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Re: flashback.........thank you
>no contact with the manifold should be made while the bombarder is on. I know
>we've all seen old timers turn the stopcock while the bombarder is on but I
>also know people who have come close to being electrocuted doing this. I will
>not build a system with a bombarder switch close enough so the operator can
>make contact with potentially live parts when it's on. This point of
>bombarder safety should be discussed more as a shock from the bombarder will
>very likely, and has, caused the death of tube benders. David Ablon
>
Correct! Dave's bombardier is so well trained that merely my incidental
pointing a finger at the manifold witin his field of vision, caused him to
release the switch.
With larger tubes, flashback is more likely if you leave the bombarder on
during the initial 6 to 8 secs. You should instead develop a feel for the
right moment to begin (for example, the sound changes a bit.) I think there
is room for a little bit of slack here i.e. you don't have to begin
bombarding the instant you have breakover. I've seen many manifolds with a
grounding trode but I prefer the long route down to the pump. Just make sure
you are pressing a heating coil against the diffusion pump. I also like
using a wooden stick on my contact button - a practice I previously thought
superfluous - and then I decided to add as an extra measure of safety. I am
a bit superstitious about the combination of high voltage, long hours, and a
small shop.
Kenny
>
Kenny Greenberg Neon Artist, Scenic Specialist, Columnist - Internet World
c/o KRYPTON NEON 34-43 Vernon Blvd Long Island City, NY 11106
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