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Re: Thoraited Tungsten Rods



Original poster: "H.S. J." <hsheltonj@xxxxxxxxx>

Thanks for the info on how to deal with it when grinding, etc.

But, Is there anythign better than Th tungsten rods for a spark gap? What about Pure Tungsten or Lanthanated?

-Shelton


----- Original Message ----
From: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 1:16:30 PM
Subject: Re: Thoraited Tungsten Rods

Original poster: "Harold Weiss" <hweiss@xxxxxxxxxx>

Hi,

The thoriated rods produce ionization in the air around the
rod.  This will cause the spark to jump easier.  I have them on my
Terry filter and rotory. On the Terry filter, I have to open the gap
to around 3/8" compared to half that or less with pure
tungsten.  With thr rotory, it will definitely fire at presentation
unless the phase is off.

The amount of thorium in the rods isn't that much, but then again,
it's best if these gaps are run outdoors.  The heliarc welders that
use them aren't dropping like flies, so I wouldn't worry much about
it.  Plain and simple, don't purposely try to breath any dust created
from cutting or grinding.

When I do cut or grind it, I do it outdoors and I wear a dust mask
and disposable gloves.  After the cutting and fitting, I take a
shower to wash off any particals.  Then I wash the clothes seperate
from the regular wash. Gloves and mask can go in the trash.  That's
pretty much the basics of radioactive materials handling that can be
done at home.  While the EPA might not like the thought of
radioactive debris going down the drain or landfill, the amount will
be generally below normal background.  I have seen smoke detectors in
the local landfill, so I don't worry about a little dust on the
gloves and mask going there.

David E Weiss

>Original poster: "H.S. J." <hsheltonj@xxxxxxxxx>
>
>Hi all,
>
>Well...I would like to know all of what happens when you use the
>thoraited tungsten rods as well as all of the radioactive and health
>hazard stuff please.
>
>Also, how does the Th affect how tungsten rods operate?  Or, would
>pure tungsten rods be better?  Or...what?
>
>Thanks,
>-Shelton



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