Interesting patterns from electrical discharge:

 

Roll the video, Johnny:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/a24188/electricity-wood-design/?src=nlp&mag=pop&list=applevsandroidsweeps&date=12132016

Hmmm... hemp oil.... burning..... when do we get to the punch line?

But seriously.... Beautiful patterns!

John

I'm going to build me one of these as soon as I get my hands on an old microwave!

Lew, a couple things to consider before jumping into this current fad. First and most importantly to me, EVERYBODY is doing it. There are at least three people in my club who have built rigs to do this. There are also dozens and dozens of youtube vids about it. To me, it's kind of like turning pens or bottle stoppers, anyone can buy a kit and make a pen. Likewise, anyone who can put their hands on an old microwave can cobble  a licktenberg unit together. Secondly, our former club president built one and demoed it for me. He used a neon light transformer which he says won't kill you as dead as a microwave transformer. Either will kill but according to him it's more likely using the microwave version as it's much higher amperage. There are no second chances with these, one mistake, only one and you're toast. No thank you for me, mistakes are what I do best.

 

 

Steve

Edited December 13, 20169 yr by Steve Krumanaker
added video

I guess it is the Mad Scientist in me that has my interest peaked. I could see this technique being used as a way to add interest to a turned bowl or platter.

 

When I was in the Navy, I worked on radar and computers. After discharge (and a dismal semester at Penn State) I worked at the Letterkenny Army Depot on Nike-Hercules Track Radar units. I did a lot of TV repair in the 60's and even built a couple of large Tesla coils at the school where I taught. Needless to say, I've been "lit up" more than once . I think I might glow in the dark on cold dry nights .

5 minutes ago, lew said:

I guess it is the Mad Scientist in me that has my interest peaked. I could see this technique being used as a way to add interest to a turned bowl or platter.

 

When I was in the Navy, I worked on radar and computers. After discharge (and a dismal semester at Penn State) I worked at the Letterkenny Army Depot on Nike-Hercules Track Radar units. I did a lot of TV repair in the 60's and even built a couple of large Tesla coils at the school where I taught. Needless to say, I've been "lit up" more than once . I think I might glow in the dark on cold dry nights .

 

I can't disagree about the mad scientist part. It has a powerful "gee whiz" pull without doubt.

 

Steve

Our VP in the club who did this and used the neon transformer. If you can find a sign company they have used units maybe 40-50 or you can go online and order one. I am like Steve I will just watch and call 911 for the rest of y'all.

I agree about the microwave transformer. To dangerous... 

I also think the the neon transformer does a better job.

I tried both and I now only use the neon one.