There's no doubt that your best tool for sourcing is the internet, I have found that if you look hard enough you can get anything, and I mean anything. I am not saying that I have bought everything I have needed directly via internet sites. I have used my local Maplin and B+Q amongst other places but even with most of these purchases I used the internet to identify items needed before the visit. The internet has been instrumental in allowing the pursuit of more unusual hobbies to larger audiences. This Tesla build is a good example, I know I would not have been able to source some of the items used without the internet. Perhaps I may have been able to complete this project but certainly not to the specification I have achieved by using the internet to inform, source and then order. In fact, that's how I'm going to break this section up. Information, Source and Order.
Information
Before you can find what you need you will have to know what you need (if that makes sense). Just because you have decided to build a Tesla coil doesn't mean your an expert on them. But luckily there are lots and lots of experts out there producing some very informative websites and blogs. Many of them are willing to give one to one help and advice and in many cases are only an email away. My favourite Tesla sites are in the form of build diaries were you get to see how other people organize and catalogue their builds. They are usually really down to earth and you get to see how people adapt, change and improve as they progress through the build. These sites tend to contain loads of pics and I found them a fantastic source of info and ideas, hence the site you are viewing now.
I am assuming you know the basics of using Google to find such pages so I wont bore you with that but I have a couple of ideas that might help. If you find a website that you find useful make sure you bookmark it so you can re-find it. Trust me, sometimes they're not so easy to find again. Also it's a good idea to create a number of folders for your bookmarks, that way you can categorize the useful pages by type. I have bookmark folders for Tesla info and Tesla materials and when I create a new bookmark I usually rename it with something more descriptive and then store it in the relevant folder.
Source
Sourcing parts for your tesla coil is a bit like sourcing info, if you get good at one you'll probably get good at the other. I have found that there are two major ways to source the products you need.
1. On the internet using Google
2. On eBay
The second method "On eBay" does blend into the first as you often get search results for items on eBay contained in searches done on Google, however I still treat them as separate as you won't see all relevant items on eBay if you just search external to eBay using Google. It comes down to personal preference but I usually start my sourcing first on eBay and then move to Google if I can't find what I am looking for. You don't need an account on eBay to look for items but you will need one to buy (or sell). My advice is, if you don't have a user account on eBay, get one. You will find it invaluable, it's free and it's also very secure if you follow some simple guidelines which I will cover in the "Ordering" section. If you want to register on eBay click the logo below.
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