This is an "ARC"

For you guys having trouble striking an arc maybe a little voltage boost is in order. Like about 500,000. Here's a video I got off the "Pratical Machinist sight
http://www.wiseguysynth.com/larry/day.htm
When it loads click on the picture

[BSDeality]

sweeet!

that reminds me of some piece of electrical equipment my dad has in the basement. you could get an arc going that was 1/2" to 6 or 7" wide at the top.