I was really tired of replacing diode strings in this design, eventually we substituted better diodes. We had the non- magnetron version. As for targets, we used silver, palladium, and platinum for SEM. One of my co-workers cast a lead disk with a propane torch to make his mirrors, because lead sputters very, very fast. Lead front surface mirrors do not last long, however the slightly grey color in the reflection is beautiful.
Neon sign transformers have a air gap in the core that makes them current limiting. Microwave oven transformers are far more dangerous, but actually are almost the right voltage for this, and are obviously not current limited.
Ours was air cooled.
Sputter Coater Operation - YouTube
Slow, but by modern instrument standards. there is almost nothing in these but a stock vacuum gauge module, an interlock board, a Variac and transformer, and a mechanical timer straight out of a gas clothes dryer, complete with mechanical bell that goes ding at the end. A good quality needle valve is needed.
These little ones are fun, but slower. I never tried an oxide in the more primitive ones.
https://youtu.be/mmd1m4Ud-6E
Targets:
Kurt J. Lesker Company | Sputtering Targets | Vacuum Science Is Our Business
Steve