Gooferking Science - 27-10-2013 at 08:24
I was trying to make an arc furnace, but it didn't work. I am not sure why... I was using a resistive ballast to limit the current coming from the
wall. The resistive ballast was made by adding one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to one gallon of water. The (+) electricity came from the wall
(120v), and ran through the resistive ballast, and then to a carbon electrode. The (-) side just went directly to another carbon electrode from the
wall. Unfortunately no arc was created 
do you think that the ballast just isn't
conductive enough? If so, how much sodium bicarbonate do I need? I used the search engine, but I couldn't find anything on this subject.
I do have 2 MOT's, one that is taken apart, and one that isn't. If someone could walk me through how to make an inductive ballast with one of these, I
would appreciate it! An inductive ballast is more energy efficient anyways...
[Edited on 27-10-2013 by Gooferking Science]
[Edited on 27-10-2013 by Gooferking Science]
[Edited on 27-10-2013 by Gooferking Science]
Magpie - 27-10-2013 at 09:36
This may prove useful:
http://books.google.com/books?id=V4VPAAAAMAAJ&printsec=f...
Gooferking Science - 27-10-2013 at 14:25
I found the problem! Actually there was two. I had a bad power cord, and didn't have enough baking soda. Now it is working great! I melted copper,
steel, and I melted some rock into obsidian.
[Edited on 27-10-2013 by Gooferking Science]
hyfalcon - 27-10-2013 at 15:31
Pictures? I've always wanted to put one of these together. I've got a couple 1" graphite rods 1 foot long that I would like to use if possible.
Metacelsus - 27-10-2013 at 16:25
How many amps is the arc? I always thought that you needed to step the voltage down to about 40V so as to increase the current, but if you can make an
arc furnace without a step-down transformer, then I might try making one myself.
Gooferking Science - 27-10-2013 at 17:57
Hyfalcon - I took some videos of melting things with the new arc furnace. I will make a video on YouTube, then share it with the forum. Those graphite
rods will be great for a furnace!
Cheddite Cheese - I am unsure of the amperage, because I do not have an ammeter. Although it wasn't popping my 20 amp breaker, I am guessing it was
pulling 10 - 18 amps. I always thought you would need a step down transformer too until I decided to try this today with a resistive ballast. It works
great! I will be building a proper mini-furnace to house the arc sometime in the near future, then I will be able to have a mini steel foundry in my
backyard! But for now I am just messing with melting random things.
testimento - 15-2-2014 at 17:24
Could one use transformer and dimmer to control the arc power or should a ballast be used anyways? I would first put the dimmer and then through
transformer to bring down the voltage to around 40V and then insert the wires into the electrodes.
Organikum - 15-2-2014 at 17:58
You need the ballast.
When the arc ignites the plasma has a resistance near zero. This will blow every fuse.
Whats wrong with water and baking soda?
Thats ancient technology but simple and functional.
/ORG
[Edited on 16-2-2014 by Organikum]
testimento - 16-2-2014 at 11:37
No, there's nothing wrong with that, actually it sounds just perfect for simple setups I like. 
I was just wondering will it need adjustments and how detrimental is the size of the water tank?