Build or Buy a Van de Graaff generator?

[John1397]

TL;DR

Should one spend $250 or try to build one yourself?

Wonder how much skill is needed?

 

[phinds]

What research have you done? What have you found out?

 

[anorlunda]

Wonder how much skill is needed?

This search will show you what others have done.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diy+van+de+graaff+generator

 

[phinds]

What research have you done? What have you found out?

This search will show you what others have done.

I was hoping to get him to do some research on his own.

 

[sysprog]

Unlike some regular folks, the writer of this guide apparently doesn't limit himself to stealing towels (joking here $-$ not calling the helpful person a thief):
from https://www.instructables.com/900000-volt-Van-de-Graaff-Generator-using-cheap-p/:

I tried plastic tape, rubber, fabrics, and the hands down best was a plastic coated fabric used in hotel shower curtains. Its easy to cut and glue and lasts for a long time. The charge it carries was easily 50% better than everything I tried.​

Does anyone suppose that he asked and received permission? I can only imagine the dazed bewilderment of the maid and the houseman encountering the sliced-up remains of the shower curtain $-$

Could something like that have been a triggering event for Norman Bates?

ok sorry to be anticlimactic $-$ the guy says that you can get the belt material here: https://www.seattlefabrics.com/PVC-coated-vinyl-fabrics_c_65.html#Clear Vinyl Laminated Polyester