jds1969

Your dead-bug circuit technique is exquisite. My attempts always look like they got stepped on and then swept up off the floor. Good work.

Nice Instructable. I'd like to try this one.

In theory it will work but it's not an ideal situation. Stick with copper or aluminum as they are good conductors. Most hardware stores will sell you wire by the foot or meter cheaper than the price of welder.

Great idea. Thanks.

What did you use for the sharpened tips? Is it just copper wire or something harder?

What did you use for the sharpened tip? Is it just copper wire or something harder?

I'm wondering, what did you use as the sharpened tips, copper wire or something harder?

Nice Instructable. I've been considering how to do something like this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Union_splice

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a ton of copper in those arms so I doubt I'm loosing much there. The finer tip is something I'd like to try. Concentrate the voltage as you say. The shunts in the transformer are also limiting. It works fine for sheet metal work which is what I intended it for.

That is a coincidence. I'm Canadian so we struggle with the British and American spelling all the time. Glad you like my variation on the theme.

That's what I meant by copper to copper only. Even with mine I put thick copper wire inside the copper pipe.

If you do this, please share pictures.

I had thought of trying this as well. I think you could get away with copper sheet wrapped around bearings as long as the contact is copper to copper and doesn't go through the bearing. In terms of strength I recommend playing with the shims. Pull them out completely and you'll likely blow the circuit breaker but you might be able to limit the current with a toaster over or something like that. Maybe one or two pieces of shims would keep the current from swamping the circuit. I have also heard of people using a second shorted MOT as an inductive load as current control. 1000W MOT should work with 1mm steel pieces. Thicker than that and I can offer no promises.

I found a neat video. My guess is they are pumping a bit more than 1000W on this one. The sharp edge on the wheel might help.https://youtu.be/ciwXrOtbi3g

It was a gamer PC but I'd recommend staying away from this two headed approach unless you like endless fiddling and configuring. A second sound card is also required if I remember correctly. I ended up abandoning it and buying each of them a refurbished laptop. I set the screens to be an extended display and they were quite happy. I also ended up building a bigger desk but that's another story.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock#Facto...Read about the dangers here. It sounds like you need at least 42 volts unless you are attaching it directly to your heart tissue. I've never felt even the slightest shock from my welder. Burns are the greater danger. Using welding gloves should protect you from both dangers.