Wood burning fractals (around 2004)

Apply several kV to nails in moist wood and remarkable wood burning fractals appear.
“Continue reading” for more details and photos.

Take a source of high voltage. I have adjusted the voltage between 2 to 10 kV from my single microwave oven transformer (MOT) with voltage multiplier as used in my laser supply. I alter the voltage periodically to promote the spark or prevent flames. If things stop, I added a water spray. The burns have a curiously fractal nature about them. Note that the burns are just as likely to burn away from the nails as towards. I didn’t encourage things either way.

Now fast forward 4 years to 2008. In the interim, that block of wood got thrown back into the “miscellaneous lumps of wood” box, was cut in half and drilled extensively on one side. I could never bring myself to drill in the fractal side.

The original block used for wood burning fractals after 4 years of misuse. So why the concern now? Well it has been put on Wikipedia as a fractal example. Also on Korean and Hindi Wikipedias for fractals.

     Some more examples done in 2008 using pine with voltage at perhaps 4-8 kV. I like the burning red line between the nails. Easily seen on the enlargement. The power supply was a 13 kV MOT supply current limited with a 100 kΩ resistor. Any current limited supply could be used though, like a neon sign transformer. A variac is helpful but you could probably turn the supply on an off to regulate it. It needs to be periodically sprayed with water – tap water or slightly salted, not deionised. Balsa wood seems much more conductive and only needed about 1500 V.

Related pages

Try something else

   Tesla coil – 6 inch

External links

Wikipedia as a fractal example
Hindi Wikipedia
Korean Wikipedia

Photo Date: 2004, 2008