This is a brief overview of my van de graaff followed by a few sparks. I've recently started buying parts to make another one. This time I'm going to make a few adjustments and well document the whole process.
Since the audio sucks and I mumble here's a written discription of my machine:
I used a 3 prong plug. The bottom comb is attached to ground and the other live wires run the motor. (something I didn't read anywhere but works well)
I have a sewing machine motor on a dimmer switch so I can vary the speed. The bottom roller is made from a 3/4" nylon pipe tee. The top roller is a pvc coupling on small bearings. Bearings are important! Don't use something makeshift.
The belt is a stretching excersice rubber. Look up Theraband. It's like that. Don't use black rubbers since they may be slightly conductive.
The housing is a clear plastic pail I had and some 3" pvc pipe. The sphere is two bowls taped together with electrical tape.
There is a comb near the top roller which is attached directly to the bowl.
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