Is It Really Dangerous?

[kia cat]

Lichtenberg - Fractal Woodburning. anyone tried doing it? I'd love the effect.
I'd like to get a set of place mats and coasters. Too scared to try DiYing it. Any one where in the UK I could order/buy some?

If you follow the precautions, switch off and unplug, and stand well back while the transformer is on?

http://m.imgur.com/gallery/PSmcr

[Old_Geezer]

Whilst never tried it myself I'm sure I could find the sense not to touch anything I ought not. The voltage and current (4,000 volts at ¼ amp, and 2,000 volts at ½ amp) does suggest care is needed. If you have doubts then maybe purchasing is best for you. Maybe you can do a websearch to find places that sell them ?

[Old_Geezer]

For info.

https://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~p616/safety/fatal_current.html

[Old_Geezer]

No one else is barred fro replying, and bumping the question onto the 'Latest Posts' board is likely to bring more attention.

[paul1763]

i've tried it after seeing it on you tube a few months ago, the only ting i can say about my attempt is it was a total failure- dependant on how far apart i put the crocodile clips on the wood the two arc's( for want of a better word) would never meet up unless they were within a couple of inches and then it just created a messy great burn which could be done with a blowlamp. the only other thing i can say Re my results is i was only using a transformer from an 850W oven, dont know if a bigger oven transformer would have better results. Also i found the wood would only take seconds to dry out so was constantly switching off and re-soaking with soda mix.

[Baldric]

Having seen OGs response, that's really scarey, don't think I'd get involved, that's really shocking.

[Old_Geezer]

It is interesting that, although he says he wired the two transformers in parallel, when you look at the schematic is is only the primary side, connected to mains, that is in parallel. The secondary side is in series, with the connection between the two coils connected to earth. Thus doubling the voltage, which is already high.


Maybe that's why your single transformer set-up wasn't satisfactory Paul ?