DIY 40000 volt Van Der Graaff (battery powered)

The ultimate DIY 3 volt static ball generator! This is a high quality build designed to produce 1" sparks using a rubber band as the powerhouse. You'll never look at rubber bands the same way again.
This will be offered as a Kit eventually on Plasma Channel's website
All stock footage used with legal permissions
Links to parts I used:
Acrylic tube: amzn.to/3CtTF6j
Teflon bar: amzn.to/2Uk8H9T
Nylon Spacers: amzn.to/3Cqrwgs
3 volt motor: amzn.to/2QkowPA (you can use other motors)
1.5" pipe Brace: (any hardware store)
PlexiGlass base: amzn.to/2UqUh7S
Machine screws: (various, any hardware store)
Metal rod: amzn.to/30z2RsG
Super cool metal sphere: amzn.to/2PpgIGB
Aluminum Foil Tape: amzn.to/2Pr47Tl
1.5" rubber O-ring: (any hardware store)
First clip, Van Der Graaff footage courtesy of UNSW Sydney University
Hair raising clip courtesy of KZbinr Verik75
Megavolt discharges clip courtesy of David Morell ( • Boston Museum of Scien... )
Bright Arm discharge footage courtesy of KZbinr Growing Answers ( • Shocked by 350,000 Vol... )
Subscribe to Plasma Channel: / plasmachannel
Plasma Channel on Patreon: / plasmachannel
Check out Steve Hong. He's a new artist in LA that I follow, and his song is at the end. He is going to be huge. / steve-hong-935076237
Background music:
Track: NIVIRO - Memes [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: • NIVIRO - Memes | House...
Free Download / Stream: ncs.io/MemesYO
Intro music/ background:
Track: Inukshuk - Too Far Gone [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: • Inukshuk - Too Far Gon...
Free Download / Stream: ncs.io/TooFarGoneYO
Plasma Channel YT: / plasmachannel
On Facebook: PlasmaChanne...
Instagram: plasma_channel_official
I am also a television actor! Follow me on IMDB
My IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm6578948/?r...
Do not attempt to repeat our demonstrations, without prior knowledge of electrical or fire safety. We do not hold responsibility or liability for damage or injury incurred by copying our results. High voltage is not for those new to electricity
Mini DIY 3v Van Der Graaff

[@mikethurman9797]

I like how you can see the burn spot on his thumb where he's been arcing the tesla coil

[@PlasmaChannel]

Okay this is driving me mad. Does my skin appear really red and sunburned to you viewers? When I uploaded to youtube, my skin tone was not that red.

[@mykulpierce]

Maybe encoding issue

[@garethb5729]

Not excessively. You do look exposed to sun tho. Absolutely stunning build quality as always Jay. Amazing. Keep up the great work.

[@tarun.starboy]

I actually noticed something strange happening. At 0:36 I observed that your face and hand seems little bit red and sunburnt. But at 0:40 your face and everything seems normal again. Maybe it's something with exposure and saturation, maybe it's the lighting conditions. But hey, I didn't notice anything until I read your comment. You look normal 😃

[@JustinTopp]

Not too bad

[@BlueprintScience]

I didn't think anything of it. Looks fine to me. Maybe turn up the iso on your camera to get a less contrasting image.

[@amicklich6729]

I like the idea of having a collection of mini high voltage devices like this. Keep it up! thx

[@abhisekbhattacharjee9503]

I just admire that fact that your constructions are so very neat and tidy... They don't just function well, they look beautiful...

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you. I place equal value on aesthetics, as I do performance. One without the other cannot exist. That is my personal belief

[@Berghiker]

I love your way of building so neat and precise. That's just freaking awesome!

[@tarun.starboy]

This is simply the best diy Van-de-graff generator video available on KZbin. And I must say that quality of your videos has improved a lot. I mean your previous videos are awesome but now you produce extremely awesome content. I can't say keep it up because you're already doing awesome work.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Tarun, thanks a ton for this comment. I wanted to make the best DIY for a mini Van Der Graaff...hoping it holds true

[@eminusipi]

Good effort but he's still misspelling Van de Graaff.

