Eight inches is the Carlsbad Caverns compared to a 2.75" system. If your goal is maximum fusion potential, then yes, you'd want something better...even me. 10mA at 50kV would be a bit much for one. But with that being said, even larger systems like Richard's and Carl's generated respectable neutrons well within the operating limits of these power supplies.
A quick search revealed these examples (being a smattering of many):
"50 kV / 4 mA. A BF3 detector nearby was happily chirping away at this point"
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7768&p=56184#p56180
"40kV at 5Ma"
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2770&p=16689#p16689
"50.7 Kv (at supply) 3.8 ma average (fairly stable)"
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=370&hilit=neutron+club
"33,550V -- 5mA -- ~10 Microns -- 1000 CPM on 22" RS He3 tube 3' from Poissor"
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7861&hilit=neutron+club
Regarding your arcing, I highly recommend you pot these supplies in oil before venturing past 20kV. I'm not sure why you pushed it to 48kV in open air.
Mark Rowley
Fusion Success with Precipitator Power Supply
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Re: Fusion Success with Precipitator Power Supply
Just don't like having to deal with oil. My existing supply with the 8 stage CW multiplier works fine up to 50KV in air, but it will only do 5 mA at that voltage. Now I know that people are going to ask why I just don't stick with that supply or improve the drive to it. Reason is I'm working on a new design that needs two independent supplies, and I wanted to see what those precipitator supplies could do.
The more reactive the materials, the more spectacular the failures.
The testing isn't over until the prototype is destroyed.
The testing isn't over until the prototype is destroyed.