Good luck finding a high voltage static generator for this price anywhere else!

It was easy to assemble with basic soldering equipment and skills and worked right away.

Documentation for where to put washers could be clearer, but it still works great.

PS: Shipping time to PA, USA (from NZ) was 15 days from placement of order, 14 days from package collection by courier.

Response from SparKIT | June 25, 2024

Thanks for the great review! We will update the instructions with clearer washer placement at next publishing.

François | Nov. 28, 2023

Nice spark generator!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

It was delivered sooner that expected (to France).
The assembly needs some focus and precision but it was well documented and it worked on the first try.

Mike | Aug. 6, 2022

Great kit! Fun to build and fun to watch.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

It took a while for it to arrived in the US, but it was worth the wait. The brushes were a bit difficult to solder as they kept falling through the hole, but easy to work around. The instructions indicated that there should be a flat washer between the spacers and one of the frame boards. I didn't have enough washers to do this so I left them out. I realized that the feet wouldn't go on the frame with the spacers in place anyway.

Thank you for making this kit.

Response from SparKIT | Aug. 8, 2022

Thank you for taking the time to review the product, and place such a positive review. All the little tips are useful for other customers.

Yes, it takes things a while to get from New Zealand- even when shipping times are almost back to normal. We'll check the instructions to make sure they are clear about washer positioning- you did get them all in the right place, as the washers should be on the outside of the boards. Wishing you many years of enjoyment!

Erhan | June 5, 2021

I like the product

For Corona Spinner

I was satisfied with this product. I also want to buy Mini Electrostatic Generator but currently not allowed to ship Turkey

Chris | Sept. 23, 2020

Brilliant machine!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I’m the worst at soldering! It still works, so good!! Good sparks, easy to build,.........................................................

Michael | Aug. 20, 2020

Fun kit

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

This is a great little kit, easy to put together and well built components. Shipping to the US took a little while, but well worth the wait.

Jh | July 15, 2020

Nice machine

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

It took about a month for delivery from New Zealand to Holland, but it was worth the waiting. A very nice machine that works well. I found it easy to build though some solder experience is required. It took me about an hour to build it and was very happy that it worked well right from the start.
I'm very happy with my first electrostatic generator and I will recommend it to my friends for sure!

Response from SparKIT | July 15, 2020

Great to see your success with it! thanks for the great review.

David | July 3, 2020

Innovative gizmo for the science student & curious minds.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Received my SparKIT in a timely manner and at a very reasonable cost. Read instructions first and then proceeded to build kit. Took me about 1 1/2 hours to complete. Worked perfectly the first time. Very well engineered & a pleasant challenge to construct. Brought back memories of my father showing me various experiments with electricity many decades ago. The sight & crackle of the spark leaping from one terminal to the other is quite mystifying as well as didactic.

Tindie is to be congratulated on the many useful and entertaining products it has developed.

Dave Pettrow

John | June 25, 2020

Fantastic and fun!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Was quick to assemble and worked great the first time. Have had fun showing it off and kids have a blast playing with it. Had to e-mail the link to several folks who want them for school projects. Does take quite a while to arrive in Alaska, but was well packaged and arrived safe. Highly recommended!

Paul | June 9, 2020

Good experience for a second time.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

This is the second unit I have ordered. Even though the COVID had created a difficult lockdown situation worldwide my troublesome request was catered for. I needed some spares for the first unit and these were thrown in. All of this was done within a time frame much less than I expected. All I can say is thank you.

Response from SparKIT | June 10, 2020

Thanks for the positive review, and the repeat custom. It really was no trouble to cater for your request as we hand pack all the parts anyway. We hope you enjoy the kits.

Merritt | Dec. 22, 2019

Wonderful project. Super quality

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

What a nice idea and quality project. Only disappointment was that I was putting it together for my grandson and ran into a snag. The double sticky tape for the Motor wheels was old or defective and the backing would not separate from the glue. Sent me running off to the store to find a replacement to fabricate. By then the grandson was off to other toys, but that’s just a problem with the impatient American Culture, not this device. Even still, what a magnificent piece of Spark Generating artwork!!

Response from SparKIT | Feb. 4, 2020

Thanks for the great review, and thanks for alerting us to the problem with the tape- doing so allowed us to find a couple more

Harley | Nov. 27, 2019

This generator was great

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I love this, it has done all that it said it would do and it is perfect for playing with. The video instructions were ok, but I think that having them in writing would be better. All things considered, this was... AWESOME.

