Handheld Wimshurst Machine

Conversion of a commercially made Wimshurst machine into a handheld one for creating powerful sparks wherever you want.

See also:

Wimshurst machine - How to make using CDs

Corona Motor (v2) or Electrostatic Motor/Atmospheric Motor

How to Move Things with Sound/Acoustic Propulsion

Follow behind-the-scenes on:

[RimstarOrg]

Making sparks and high voltage with a handheld Wimshurst machine. Enjoy!

[USWaterRockets]

Why are people giving thumbs down to this cool video? This is a great idea and it obviously improves the original  large bulky design into something you can use anywhere!

[GoRepairs]

I'm playing around with an electrostatic generator at the minute so this was cool to see. :)

[TonyOnekaNobY]

Awesome, as always! I was just about to start editing a video using the Wimshurst Machine you gave me too! 

[ToddFun]

You come up with the most amazing builds. I can't image what your limits would be if you had a TIG welder setup.

[RimstarOrg]

PS There's no Reply button under your comment because of your Google+ settings.
- go to your Google+ page,
- in the top, right corner click on your thumbnail icon,
- in the popup that appears, click on "Settings".
- for the 2nd question down "Who can comment on your public posts?" set it to "Anyone".

[KyleMakeStuff]

That is way to cool and a great idea. you can use it as a taser.

[nerinabejar]

I love this, in This holidays I am going to try some of your videos, Keep going!

[craignehring]

It would be cool to see some larger capacitors charged up, but that could get lethal
Great job

[Jeplans]

I like it. I have many fond memories of shocking my siblings growing up by dragging my feet on the carpet. This brings to a whole new level. 

[xPROxSNIPExMWxPOWER]

Could you provide a link to a store that would sell this. Most of them are really expensive, I was just wondering if you had a link to a cheaper one.

[MongrelShark]

Just in time for black friday. That should keep the crowds back. How about adding a DC motor for push button drive..

[laharlk]

just wondering, say we use a dc motor powered by some AA or C or even lipo cells. How efficient would it be as a HV transformer, instead of using a DC-DC converter?

[santiagocortez]

Would the sparks off this machine able to set off/ignite rocket powder?

[ianmartz]

I've been playing lots of tf2 latelt and so i wonder: can you make this a backpack design similar to a medic's pack?

[benjones]

Have you tried putting a drill on it or would it mess with the effect

[fidelcatsro]

interesting video, im still contemplating on making a portable n machine..its oriented to high amps low voltage contrary to an electrostatic machine..

[thomasholland]

Have you tried powering lifter from whimshurst

[power-max]

Up next: a handheld TESLA cool please! Great build BTW!

[mduvigneaud]

At about 2:24 you say "Of course, don't try zapping yourself..." but I refuse to obey. ;) I've been zapping myself with the piezo thingy from a BBQ lighter for a couple years now, just for "WTF not?"

Hah! I was about to say that I seem to have become completely used to the shock, but then I moved the leads apart (thinking they'd still be the spark gap...) Nope, spark gap to my fingers and then through my left hand and ow! Haha!

RimstarOrg, can you please describe the relationship between a spark gap and voltage spike (if you haven't already?) Thanks!