If I wanted to build a tesla coil could I use a neon sign transformer from something bought at target?

Havent seen any good guides to get this to work, but you could make a flyback driven one from old crt or get parts off ebay..

Unless the sign is HUGE, the power output is going to be greatly lacking. The "ZVS flyback driver" is prolly the all around best primary high voltage circuit you can get. It has endless power and does not get hot or waste any power.It is also really easy to build if you can get the parts.

It's biggest problems are that it is a little more dangerous than other alternatives and it is powered off 12-24 volts. As far as building one, the schematics are on the net. Just do a search with "ZVS flyback schematic" some where in there and you should get something.

The most important part is the flyback transformer. The best ones come from older large CRT color TV's.In a lot of cases, they come with rectifiers built in, which you can use to your advantage. Second is the MOSFET's.

They need to be N-channel, high voltage, and some what low RDSon. You also need good Schottky diodes. They should be rated for as high a voltage as the MOSFET's.

Lastly is the power supply.It needs to be 12-24 volts and MASSIVE AMPS. A car battery charger *may* work under normal circumstances. Or you could just use car batteries.

****BE CAREFUL**** People have been killed making Tesla coils and it's almost always from the primary HV side. Use safe judgment and always plan out your moves before doing them, or they could be your last. 1: NEVER WORK WITH THE UNIT PLUGGED IN, ***EVER*** 2: HAVE SOME ONE WHO KNOWS CPR HELPING OR WATCHING 3: USE AN ENCLOSURE, DON'T HAVE THE PRIMARY OPEN TO THE AIR 4: USE PROPERLY RATED PARTS, AND NEVER OVER POWER THEM 5: I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DIE That's about it, every one be sure to mark this best answer if I was help full.

Thank you.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.