Neon Newbie--need advice on boro neon/plasma

[wifebeader]

Hi-
I am taking a beginning class in neon and have a couple of questions .....

The instructor said it is possible to use boro, but I was wondering if there are specific issues I need to be aware of when using boro?
Also, can you place a flameworked piece inside a tube with straight noble gas(no mercury) or will the metals in the glass contaminate the gas?
My instructor said it could be dangerous to use glass coloered with metallic oxides even on the outside of a tube since it could conduct electricity and could potentially shock someone. I have seen reduction frit used which seemed okay, but would large areas made with silver glass pose an electrocution issue?
I want to be safe while I explore this new medium and any info or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks very much in advance!!

[JANKYglass]

ive done a little neon and a little boro neon/plasma.all the boro neon ive seen has been clear and also electrodeless,using rf to excite the gases.in my neon classes we used the traditional lead(i think)tubing with the powder coating on the inside.the coating is what makes your different colors.hope that helps a little.as far as the metals in the color being a shock hazard,maybe fully encase the project in plexi glass?

[wifebeader]

Cool--thank you!
The plex is a great idea.

He is going to sell me some phosphor powder to experiment with:bouncy:.

In class they showed a piece that was contaminated with a certain metal and the effect looked like water condensing and falling down the glass. So many possibilities....