AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bodrighywood on September 03, 2015, 09:27:13 AM
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I have come across this a few times now and love the effect but as yet haven't found a good explanation of how to do it. I see the basic idea but am not keen on playing without electrickery without some sort of idea what is safe etc. Anyone here done it or know where I could get some good instructins?
Pete
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Electrickery is something I don't know enough about to fiddle with unless it is fairly basic. This obviously isn't so thanks for the info. The videos on it make it look a lot easier than it obviously is so I think I will leave well alone even though I really like the effect you can get.
pete
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I agree with you Pete, taking the wires out of the bedside lamp and prodding a bit of wood with them sounds a tricky business.
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Certainly looks interesting, not that I know enough about it to try as I like living.
But there are loads of videos which as YouTube goes, I am sure some are good and others just dangerous
Link to You Tube deleted by Moderator
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Without being branded a killjoy, I wish to add to this thread by advising that the AAW has banned any work using this technique from any of it's events. This has been in response to a number of deaths from electrocution in USA in the last year or so. So BE WARNED. This is very dangerous unless you know exactly what you are doing electrically wise. Malcolm.
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Hi Pete
I was think about having a play with this effect, but did not like the idea of wiring something up as I don't understand enough about it.
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All the best
Ed
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Hello All,
I have had a communication from someone at Oxfordshire Fire Brigade. There has been a recent fatality directly as a result of a person trying this out. I have to state as the H&S coordinator that the AWGB do no condone the use of electricity to enhance woodturning and as the Chairman of the RPT I emplore professional turners to discourage this practice amongst the woodturning fraternity.[/size][/size][/color]
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I originally came across this two years ago (see original post) and long ago decided that it was not something that I would try. Whilst the effects achieved can be spectacular I see it as something that is best left alone unless you are very knowledgeable about the use of electricity etc. I am all for inventiveness etc but not if it means dabbling in something that I know little or nothing about, in this case electricity. Woodturning, if not done safely, can be dangerous enough without introducing what can be potentially fatal techniques.
Pete
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I guess like all aspects of woodturning, Lichtenberg is dangerous and should be used with extreme care, as you would also when using a chainsaw, bandsaw, router etc.
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David,
I think the soundest advice is to not get involved with this practice (have you had a go yet?) just because the Americans do something we do not have to follow them.
I know someone who has tried this but will never tell anyone how it is done he is a very wise man.
Regards John
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Madness to try this - it is dangerous and anyway, haven't we got enough variety in the safer things we can do to produce beautiful pieces.
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I like the Lichtenberg effect but agree it's not worth risking your life for, there are plenty of other things that we can do.
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Ed
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...My thinking was that if this unit was manufactured in the USA with safety in mind, then it would be safe to use. The Americans are the first to sue if something goes wrong!...
...very true, Ed, but having said that, my understanding of the US attitude to H&S is that the manufacturer puts warning notices on everything and then lets you do what the heck you like. This applies even to demos on TV programmes (or should that be programs) by people like Norm Abram and the New Yankee Workshop....you'll hardly ever see a fence or a guard in use!
Les
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However safe it may be within legislation at the end of the day it is only as safe as the person using it. The level of electricity in this is seriously dangerous and however safe you make it it is still dangerous.
Pete
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There is an article on face book about this, the chap died and left his wife a widow and his two sons fatherless. Is the pursuit of decoration (or the prospect of sales in Dave's friend's case) worth putting friends and family through the misery of losing some one? Personally I would like to see this process banned. If I am ever called on to judge a woodturning competition I will always ignore a piece that has been decorated using this method. This is my personal stand as I do not want to be seen to support in any way something as dangerous as this.
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How about the responsible woodturners in this country coming together as one body and insisting that this process is banned?
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How about the responsible woodturners in this country coming together as one body and insisting that this process is banned?
Add my name.
Pete
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as far as i'm concerned this is no different than driving a car or lorry. lots of people are trained to do it and so do it safely. if you can be trained to do this effect either by someone who knows how to do it or teach yourself correctly then it is safe to do.
as dave says, it's like using a chainsaw or any other device that can be deadly.
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The AAW has banned this type of work and reading the facebook post I think that enough for me to stay well away from this type of work.
I'll stick to me paints and pyro machine. :)
Ed
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Bert that is very interesting indeed, one question though, would it pass a PAT test?
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There is an opportunity for a commercial version for this art, I for one would purchase as the results can be stunning. I looked at several ways to manufacture but decided I value my life more than my aspirations.........
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as far as i'm concerned this is no different than driving a car or lorry.
I am a Radar Engineer by training.
So I understand the inherent dangers of the extremely high voltages involved and have seen injuries to people (mostly friends) who came into contact with them. Thankfully none were killed.
I note the AWGB has followed the AAW in banning work created in such a way in their competitions and shows, I personally approve of this.
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In view of the announcement of the AWGB policy on this subject should this thread on the forum be removed or Locked ?
Regards John
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As the policy says, the AWGB will allow discussions on the pros and cons of the process so the thread won't be locked but expect some posts to be removed.
I have just updated the Forum user agreement post in the News & Announcements board. Please familiarise yourselves with the changes.
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It is good to see that the AWGB has taken the sensible route and has not banned discussion of the Lichtenberg effect.
Once a certain application to become a Forum user has been approved, you may be able to read further information that may sway your opinion.
Removed by moderator.
I will leave it up to the potential new Forum user to make any further comments.
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As being one of the few people who has posted fractal burning on the site I have decided to respond after posting some
on Monday. This discussion was brought to my notice after the posting via email from a member. YES it can be
DANGEROUS IF H&S procedures are not followed , that being the reason I have never demonstrated or answered
any questions on the forum concerning how to do it.
Regards Tony
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THIS (http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/fire-and-rescue/113904/man-electrocuted-while-burning-wood-in-workshop-inquest-told.html) from another forum :o :o
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Hi Tony,
Well said putting your point of view forward. Regards John
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The link posted by Paul.J says it all. Read it and ask yourself is it worth the risk, and think of the unfortunate woman who tried to rescue her husband and got a shock herself.
You may take a relaxed attitude to H&S but what of the effect on your family?
Ron
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Hello Bert,
I can understand a Moderator censoring comments on a thread which the Executive of the AWGB have made a decision on
what to allow on this Forum Just bear in mind all of the Members who run the AWGB do so on a purely voluntary basis and work dam
hard on behalf of the members, Rules and guide lines are set for the Forum surely you can understand this happens in all walks of life so
what's wrong with that it is your prerogative to voice your opinion within the guide lines but please don't take offence I also note you have
been a Member of the forum for 18 months and only posted 9 times which again is your choice.
Regards John
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I think the effects are spectacular but not something that I would ever consider doing I dont think it is worth the risk.
I dont think it is right to ban something because there is a risk I think it is down to the indevidual to decide if it is worth it.
I would not go rock climming parachuting or deep sea diving but I dont think it would be right to ban others from doing it.
Riding a motorcycle is dangerous as is crossing the road.
Regards George