[@dpyp]

Jay. You are by far the most neatest hobbyist I've ever seen.

[@PlasmaChannel]

I really appreciate your kind words.

[@mateo77ish]

Found you on ElectroBOOM’s channel. You should have a lot more subscribers. Some of your projects are incredible. Thank you.

[@charlieb3943]

Your projects are always well done! Really enjoy this channel cause I've been fascinated by high voltage since I was a kid!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks, and im happy you enjoyed it

[@chadgrimes5119]

I just love how presentable all his project are. I can probably make this but it wouldn't be as decent looking as this.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks Chad. I'm a perfectionist and incorporate that mentality into my builds. I actually value neatness and appearance as much as function when it comes to a build...if my build looks messy or disproportionate, but performs really well, it bothers me. Just a preference of mine. Really appreciate the compliment!

[@edyt4125]

I missed your content, so I was very happy to see an upload!!

[@PlasmaChannel]

It had been a while... I got sick then fell behind filming! I love hearing you missed me though

[@svenpetersen1965]

Beautifully built, again. I was really looking forward to this video, because I have built a van-der-Graaff generator myself many years ago. One can even build a n ion motor. You just need some copper wire bent to an s, sharpen the ends, hammer it center and punch a little little dent with a prich punch in the middle and make a stand from another copper wire that is an o at the base to rest on the sphere and a vertical axis, which is sharpend to fit into the punch hole of the s. After is is ballanced, it will spin, when the van-der-Graaf generator is running, because the ions in teh air will repell the sharp ends of the s.

[@PlasmaChannel]

That’s true. Ion motors are fun. Thanks for the compliment

[@PlasmaChannel]

Heads up Plasmanauts! This DIY build will be available as a kit on Plasma Channel's new website. After receiving numerous requests, after several of my DIY videos, its about time I offer Kits. The kits are ways out, but on the horizon! Have begun building PlasmaChannelGlobal (name may change)

[@silvestro771]

the whole kit to build this little wonder is about to be on sale, correct? Could you please add some fine references, not "too simplified", to understand how it works?

[@iantheorem]

Love your channel. You make building these machines a breeze and it’s so much fun!

[@legobuildingsrewiew7538]

haha great

[@constantprayerwarrior]

Can you please put the link to the website

[@luigichiodo5820]

Yes thank you sir i have been waiting ever since your last couple video for this one.

[@seth6878]

Mennn, why don't you have more subs.. The quality of the video is really high and the quality of the build itself is amazing!! Good job!

[@PlasmaChannel]

I really appreciate such kind words. I like to build things with high quality so that they last forever, and, like to shoot as high of quality as possible! You can help with the subs by sharing my content on social media.

[@noelandrew3600]

Awesome Build mate, you really do have a way of presenting these projects in a way that's interesting and engaging, keep these videos coming, as need all the inspiration i can get to follow your lead.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Hey Noel! Sorry I’ve been so silent with you. I want to see your builds, and I can talk about your builds in my videos too

[@davidh.4649]

Just a thought ... you require 4 spacers for this project but 3 of them are just used for simple supports in the base. These don't have to be nylon necessarily. The only one that has to be nylon is the one you use to form the upper roller with the rubber band. That one has to be nylon because of where nylon falls in the triboelectric series. The nylon spacers linked in your materials list cost nearly $5 each. You can use something much cheaper for the 3 supports for the round base.

[@turmoil9]

I like how the videos run faster and smoother between clips

[@PlasmaChannel]

You think they have improved over time, or, no?

[@diatumuasimaodidy5428]

Simple and the best, I will teach it for my high school student... thanks bro for your sharing...

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you for your kind words! Please, do use it for education.

[@cbfull]

Very nice! The acrylic column is wide enough that you should be able to get this to work with a much wider rubber band. You could double or triple the output!

