How do I build a faraday cage?

Question

As far as I understand, it involves a (wire) mesh? What kind should I use? Where can I get it?

Copper? Nickel? Steel? Gold?

What mesh size?

Answer 1

you should consider the wavelengths that you need to shield.

for HF work, ordinary chicken wire works as it is light and easy to shape. resistance is not a big issues as the RF currents involved should be miniscule. remember to put a layer in the cement flooring and bring up straps so it can be bonded to the walls.

working at microwaves requires a finer mesh. you might want to consider aluminum foil for walls and ceilings. the floor is best done with a layer of metal sheeting.

if this is to be for high power work, then brass screen works better as then all seams can be easily bonded by solder. Also transmitters inside the shield usually have copper straps for attaching to the RF ground point.

most hardware stores carry or can order the materials needed.

Answer 2

Any conductive wire will work..