003.JPG004.JPGI got my lightning pyrography rig working this weekend without burning the house down or making my bride a widow. It was funny, I had all the pieces, parts and plans a month ago, and my wife kept asking me when I was going to get it going (she knows that I am like most of you, when you get a new toy it's out of the box and on the lathe before the UPS driver turns the corner). I stressed to her the importance of getting this right the first time, and that not planning it out thoroughly could have catastrophic results. So, a month later, and hours of research, this was my first attempt. A simple ash vessel I turned a few months back. It's not much to look at, but I am pretty excited about the possibilities. I have to do a lot of trail and error on wood species, dry vs. green, and baking soda concentrations in the water mixture.
I'm about $50 into the rig. Got a used micromave transformer off eBay for $23 w/shipping, spark plug wires for the high voltage ends for $15, and a foot-operated power switch for the primary power at HF for $12. I have the electrodes on the ends of 1" PVC pipe, about 14" long, and have a heavy foam pad under the work while I am doing it. I also mounted the transformer on a piece of MDF, and have it in a heavy wooden box. The foot switch gives me great control over everything (I don't want to call it a dead man switch, for obvious reasons). 2,000 volts deserves every bit of respect I've given it.
I'd be happy to share pictures and plans to anyone who wants them.