[@Electronic4081]

I love it! I have made several of these, they are so fun! My best one is about 3 feet tall, and it produces around 5-6 inch sparks! High voltage is amazing! And I love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@PlasmaChannel]

I plan on making a larger one soon. I look forward to sharing results with you!

[@Electronic4081]

Plasma Channel I am very excited to see it!

[@3DLearningResources]

Nice , very clean design. Thank Jay.

[@torres_arriostradas]

I have to build one !!! My followers must to know that the lightnings can reproduce artificially, thanks for sharing!

[@PlasmaChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@generalflight]

Very nice cool build 👌👍

[@iamkian]

Nice one. I might give it a go to build one! Thank you Jay

[@PlasmaChannel]

Go for it! Most the major supplies are linked below

[@iamkian]

I'm in Europe (the Netherlands), and getting the supplies from your list shipped to here is going to be so expensive. The only option for me to build the Mini Van De Graaff (Note the name without the *R* ) is by searching for the needed stuff here in the Netherlands. *Fun fact. Van de Graaff is a Dutch name. His father was of Dutch descent*

[@CrazyKsie]

Another awesome vid mate keep up the good work love it!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks amigo! Really glad you enjoyed!

[@sarmamasterslav4676]

Man thank you for listing the parts i am going to build it, i already made some of my own contraptions

[@PlasmaChannel]

It’s a fun build, only flaw is the humidity sensitivity of these things is ridiculous. If you breathe too hard on it, sparks stop. Crazy

[@sarmamasterslav4676]

@@PlasmaChannel haha thank you

[@consciousenergies]

Very nice little build and I I know it will help the plasma channel grow 😊

[@PlasmaChannel]

I has helped a little bit! But at this current time, the video is slowing down in viral sharing. Darn

[@consciousenergies]

@@PlasmaChannel I can try to help you out 😉

[@PlasmaChannel]

I’d love any help in spreading my videos to new curious minds!

[@skifalu]

Work of perfection!! Five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars!

[@Antenna300-gr5pk]

Awesome! This video is super helpful, thanks!

[@gstoe5560]

Try connecting a small pointed bulb (like for a fridge) as the top load to the 3v tesla coil. The entire bulb glows green since the electrons have enough momentum traveling off the long ends that hold the filament to excite the oxygen in the bulb to a higher energy state where they decay and release a green photon. It's pretty much the Northern Lights in a light bulb! Also I connected a pin of a 1" vacuum tube as the top load and it shoots out 4 inch plus sparks off all the metal pins. I guess the electricity has less resistance and gains higher speeds traveling through the tube and then is launched off the pins. The sparks are very, very dim but to get a 4" spark from 3v tesla coil is awesome!

[@trugato3978]

Muy excelente trabajo y bien explicado. El mejor de todos los que vi en internet. Me sirvió mucho.🏆🏆...

[@electronron1]

About 60 years ago I built one using a plastic pill bottle for the column, an aluminum salt shaker for the dome and an old metal recipe card box to house the motor. It was very crude by comparison to yours but it worked. This was featured in a magazine but I don't remember which one.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks for sharing, thats actually really cool.

[@PyroTronix]

ElectroBoom triggered...

[@PlasmaChannel]

What's funny, is i began this project before electroboom put his video out. Then i put my video on hold, and King of Random did a Van Der Graaff video, so I figured I'd finish up this one and not look like a copycat!

[@mykulpierce]

Just say KVL is for the birds and he gets triggered

[@noelandrew3600]

@@PlasmaChannel King of random video was pathetic really, he really had no idea what he was talking about and probably caused more confusion than anything. but that seems to be the way with that channel of late. Its channels like yours that show the rest how its really done.

[@GrowingAnswers]

I agree. TKOR didn’t know much about VDG. I mean, he thought gallium had something to do with the decreased shocks. I was like, hello? That’s the basic function of a lighting rod. It’s bleeding off electrons reducing the spark potential. It had nothing to do with the type of metal. It was just a pointy object. And that’s why you want no sharp points on the sphere as stated in this video.

