Homemade Van de Graaf generator

[Arayan]

I don't know if it is the right place to post since this is not a laser... in any case I wanted to show this homemade Van de Graaf generator built with recycled materials and plexiglas ... seems to work

 

[Gryphon]

Very nice construction! I've only played with one of those once before and it was neat, although they tend to bite

 

[gotwake424]

I've wanted to make on for the longest time, got all the parts together but I could never find a metal sphere.

 

[MarioMaster]

Hmm, I should make one of those - especially since the air is so dry right now

what material did you use for the belt?

 

[gotwake424]

Arbor Scientific Online! - Van de Graaff Replacement Belt

Something like that Mario, basically a huge rubberband

 

[brtaman]

Nice Van de Graff, OP!


gotwake: The place to get nice metal spheres pretty cheap is garden/gardening shops. :tinfoil: As unlikely as that seems, they seem to be used as garden ornaments quite regularly? You can get them in all sorts of sizes. Don't know what size you are looking for though, so maybe just check out a gardening shop.

 

[Pilgor]

gotwake, what you are looking for is a stainless garden gazing ball, they can be found on ebay.

 

[Arayan]

Very nice construction!

Thank you very much Gryphon :thanks:

I've wanted to make on for the longest time, got all the parts together but I could never find a metal sphere.

I took the sphere from a guy who works the metal (gates, barriers, etc.), he gave me it without payment

what material did you use for the belt?

It is a rubber band for stretching

 

[gotwake424]

Thanks for the idea everyone

 

[billg519]

Very nice !!! Professional grade construction. There are many of us here who like HV as well as lasers. We do have a section called "Other" for non-laser topics. Thanks for sharing this impressively made project.

 

[Arayan]

Thanks all for the generous comments

Very nice !!! Professional grade construction. There are many of us here who like HV as well as lasers. We do have a section called "Other" for non-laser topics.

This seems like a very good idea!

 

[photonaholic]

Very nice build, Looks professional.

Kudos!

 

[Nefarious]

Very nice build! This is a project I might attempt when I have more time on my hands.

 

[Arayan]

Thanks Nefarious....PS: your avatar is amazing

 

[Deleted member 8382]

great project! could you post what instructions did you follow and what components did you use? also what's the aprox cost for all the project? Thanks!

 

[Arayan]

great project! could you post what instructions did you follow and what components did you use? also what's the aprox cost for all the project? Thanks!

I followed a simple project that I found on the web (sorry, it is in Italian) but I used the most suitable materials. I don't know for the total cost because I bought just the engine and other small things, I already had the other pieces or has been free. For example, the structure in plexiglas was made by my friend who works on plexiglas and policarbonate objects ... he also did nice boxes for my microscopes

Thanks again to all of you :wave: