My version of the standard flyback power supply. I was lucky to get a flyback transformer from an old TV that had an easy to remove rectifier.
Instead of the 2N3055 Transistors I'm using 2N3773 types which are more rugged (I've always had problems with the 2N3055's not living too long - no more failures since I'm using the 2N3773's). To get the maximum out of my flyback I'm using a 28V transformer. The circuit draws up to 10 Amps. Of course the flyback isn't suited for continuous duty at that power level, but the power can easily be reduced with a variac. An arc ignites at about 15mm electrode distance and can be drawn to about 40mm. The flyback isn't designed for such a high output voltage either and it's livespan will be heavily reduced, but compared to the lifetime of a TV it doesn't have to get very old in it's new job. Below pictures of the supply and an arc.