[@abhisekbhattacharjee9503]

ElectroBoom built a bigger generator but your's looks tidier... Maybe because your's is more compact... Anyway, I love you both...

[@GrandadIsAnOldMan]

Great to see a new video 😍

[@PlasmaChannel]

Great seeing you here!

[@BlueprintScience]

I can't help but notice that this looks very well designed - almost like a kit. The steps were really nicely laid out too. If I had to offer one criticism, you glossed over the upper brush design quickly and I never got a very good look at it. Still, I enjoyed the video. So... thanks.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks so much for compliments and suggestion! I really took my time making this video, and filmed it in a 40 degree garage...so knowing you appreciate it warms my heart...even if my body is still numb.

[@ftythy159]

You should turn these into kits. They look very professional and many people would buy them.

[@mrinalthakur3459]

Very very neat work

[@luigichiodo5820]

can't wait for the kits as well i will be buying one

[@PlasmaChannel]

Awesome! Yeah I’m building the website now

[@saeedthabit8278]

Me too

[@SUPERMAR10312]

I love these projects.

[@PlasmaChannel]

They are really fun. Building big is always fun, but not convenient. I love minis!

[@pirateskeleton7828]

I ended up building a voltage multiplier, inspired in part by your mini arc lighter lightning tower.

[@treasuretotrash2067]

5 star fabricating skills by the way!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@jozefnovak7750]

Super! Thank you very much!

[@RinoXX]

Congratulations to the feature on HackaDay!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks! I love working with HackaDay. Love those people

[@therawmeatball6883]

This channel is underrated.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Help blow it up, share our videos! Thank you though

[@jbsteyn6358]

Made my week to see a new vid from you

[@PlasmaChannel]

Awesome! Thanks for saying that

[@jbsteyn6358]

@@PlasmaChannel now you need to make a diy upscaled version of all these desk top toys

[@johndoe-bq1xt]

So, you used two teflon rollers and a rubber band? The upper and lower rollers are teflon and the rubber band transferring charges back and forth and the collecting combs remove the charges from the rubber band?

[@jarinparkour7597]

In future you are gonna make 3volt real tony stark version arc reactor 👍

[@PlasmaChannel]

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

[@electricalguy]

The arc reactor can be made, but it wont produce 3 gigawatts as stated in the movie.

[@electricalguy]

@Mr Guy no dip? I am unfamiliar with this expression.

[@keeg025]

100000 volts

[@brandongarcia3510]

Love your videos

[@jeanjohn2336]

I had been dreaming about you man.!

[@PlasmaChannel]

You flatter me haha

[@msvnr1951]

Awesomeness at its Maximum😍

[@PlasmaChannel]

Ha, thanks!

[@ledmk2]

You make nice projects

[@PlasmaChannel]

I appreciate that. I really believe that a project should not just work well, but also look appealing to the eye.

[@dapottis]

Hey, not sure if you'll reply since this is an older video, is it possible to use more readily available materials instead of the Nylon spacers and Teflon bar? Having a hard time finding them in Egypt so it would be nice to know if there's something else I can use. Thanks.

[@Zenodilodon]

If you inject ions at the base you can get these to go to way higher voltages.

[@PlasmaChannel]

True. I debated designing it this way

[@hardikpatel3709]

Good information

[@Justin-dv7ul]

good build

[@MacStrange]

Beautiful!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Agreed. I love sparks

[@THE_LITTLE_BEATS]

You are the best sir

[@tridibmahato2227]

It worked well

[@CoolDudeClem]

Well this has cleared up 1 mystery, I always thought the brushes had to touch the belt for it to work, now I see that they don't.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Some people have the brushes drag down on the belt. It will still work but then belt gets torn up really quickly. Also, then metal atoms get spread across the out of the belt and over time the belt becomes more conductive (bad). Yeah, brushes ideally should never touch

[@zagnut48219]

Saved to watch tomorrow between making homemade Detroit style pizza and building an HO train layout with my 4yo boy. 👍 Never enough time!

