Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Place a sheet of newspaper on a work surface. Place the PVC pipes and valve on the newspaper. Spray the pipes with the paint. Let the paint dry for 3 hours before applying another coat of paint, only first rotate the valves so that the unpainted sides are facing up.
Stand the styrofoam cup on the newspaper. Shake the can of black spray paint for 30 seconds. Spray the cup. Let the paint dry for 3 hours.
Stand the soda can on the newspaper. Shake the can of silver spray paint for 30 seconds. Spray the can to remove the text and graphics from being seen. Let the paint dry for 3 hours before applying another coat of paint.
Place the wooden block on the work surface. Apply PVC cement to the rim at one end of the 3 inch piece of PVC pipe. Place the end of the pipe that has the glue against the center of the wooden block. Let the cement set for 3 hours before continuing.
Strip a 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of the two red electric wires with a wire stripper. Tape an end of one of the wires to one side of the pipe that is on the block, 1 inch up from the bottom, with a strip of duct tape.
Place one end of the PVC pipe valve over the top of the 3 inch pipe. Push the valve down until the electric wire stops it from moving. Rotate the valve so that the side mounted hole is facing you. Tape an end of the rubber band into the inside top edge of the valve with a strip of duct tape.
Stand the styrofoam cup on the work surface. Measure 6 inches up from the bottom with a ruler. Cut through the cup, starting at the 6 inch mark, with the blade of a utility knife. Describe a circle around the cup with the knife. Pull the cut top of the cup off the bottom and discard.
Turn the cup over. Cut a hole in the center of the cup that is the same diameter as the PVC valve. Place the cup over the top of the valve.
Place an end of the 4 inch PVC pipe into the top of the valve. Pull the end of the rubber band out of the top of the 4 inch pipe. Run the point of a nail through the loop at the end of the rubber band. Place the nail across the top of the 4 inch pipe.
Tape an end of the other electric wire to the side of the 4 inch PVC pipe, 1 inch up from its bottom, with a strip of duct tape. Place the other 4 inch pipe over the top of the pipe. Pull the nail from inside the pipe and out the top. Place the nail against the top of the pipe.
Empty the can of soda. Stand the can on the work surface. Cut through the top of the can with the blade of a utility knife. Pull the top of the can off and discard it.
Heat up the glue gun. Apply hot glue around the top rim of the can. Upend the can and place it over the top of the pipe. Push the can down until it hits the cup. Let the glue set for 10 minutes before continuing.
Twist the ends of the two wires around an end of each of the two wires attached to the battery clip. Attach a battery to the battery clip to "power" your pretend Van de Graaff generator.