Bryan | Sept. 27, 2019

Good product and fun toy

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I have not had the best of luck with mine but I do enjoy it and I do recommend for getting children into science. I purchased mine fully assembled..... (Any mishaps of shipping fully assembled is not a problem with the product or the company).... It arrived within 2-3 weeks, as I live in the midwest of the USA that is very good time. When the package arrived I put the batteries in and tested it out. It worked well for about a minute and a half with a 20 mm spark gap (60,000 volts). After a short time one of the disks fell off and got stuck. This damaged one of the collector combs and part of the disk. At this point I was very disappointed. As a mechanic I decided to try and fix it at home (useing super glue) I reattached the disk and reassembled. After this I was only able to get at max a 3 mm spark if any. Took it to work and resoldered the combes, this restored the spark gap. I posted a video of it working on my YouTube channel. Shut it off and turned it back on and it doesn't work. This time I am assuming it is due to moisture in the air, as that will keep and whimsurst machine from working. I may purchase another in the future not assembled to see if I get better results.

Response from SparKIT | Sept. 28, 2019

Thanks for the positive review Bryan, although we're disappointed you had those problems. We are always happy to work through any problems people have, and machines like this can have issues.
Start-up reliability can be due to moisture adsorbed in contaminants on the disk surface, so a blast with a hairdryer can help with that. Having disks a little too far apart is another cause for start-up issues- you can try giving the machine a squeeze to temporarily bring the disks closer.

Tyler | April 21, 2019

Well done

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Shipping was faster than expected, as was the build quality. Creative use of pcbs! It's a little louder than I expected, but that's probably because I didn't know what to expect. Well done!

Denis | April 20, 2019

Nice easy-to-build working generator, some issues with parts

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I've recently built the generator, so now I can write a review. The kit is nicely packed, small parts are in separate bags, silica gel added to the bags with humidity-sensitive parts. You also get a printed in color building manual with pictures (which also describes some cool experiments with static electricity). As far as I know, the kit included a mini-screwdriver earlier, but currently this is not the case, so you might need your own small screwdriver to screw motors onto boards.

The building is quite easy if you're accustomed to soldering (which is not hard for this kit anyway if you are a beginner). I've spent around 1.5 hours to build it.

One of the difficulties was to solder motor wires, as they are not prepared to be soldered easily (not tinned etc), so you would need to apply heat for quite a long time. Also be careful when soldering charge collectors, as it's easy to solder several of collector contact pads to the conductive tracks, which are very close to these pads.

One problem I had with the kit was wrong small screws (which are used to screw motors onto boards) I've got in my kit. They put seven of these (one is spare). I had five of them perfectly fit the screw holes in the motors. However, two of other screws were slightly thinner (and they in fact had different heads), which made it impossible to use them to screw the motor! These screws just fall out of the screw holes! So, I have one motor fully screwed, and another one is screwed only with two screws. Fortunately, it's enough to keep it in place.

I've also bought the corona spinner, which works well. The alligator clip is a little bit rusty in my kit, which does not actually affect it's operation at all.

All in all, the kit is great and really works without any hard-to-solve problems. I strongly recommend buying it if you are interested in high voltage or static electricity.

Matt | April 4, 2019

A great kit for high voltage experimentation

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I saw this on twitter and had to buy it. I have built a tesla coil but hadn't thought to try a Wimhurst generator. The kit was put together very nicely with clear and easy to follow instructions. I assembled it in about 30 minutes, and it made nice 10mm long sparks as soon as I powered it up.

I also bought the corona spinner and had never seen this demonstration before. Very nice!

Some things I've discovered after playing with the kit over the weekend:

- It's great it's portable and battery powered, easy to transport and show people
- The power isn't high enough to hurt (but still surprising if unexpected)
- The sound of the motors gives an indication of how hard it's working. So for example when the terminals are shorted, you can hear the motors speed up.

Phil | April 1, 2019

It's super fun!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I am a high school physics teacher, and it was a lot of fun to use with my students! The suggested demos were fun, my upper level students asked a lot of questions about how it worked and how to modify it, all of my students loved watching it!

Response from SparKIT | April 1, 2019

Thanks Phil ! we love to read about them being used in schools and inspiring students.