[@PlasmaChannel]

Hey, as long as you watch it. Bonus points if you watch it while eating Detroit style pizza.

[@mareksvrcina5279]

Pretty cool

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks. This was personally my favorite build....ever.

[@dibuasp]

Simply awesome

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you!

[@Cyruscosmo]

Any idea what size that rubber band is? There is a baffling selection of sizes on amazon.

[@elpelissier429]

Hello! I'm not sure if you'll see this comment but do you know if you can substitute the brass rod for copper?

[@TheGoodS8n]

Hey jay, could you please make a High voltage power supply from a television flyback transformer? Great video btw! Your channel is the best!

[@TheGoodS8n]

And do you know how i can calculate how thick the wire of the secondary coil in a tesla coil has to be? Or is one thickness functioning for every tesla coil?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks a bunch. Thats really nice of you. I do plan on a series of -how to make - HV supplies!

[@saifsuleman9752]

Why is a grounding brush required? Would that not just cause all the static electricity to go straight into the ground, preventing charge build-up and defeating the purpose of the generator?

[@andresmarcos3697]

Amazing video, of I wanted to scale this up, what changes I need to make?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Literally no changes needed. Just... make sure any hole cut in the dome has insulated edges. Scale up everything sizewise together

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

I still have a Wimshurst machine I got back in the 70's from a company that used to be called Edmund Scientific. The device is powered by hand with a small crank. It would deliver a one inch spark, but can do nothing now since I need new brushes and a Leyden Jar. I still want to find a way to power it using a small motor with enough torque. I think Edmund Scientific is called "Scientifics Unlimited" now.

[@juliannedeva1639]

Just wondering, can I replace the Teflon bar with a wooden bar?

[@subhajitparia3251]

Awesome just Awesome

[@mfmonras]

Cool video, nice work on explaining how to build this. I only have one doubt. Isn’t the grounding brush supposed to be connected to the ground? What’s the physics behind this?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks for the compliment! So, i personally hate using solid ground connections. It makes a device totally dependent on a physical connection. A way around that is to place a counterpoise on the base. While counterpoises only work for AC, they do act as a capacitor with the ground, and allow for a mild transfer of energy between ground and device. This generator uses a counterpoise on the base....that almost touches the surface it sits one. So, it does, in effect, have a weak ground connection.

[@sandeepkulkarni6046]

How did you cut 1.5 inch hole on sphere ? This is the most difficult part of project.

[@mr.x4422]

It's so simple 🤩 😮😮 thanks 🤩

[@PlasmaChannel]

You’re welcome! Thanks for following my work

[@mr.x4422]

@@PlasmaChannel sir I have a question how a moving motor attached with a rubber band can produce plasma

[@ayushmerai4487]

How did you cut the metal hemisphere?

[@Jameswen992]

Please make a website to purchase all the stuff you made

[@tarun.starboy]

YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEE NEW VIDEO FROM "PLASMA CHANNEL" 😃😆😀🤗

[@PlasmaChannel]

Love seeing you comment on my video Tarun!

[@Justin-dv7ul]

this is too hard for me to make, can you please make DIY kits for these small diy build. I really love your projects. keep this up!

[@PlasmaChannel]

I do plan on selling kits!

[@Justin-dv7ul]

@@PlasmaChannel when

[@mr.explosife3958]

would the top roller rotate or be stationary?

[@williamconroy747]

Just wondering what adhesive you used to join the acrylic?

[@PlasmaChannel]

I used Epoxy.

[@ColoradoMiniCrawlers]

Does the lower roller have to be teflon or will any other type of plastic work?

[@PlasmaChannel]

The two rollers need to be materials that are polar opposites on the scale. If not Teflon, something close.

[@daveyjones5702]

is the hole in the top sphere necessary?

