Thread: Should I build this prop?

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Hello all,

This is my first year doing a haunt, and i am very excited about it. So far i've made a couple of props, which i can share with you later, but here's my question on my next prop building idea...

I have a 1 car garage, so I'm going to do a haunted garage this year. I'm thinking of having a couple of tables setup with some props, and a fog machine running to keep the eerie effect.

I'm planning on a mad scientist setup... so, should I do a jacob's ladder? I've been doing HOURS (and weeks) of research on this topic, and I understand all the dangers of this high voltage prop (so please don't lecture). On this dangerous note, I've also done research on how to bend plexiglass. I have seen a couple other Jacob's Ladders setup with a plexiglass protective housing around the electrodes. I plan to mimic this idea. This should prevent wandering fingers or costume pieces well away from the HV electrodes.

1. What are your thoughts?
2. Would you do a jacob's ladder in your haunt?
3. Is it worth the time, effort, and slight expense to build, for it to only run for a couple hours a year?
4. From what you know about them, is it safe to run it for a couple hours straight, or do I need to let the transformer, and HV wires cool down periodically?

Thanks!

I've never built one but, did the research last year and really, really, really wanted to. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one that I could just buy. I think you should go for it. Then give us pics and a better how-to then all the other sites. They just confuse the hell out of me. If you have a spare fish tank, turn it on it's side and put it inside. This will protect it on all sides except the back.

Best wishes.

I've never done one, but would love to have one. Maybe I'll put it on my list for next year.
By all means, do it. But make sure you take lots of notes and lots of pictures so that you can post a "how to" for the rest of us.

Originally Posted by Growler

I've never built one but, did the research last year and really, really, really wanted to. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one that I could just buy. I think you should go for it. Then give us pics and a better how-to then all the other sites. They just confuse the hell out of me. If you have a spare fish tank, turn it on it's side and put it inside. This will protect it on all sides except the back.

Best wishes.

Dang, Growler! Get out of my head!

I got one of these as a teenager from my uncle. It was easily made from a neon sign transformer and some thick guage music wire. I never ran it more than a few mins, so I'm not sure of the cycle time. Maybe trigger it? If you decide to go through with it, definitely go with a shield.

And yes! it's worth the expense for one day a year! It's why we all do this!!!

-dgm

I built one for my electric chair.

The enclosure is critical, especially if it is outside.

The heat from the arc causes the arc to rise up, so if wind or anything is blowing the heat away the arc won't rise.

The other part that was difficult was getting the distance at the bottom where the arc starts right it just takes trial and error. It is different with every transformer.

I did a concrete board back, wood top, bottom and sides and a plexiglass front fro an enclosure. I was concerned about the heat from the arc melting the plexiglass but it has been 4 years of use durring halloween and I have had no problems.

dadgonemad, i guess you're right about it's worth it, that's why i'm here too

bradbaum, great points. I'd be more concerned about the wood top getting too hot and flaming up over the plexi walls melting. Any thoughts? I was thinking about making a 4 sided plexi enclosure, leaving the top open so you can still hear the bzzZZZT! I would have the sides about 2 inches away from the electrodes so they don't touch it.

I left plenty of room on mine.

Good point, thats another reason i was thinking of an open top... i would end the plexi about 5 inches above the electrodes to allow for room for the flame.

I'm still on the fence about this project. I'm not sure what to do. I really want to do it, but i still don't know...

anyone else have any other thoughts?

Looks like I had the fire proof concrete board on the top and bottom as well:

Image of jacobs ladder - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

been awhile since I had the prop out!