Hank | March 18, 2019

SparKit

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I purchased the SparKit and Rotor, assembled, and arrived in about a week. After I put put in the batteries, it started right up. Spark gap, Spark, charging speed, rotor all seemed to work fine. It is a superb next-step introduction to electrostatics, and the best price for a Wimshurst Machine that I've seen. Good quality, well-made, simple and clean design. It is a handsome desktop device.

One problem that I had initially was that it was making a whining, rubbing noise, because the disks were a few millimeters off-center, probably knocked during shipping. Julian and Luka Phillips answered my email request for help, promptly, providing a little more detail beyond the trouble-shooting information in the instructions:

Disk separation should be 1.5 - 2.5 mm, centered within the frame. To adjust the disks without dis-assembly use the handle of a cutlery fork or spoon to gently move the disk away from the frame by applying pressure at the spindle (not too much or the spindle will end up with a wobble). Pressing on the backs of the motors can be used to push the disks together thus sliding them back on the shaft and increasing disk separation when released. Using the two techniques together should allow you to move the disks into a better position. But don't be too afraid to dis-assemble, the tricky part is the soldering which is all done.

My grandson was able to make these adjustments, with a little guidance, and everything is working just fine. This device is well-made, and a little jostling due to overseas shipping was not unexpected.

For experiments, the adjustable spark gaps show different arcs and discharge frequencies, the rotor works fine, the expected shocks are minor, we were able to move a small stream of water, as well as a flame, to charge an electroscope, a Leyden Jar, and an electrophoresis - directly and by induction, and to move bits of tissue paper and foil. In a darkened room, we could see the various discharges, and also lit an old neon test bulb, florescent tube, incandescent tube, and vacuum tube. And, we solved a maze scratched out of aluminum foil. There are many simple experiments scattered throughout Youtube, as well as old books in the library. The main point is that my grandson is encouraged to explore and experiment.

Dale | March 6, 2019

Very pleased with the device.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

The wimshurst kit was everything I had hoped it would be. It was fun to put together and worked the first time I turned it on.

F.Artemis | Feb. 19, 2019

Do not buy the assembled units

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I purchased two assembled units. Both showed up damaged due to shipping. No biggie, bit I will need to take them back apart. I might as we have bought the kit. Otherwise I love this product and recommend it. There are very few options for motorized Wimshurst out there, and this is unbeatable for the price and cleverness of the design.

Response from SparKIT | Feb. 19, 2019

Thanks for the positive comments, but we're sorry they arrived damaged. Could you please let us know how they were damaged so we might address how we package assembled kits in the future.

Jose Luis | Jan. 12, 2019

Es un buen producto didactico para hacer experimentos.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Buen producto, con suficiente documentación para su montaje sencillo. Es un buen producto didáctico para hacer experimentos con electricidad estática.

Todo correcto y claro, muy bueno.

Robert | Jan. 6, 2019

Sparkling Unit

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Excellent unit. Was able to get approx 1" sparks almost instantly when the unit was spun up.
One minor fault, if fault it be, is that if the spark gap is set too wide, the electrostatic forces tend to pull the discs together, slipping them down the shafts of the motors. A tiny touch of glue may be useful, once the spacing is set correctly

Otherwise, a very minor hitch in the order meant a fully assembled kit arrived rather than a kit of parts, but, when contacted, the firm immediately offered to send a kit of parts, as the order had been mixed up with one for the US.

The firm also suggested the made up unit be passed to a friend/school; a nice gesture.

Rod | Dec. 3, 2018

Simply brilliant little Wimshurst, a must buy!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I own a large vintage Wimshurt and have also made small one using CDR blanks, that you find either end of a pancake of blank disks. The main problem home constructors find is not making the disks, but adding all the neutralizer bars, Layden jars, combs and other metalwork. This kit is so well thought-out, that the designer put everything on flat PCBs. There are 4 Leyden jars (2 per terminal wired in parallel) plus all the connections. It is simply so elegant, and makes you wonder why nobody did it this way before?
It also works first time, but you do need the disks close together to get it to self start - the smaller the machine the closer they have to be. The building instructions are clear and the video very good. One comment is, if I was building one again, to start with the combs, then the switch, battery box and brushes. The reason is that the combs are easier to put on a completely flat PCB, without a battery box in the way.
The designer should make a larger one (20cm disks or more) - I would buy it in an instant! Great if you could source transparent parts as well.
This one is so inviting to switch on every time I am in the room - great stuff. There is simply no other gadget that can do this so well.