[@ultimatedilwala]

I know this video is old, but hoping someone can help. First off, thanks for this video! I am trying to build it with my son. Is the spliced wire, from any electrical wire, something specific? Any tips/advice on cutting the metal sphere?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Hi, honored you're trying to build this with your son. So, the spliced wire source is not important. You can use even metal screening. The point is to have a bunch of sharp metal points close to the rubber belt. Note: close, not touching. For these little generators, i found that braided wire was a quick and easy solution is all. My larger Van Der Graaff video - I used metal screening and the results are amazing. Cutting the metal sphere was -admittedly- sketchy. I had to use a circular bit, and, nearly cut my hand doing so. Be slow. Be careful. Use a 1" ( I think 1"?) bit.

[@bussi7859]

Buy a small HV generator that creates some 10-20kV and connect it from ground to the lower brush. This is a real boost.

[@freakytesla1733]

Hey Jay , Great video !!My belt won't spin ....Do you recommend using a bigger motor ?(I did try slacking the rubber band a bit )

[@PlasmaChannel]

Belt won’t spin? Strange..., what type of motor did you use, and was it intended for 9v or 3v usage?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Also, does your upper roller freely spin?

[@freakytesla1733]

I salvaged the motor from an old electronic car 😀....But It is slightly smaller (1/2) than the one you showed in the video. Yes the upper roller does spin freely......Should I use any lubrication or would it ruin the turbo-electric effect?

[@PlasmaChannel]

You can indeed rubricate you upper roller, but make sure NONE of it gets on the rubber or outer surface of the nylon roller. Hmmm smaller motor likely doesn’t have the appropriate torque?

[@QImpact]

Cool, and I only have to replace the rubber bands over time. The batteries are forever.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Why would the batteries be forever?

[@brandongarcia3510]

Awesome

[@alapanoski]

I want to do this for my physics project! But how do I drill those holes without damaging the plexiglass?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Awesome! Drill the holes very slowly, then when you are almost through the material reverse drill. Reverse drill and make it spin quickly while putting light pressure on the drillbit. That basically melts through the very last part of the thickness and prevents cracking.

[@gumm238]

So are the kits available yet?

[@treasuretotrash2067]

You should do a DIY on how to make a plasma ball!

[@Coyote0874]

This is the first video of yours i saw :3

[@PlasmaChannel]

I LOVED making this video. It was fun

[@hubb8049]

Can I use glass instead of nylon?

[@dilly2424]

I have a question that I really need to be answered. I bought all of the pieces linked in the video, but the motor is a bit odd, it has a shaft at the end and I can't seem to get it off. how did you do it?

[@PlasmaChannel]

The shaft does come off.....but takes a bit of work. One of the 5 motors I bought....got ruined when I tried to remove the shaft. So be careful....but also be very forceful.

[@dilly2424]

Thank you so much! I really like your video.

[@diggocombs4548]

Can the energy from this device be stored?

[@dare2dash806]

I have tried to make most your DIYs but this one worked the best XD but your nylon spacer link didnt work so i used glass and it made 1 1/2 to 2 inch painless sparks

[@Gaatech]

Cool stuff. New sub here. Have you made a device to make sparks likes the ones in the photos behind you. Will watch your other vids

[@PlasmaChannel]

Welcome to #PlasmaNation! I am honored to have earned your subscription. The pictures of the sparks behind me are from my large tesla coil. I took those photos

[@vijaysawant5853]

When van de graaf works at wether it works vere power ful and good

[@pirateskeleton7828]

Ok, so I know that you don’t want any jagged edges for this type of build in order to avoid voltage leakage, however, if you place two poles with jagged edges each, the voltage leakage will create an even greater iconic wind/thrust between the poles.

[@PlasmaChannel]

I believe you a spot on with that.

[@SingularityIsThePower]

Jey, I need a vedio about high voltage devices that can be used in mini battery powered tesla coil.

[@arjunreji]

അടിപൊളി👌