always pull 
the plug.

Hope this helps for starters.

Cheers,
Ralph Zekelman