Stephen | Aug. 27, 2018

Very nice kit. Well put together and works as advertised.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

This kit was very cleverly designed and went together very easily. You can trust designs by this vendor.

Timo | April 23, 2018

Amazing product!

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

This mini Wimshurst generator is really cool once assembled, and is of very good quality and finishing. It creates electrical spaks up to 2 cm long, which is around 50 000 volts. It’s a nice educational tool but also a cool curious object for your desk or at home.

The kit is easy to assemble (you only need a soldering iron and a screwdriver) and there is little place for errors.

However, the supplied documentation has some low/bad quality printed photos that could have been more helpfull if they were printed in better quality. I had to use a video (provided on their website) to fully understand how to assemble some parts.
Besides this detail, I hightly recommend this kit.

Ian | Feb. 23, 2018

Really good Wimshurst

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Easy to build and it works very well, especially considering the size, I have several larger ones and this little machine is very effective, Good delivery too.

David | Dec. 18, 2017

Cool product. Some slight issues with construction.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

This is a very cool product. My son absolutely loved playing with it, shocking himself, lighting up lightbulbs etc. Mine did have a small issue. One of the plates is bent so the product doesn't work as reliably as I'd like and tends to vibrate a bit when in use. Otherwise, a really excellent design.

Trevor | Dec. 17, 2017

Lord Wimshurst would have loved this.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

The parts are beautifully made and with a bit of attention to detail the assembly is straightforward. If you buy this for a schoolie it might be as well to be on hand during the assembly as some parts are easily overlooked and delicate ( as they have to be to do what they must ).

Top marks for this item. Sparkit have done a fine job. The land of the long white cloud has shown we Aussies how it's done.

Michaël | Sept. 17, 2017

Vraiment un exelent kit.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Vraiment un exelent kit diy. Reçu en 1semaime~ (NewZeland-Suisse) reçu avec note explicative tres complete. He regrette juste que la note soit imprimer sur un papier simple avec une imprimante laser bas de gamme (pour le prix (mais la qualité est irréprochable (frais de port un peut cher) et surtout que le reste du produit est vraiment très pro) ça fait gajure.
Il manquais les 4 écrous m3 heureusement facile a trouver. Il a fallu faire quelque ajustement au niveau des balais carbone mais au deuxième essai ça a fonctionné parfaitement. Vraiment un kit très agréable à construire à facile à monter avec la notice bien faite (à part l'impression) merci.

Really an exelent kit diy. Received in 1 week ~ (NewZeland-Switzerland) received with very complete explanatory note. He just regrets that the note is printed on a standard paper with a low-end laser printer (for the price (but the quality of product is really good (shipping costs a little expensive) and especially that the rest of the product is very pro) made gajure to regard of product.

It was missing the 4xM3 nuts fortunately easy to find. We had to make some adjustments to the carbon brushes but on the second try it worked perfectly. Really a very nice kit to build. to easy to mount with the notice well done (except printing) thank you.

John | Aug. 28, 2017

Fun Wimshurst generator with surprisingly large sparks.

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

I got this Wimshurst generator because it looked like a fun afternoon project to do with my son. It was pretty easy to solder. The mechanical assembly was a little fidgety getting the spacing just right, but not too bad. In the end it worked like a champ producing sparks around 0.75 inches. Biggest complaint is the shipping from the other side of the world (NZ) takes time.
I would definitely buy this again.

David | Aug. 7, 2017

Very well made and well thought out little kit

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

Arrived quickly, easy to assemble and looks good on my shelf, would be happy to recommend this to anyone. Top marks !

John | May 30, 2017

An interesting construction of a Wimshurst machine

For SparKIT - Mini Electrostatic Generator

The kit arrived as expected and was complete in all parts. Assembly was not difficult, the sequence suggested in the instructions was logical and resulted in a neat machine. Generation started as soon as it was switched on giving sparks just as the description led me to expect.

My intention was to have a demonstration Wimshurst to show people particularly children some of the tricks possible with electrostatics without any of construction problems involved in a do-it-yourself arrangement. The design is novel and shows some lateral thinking resulting in a must have device.