RE: [TCML] sealing coils/Dolph's AC-43

["David Thomson" <tcbuilder@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I, too, have used Envirotex epoxy from Tap Plastic (by recommendation of
Pupman members) on all my coils; more than 24 different solenoid and flat
spiral secondaries.  I have coils still in use that are eight years old with
no separation or other epoxy failures.

However, this does not mean a coil can be improperly tuned.  Even with thick
coats I have shorted windings by over-powering the wire gauge and
mis-tuning.  

One of the neat effects of using heavy coats is that the epoxy becomes a
powerful dielectric, which holds a strong electrostatic charge for hours
(and sometimes days).  

If you really want a strong electrophorus, place the fully cured and sealed
coil inside a PVC jacket and fill it with transformer oil.  If you run such
a coil in a faraday caged room, it will produce an exceptionally strong
electric field that will make the hairs stand on your skin half way across
the room. But be careful, if you try to touch the secondary even hours after
it last ran you can get a very nasty four inch streamer to your finger.  

If you are into wireless power transmission, ala Marin Soljacic, coated
secondaries and toploads are the way to go.

The Envirotec is also excellent for making MMCs.  I solder the capacitors
according to the voltage rating and capacitance I want, place it in a PVC
pipe, cap one end, then pour the epoxy in.  I place the other cap on and let
it set.  A couple of brass bolts sticking out each end makes for a nice
looking TC capacitor.  Again, I thank Pupman members for the ideas.

I buy my Envirotec by the gallon and always find a good use for it.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Terry L
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2010 12:04 PM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: Re: [TCML] sealing coils/Dolph's AC-43

For sealing the secondary I have had no problems with Envirotex two part 
epoxy, Ultra Glo,  from Tap Plastic in California.  I put it on thin and 
have not notice any problem with seperation of the wire from the 
secondary form.  Have been to the sands of Black Rock for two years with 
no problem yet.  It appears to have a tough finish and it looks great  also.

Terry Leonard

On 12/2/2010 8:26 PM, Rick wrote:
> Hello,
>   
> I am trying to select a sealing compound for my first secondary.  In
reading various sources of ideas, I have concluded that any number of
different materials would do an effective job (i.e. polyurethane, varnish,
polyester and epoxy resins, Behr 50 Super Build, etc.)  The motor rewinding
shop where I purchased my wire could supply me with some Dolph's AC-43, but
when I inquired about it they reminded me that it is intended for a dip and
bake heat curing process.
>   
> Is it possible to use this Dolph's varnish to seal a wound coil without
heating it to 350 deg F?  Or will it simply never dry completely if not
cured by heat?
>   
> Any advice or anecdotal experience with coil sealers would be appreciated.
>   
> Thanks,
>   
> Rick
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
>
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