I am intending on applying some pretty to the base and presenting it as a gift.
You will be working with a deep vacuum in glass, high voltage and compressed argon gas, be sure to play safe. Use all appropriate safety precautions.
Step 1: How it began.
This led to extensive reading and research on the subject.
I built a small vacuum chamber out of an old jam jar and some ABS plastic. (I will show this in this instructable)
I was playing with a cold cathode lights as a way to power the tube and the result was shown here.
The violet light is from the argon gas used. Neon (fire red light) is not available locally
Step 2: Materials
Some nickel wire
10-24 brass screws
10-24 brass nuts
1/2 inch thick ABS plastic.
Schrader type refrigeration adapter
Cold cathode power supply
DC power adapter.
Refrigeration Gauge set
scrap wood for a base