I read about these when I was a kid, always wanted to try making one.
Well, I finally did it.
First I took two AA batteries (of the el-cheapo "General Purpose" type) and removed the carbon rods from them by prying up the + cap and peeling the metal away with pliers. This, by the way, was very easy. Batteries used to be a lot harder to disassemble...
Then I took two lengths 14 awg solid copper wire and wrapped each length around a carbon rod. (You could probably use alligator clips instead).
I took 3 12V 7 amp-hour UPS batteries and connected them in series for 36V.
I connected each of the 14 awg wires (with a carbon rod at the other end) and connected them to the 36V source.
Then I touched the carbon rods together, drew them apart and I got a nice bright arc! I was careful to avoid looking directly at it because it is VERY bright and has a UV component.
I'm not sure if 36V is required, 24V may work but 12V definitely is not enough to strike an arc.
Well, I finally did it.
First I took two AA batteries (of the el-cheapo "General Purpose" type) and removed the carbon rods from them by prying up the + cap and peeling the metal away with pliers. This, by the way, was very easy. Batteries used to be a lot harder to disassemble...
Then I took two lengths 14 awg solid copper wire and wrapped each length around a carbon rod. (You could probably use alligator clips instead).
I took 3 12V 7 amp-hour UPS batteries and connected them in series for 36V.
I connected each of the 14 awg wires (with a carbon rod at the other end) and connected them to the 36V source.
Then I touched the carbon rods together, drew them apart and I got a nice bright arc! I was careful to avoid looking directly at it because it is VERY bright and has a UV component.
I'm not sure if 36V is required, 24V may work but 12V definitely is not enough to strike an arc.