I just posted at www.diyPhysics.com detailed instructions on the construction of a 250 kV DC high-voltage power supply. Although my hack for switching the polarity (referenced to ground) is simple, I am very surprised that I’ve never seen it elsewhere!
Posted to www.diyPhysics.com:d.i.y. 250 kV High Voltage DC Power Supply with Neat Trick for Switching Polarity
The hack consists of adding one more capacitor to the Cockroft-Walton multiplier so that it can be used to produce either a positive or a negative output referenced to ground. Continue reading


I was thinking about buying a laser engraver/cutter for home, but after retrofitting for CNC the Micro-Mark mini mill that my wife gave me for my birthday, I figured that I could simply add a CO2 laser to the X2 mini mill.