Wimshurst Archive

3D Printed Wimshurst Machine

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In the winter time, whenever I pulled a large flat part of off the print bed of my RepRap Prusa Mendel, I would notice a great deal of static electricity. One day the thought occurred to me that I could 3D print a Wimshurst Influence Machine like the one

Cliff’s Wimshurst Machine

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Cliff writes: Thanx for the information and plans. I built this out of salvaged parts from work and purchased lamp finds, the wood pulleys and parts were turned by me. The guys I work with love it. By the way I work at a power plant. Nothing makes me

Jake’s Wimshurst Machine and How to Build It! (Part 1)

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Last year I wrote an article for Make Magazine volume #17 that described the construction of an electrostatic generator of electricity, a Wimshurst Influence machine, using parts and materials commonly available at your local home center and hardware store. I was a little surprised and quite pleased when I

Bruce’s Wimshurst Machine

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Bruce writes: Hi Jake, Attached are a couple current images of my 20 sector Wimshurst machine based on your construction article, with changes made as needed to suit locally available materials and to resolve some issues that showed up after the initial construction.  Click through to the full set

Franklin’s Bells – Demonstration of Electrostatics with Wimshurst Machine

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How to Build a Wimshurst Influence Machine – Part 2

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   This is part two in a series of articles describing how to build a Wimshurst Influence Machine with parts and materials available at your local home center and hardware store.  In this part I detail how to make a tool to cut the acrylic disks and how to

How to Build a Wimshurst Influence Machine – Part 3

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   This is part three in a series of articles describing how to build a Wimshurst Influence Machine with parts and materials available at your local home center and hardware store.  In this part I detail the construction of the base, supports, charge collectors, and neutralizing bars. If you missed

How to Build a Wimshurst Influence Machine – Part 4

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   This is part four in a series of articles describing how to build a Wimshurst Influence Machine with parts and materials available at your local home center and hardware store.  In this part I detail the construction Leyden jars and the final assembly. If you missed the beginning

How to Build a Wimshurst Influence Machine – Operating the Machine

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   This is the final part in a series of articles describing how to build a Wimshurst Influence Machine with parts and materials available at your local home center and hardware store.  In this part I detail setting the machine up and making some sparks! If you missed the

Rick’s Wimshurst Machine

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Another Wimshurst Machine is finished! This is the third complete one I’ve seen and one of at least half a dozen in process.  If you’re working on a Wimshurst by all means send along some photos! I am fascinated by the individual modification to the basic design people are coming