How to Make a Tesla Coil Toroid
Whether you're creating a science project or building a high-frequency electronic device, a Tesla coil toroid enables you to create a high-frequency electrically charged surface. Torroidal, multitorroidal and spherical capacitors are called top loads — top loads transfer the electrical charge from the Tesla coil to the exterior surface of the toroid. Top loads need to be as smooth as possible to generate and store this electrical charge. Torroidal top loads are doughnut-shaped pieces that are easier to replicate than spherical top loads.
Things You'll Need
- 4-inch-diameter aluminum ducting
- Utility knife
- 24-inch-diameter plywood circle, 1-inch thickness
- Hot glue gun
- 3 cups plaster mix
- Bucket
- Wooden stick
- Fine sandpaper
- Brush
- Adhesive glue spray
- Aluminum foil
- Spoon
Instructions
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1
Cut 4-inch-diameter aluminum ducting to a 24-inch length using a utility knife. Using a hot glue gun, apply glue around the sides of a 24-inch-diameter plywood circle with a 1-inch thickness. Wind the aluminum ducting around the plywood circle. Position the sides of the wooden circle halfway up the inner sides of the aluminum ducting. Let the glue dry for 20 seconds. The plywood circle holds the form of the aluminum ducting.
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2
Glue around the ends of the aluminum ducting using the hot glue gun. Press the ends of the ducting together and let the glue dry for 20 seconds.
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3
Mix 3 cups of plaster mix with 1 cup of water in a bucket. Stir the mixture with a wooden stick until it has a uniform consistency. Make sure there are no lumps in the plaster mixture — lumps create an uneven plaster surface. Spread the plaster around the exterior of the aluminum ducting to make a smooth surface. Let the plaster dry for two hours.
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4
Smooth the plaster surface with fine sandpaper. Brush the plaster residue and dust from the surface. Dust and residue prevent the adhesive glue from sticking.
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5
Spray adhesive glue onto the plaster surface and wooden circle. Wrap two layers of aluminum foil around the ducting and both sides of the wooden circle. Smooth the aluminum foil layer by pressing it with the backside of a spoon. Continue until all surfaces are completely smooth. Any parts that stick out reduce the effectiveness of the toroid.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a protective mask and goggles when applying and sanding the plaster.
