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RE: [TCML] Source for copper hardware
And HF has been running 20% coupons in the back of a lot of mags, such as Cycle World and Home Shop Machinist lately.
Nick A
> From: pbbrodie@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Source for copper hardware
> Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 11:19:59 -0400
>
> I'm a Harbor Freight tools nut and own way too many of their tools,
> including this hydraulic crimper. I caught it on sale a couple of weeks ago
> and couldn't resist. If you buy it, I do not think you will be at all
> disappointed. It isn't on sale now and I do think the price is a bit high
> when not on sale. If you aren't in too big of a hurry, though, they usually
> put the same things on sale periodically and if you keep you eyes out, you
> will most likely see it go on sale again.
> Paul
> Think Positive
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave Leddon" <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 11:48 PM
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Source for copper hardware
>
>
> > Jim,
> > You've got a couple of really good suggestions here. I have everything
> > needed to do silver brazing, except the bottles, which I can retrieve the
> > next time I'm in Las Vegas. So this would be a no cost solution.
> > However, there is one undesirable aspect of soldering lugs that might also
> > apply to brazing. Solder can wick up the wire and inch or two resulting
> > in an inflexible cable near the termination. A small thing but it always
> > bugged me. And then there's the damage to the insulation which could be
> > great at brazing temperatures. Your other suggestion that I get the
> > connections crimped at my local welding store has great merit since I
> > usually buy my lugs there anyway. But maybe the best solution, since I
> > seem to be fabricating a lot of heavy-duty cables lately, would be to buy
> > one of these:
> > http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66150
> >
> > Dave
> > At 06:16 PM 3/30/2010, you wrote:
> >>Dave Leddon wrote:
> >>>I've been trying to eliminate hot spots in the primary circuit of a
> >>>relatively high current (~3000 amp) drsstc by replacing high resistance
> >>>connection points with copper. Even a one-inch length of 3/8-inch brass
> >>>bolt can generate enough heat to melt the solder right out of a terminal
> >>>lug. Which raise another interesting point, what about solder? It has
> >>>ten times the resistance of copper so maybe all lugs should be crimped.
> >>>I only soldered them because I don't own a crimper large enough to deal
> >>>with #2 welding cable. But I digress. I've not had any success locating
> >>>a source for copper nuts and bolts, probably because copper isn't strong
> >>>enough to be consider a fastener, and so have been force to machine my
> >>>own. I would much rather just plunk down the credit card.
> >>>Does anybody know of a good source for copper hardware?
> >>
> >>Crimping is common for applications like welding cables. Most welding
> >>supply places can crimp connectors on your cable for you.
> >>
> >>"hard solder" (aka silver solder) or brazing is another alternative. Much
> >>higher melting point.. Hey, an excuse to use a MAPP/Oxy or Acetylene/Oxy
> >>rig! I've used one of those inexpensive MAPP/Oxy sets with the disposable
> >>bottles to do stuff.. It gets expensive if you use much gas, but for a
> >>small project, it's not too bad. MAPP/SolidOx is another possibility
> >>which is a bit less expensive for supplies.
> >>
> >>But if you're going to do more than a simple job, it's worth getting (or
> >>renting?) a real oxy/acetylene rig, like refrigeration guys use, with the
> >>small bottles. About $300 or so, including the bottles and torch. And
> >>brazing/gas welding is actually pretty easy (compared to, say, straight
> >>stick welding) with a very small amount of practice. (as long as you stay
> >>away from aluminum.. it's just hard, because it melts before it changes
> >>color)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Have you looked at "split bolts" used in electrical wiring? They also use
> >>copper hardware for high current applications, so a commercial electrical
> >>supplier might have them.
> >>
> >>
> >>Copper hardware is also used in the marine industries.
> >>
> >>And, of course, McMaster Carr might have them..
> >>
> >>But.. what you really want is exothermic welding, aka Thermite. Cad-Weld
> >>is one trade name.
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