Mini Van De Graaf... M & M style!

Step 7 Improvements

Other things to try:

I plan to make a few different "bottom" rollers from the jump rope beads, by sticking different materials to them: aluminum foil, for instance. I'll report back with what works best!

I didn't go to great lengths to clean the rubber band before I used it, so it could have oils or other contaminants on it that could affect it's ability to transport electrons.

I'll try other belt materials. Sounds like the good VDGs use fabrics: nylons, spandex?

I just got a small desktop grinder from Science & Surplus (believe it or not, using the gift certificate they gave me for the pumpkin carving contest!!). It has a flexible rotary-tool attachment that might work great to spin the rollers. Quieter than the drill.

Motors: I'll keep an eye out for a higher torque motor; I'm already plugging this contraption into the wall so I might as well use AC to drive a dedicated motor.

Let me know if you have any suggestions, I'm just using what's lying around in my house and guessing with the help of a few websites, I'm sure I've missed a lot.

Have fun if you make one, I dare you to stick your tongue on it!
No, I take that back.
Stick somebody else's tongue on it.

Thanks for looking!

Mike Craghead
humboldtmusic.com
humboldtmusic.com/mc
humboldtmusic.com/sarimike

Comments

[junisponds]

hey this is cool. i'm going to post it on our Tool Blog, www.toologics.com on Friday March 7, 2008.

[mcraghead]

Hey Jude

Thanks for the mention!

"...using my favorite drill, the Makita BDF452HW cordless LiIon drill/driver..."
I agree, that drill is truly well built; half the weight and twice the power of the big ol blue Makita I used to use, plus it charges up faster than any rechargeable item I've ever owned. The only problem with this setup is the automatic "spotlight" on the drill makes it harder to see the tiny bolt of lightning you're trying to create with the VDG!

Cheers

Mike

[Bones_MacGyver-Rich]

try putting a small bit of electrical tape or sticky tack over the light.

cheers

[berq]

Yeah! More shout-outs for the Makita 18V Li-ion! Some of the best money you can spend. I've used mine for everything from unscrewing tiny electronic devices to drilling a 5/8" hole through a steel plate. Always a satisfying experience.

[junisponds]

Thanks! I posted your comment as well:
The link to the article in case anyone wants to check it out is:www.Toologics.comwww.Toologics.com