Lead style 4th doctor sonic screwdriver

[cybermat]

Hello everyones,

So after a long time, I'm back with a new little gadget build. A Fallout style 4th Doctor sonic screwdriver !

Here is the principe :





I do not have the sufficient knowledge nor the material to work the metal, turn, mill etc ... Then I turned to a very malleable metal, the lead!
(it reminds me of a classic episode, the 4th doctor was back on Gallifrey and wanted to redecorate his office entirely lead! ^^)

I know it is a little excessive, but I could not do better because of the electronic components that compose it. These being already said "miniatures" I could not do smaller.


It consists of a mini high voltage generator, a booster (3 v DC to 9 or 12 V DC), a light rotary switch positioned at the end of the screwdriver, and a mini Tesla coil, with integrated circuit inside the coil.




the most complex part will remain the switch system (just like that of the fourth doctor, it slides down the screwdriver to light)



I am still finishing it.
But you already have a general idea ^^

[kutan66]

I guess it has some nice weight to it!

[But don't forget to wash your hands well before eating your Jelly Babies!]

[Davros Skaro]

Seeing that your building this prop with lead, I must give you a heads up as I did my apprenticeship as an Electrician in a lead smelter. I don't know your background for knowledge, but here are a few tips that might help you.

!. Lead is very toxic when handled all the time (even if painted) & is easily absorbed through the skin, by inhaling particles through cutting or heating it, which can create fumes & from eating with out thoroughly washing your hands afterwards.

2. Don't forget that it IS metal & IS VERY conductive when there is electricity involved. This could result in a shock, even with low voltage & if using capacitors, they can give a nasty shock as well.

3. If you have kids, PLEASE DO NOT let them near it.

I don't want to deter you from building this project, but if possible, please find something else besides lead.

When I worked there we use to have blood tests every 6 months to check or lead count & if it got up then we were put in a different section till it came down. some men had died from lead poisoning over the years before they knew what caused it. The rainwater in peoples homes were even tested as there could be fallout over the town & if drunk, could result in babies & children being contaminated & be sick or die from it. The town Is Port Pirie south Australia, there have been a number of reports made about it over the years especially in the 60's to 80's, I was born in 1960 left in '97, did my apprenticeship from '78 -'82. people that worked in the refinery where the lead was melted in big pots had to wear respirators all the time which were rubber & hot & had blood tests more often. not trying to scare anyone, just to make everyone aware of the implications of using it.

Take care.

Chris.

[Kingpin]

I would definitely suggest maybe going for a material like plastic tubing, given the aforementioned issues present with lead.

[karsthotep]

I have to jump in here on this as well,  I really would strongly advise to use another material  Lead is extremely toxic. This is a quote right from WHO (World Health Organization)

"There is NO level of exposure to lead that is known to be WITHOUT harmful effects"

Karst

[kutan66]

I'm afraid I just had to have a Google and see which Who came first!

Doctor Who was of course on telly from Nov 1963..

The band 'The Detours' changed their name to 'The Who' in 1964.

And The W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) is in the lead* with 7th April 1948.


*just keeping it on topic..

[No More]

And The W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) is in the lead* with 7th April 1948.


*just keeping it on topic..

IMDB credits Peter Capaldi as "W.H.O. Doctor" for his role in "World War Z", presumably as a tongue-in-cheek homage by whoever added the entry, as the actual credits list him slightly differently.

Still sort of on topic 

[cybermat]

Hello,

Well, I did not expect such a reaction to lead. yes I know the lead and its toxicity, but in France it is not so strict, personally I do like everyone else, when I need metal, here the lead, I buy it at the store, or there are rows full of lead (sheet, tube, plate etc ...) each can be used on the shelves with bare hands, according to his needs.

In short anyway as indicated in my topic I'm still finishing it, I do not want to replace the metal because I think this gray goes very well to the screwdriver, but for security, as it will be handled, it will be painted with translucent epoxy. to avoid any problem of dust or contact.

[domvar]

Plenty of the materials used in Tardis building are toxic, MDF, Spray Glue, Fiberglas, solvents, paints the risks have been discussed and made clear.

Lead can be used safely if worker exposure is monitored and lead is handled properly to avoid skin contact, ingestion, and exposure to lead dust and fumes.  That is for roofers working with it on a daily basis.  

Lead flashing as shown here is not controlled and can be purchased in any diy store and as far as I can see it isn't even age restricted

The exposure from this sort of project is utterly negligible so can we please draw a line under the safety aspect now.

As with all things proceed with caution

[cybermat]

Exactly!
As long as we know the risks, and we know what we are doing, everything is fine