PV Scientific Instruments

The Benjamin Franklin Model
Fancy Sectored Wimshurst Static Electrical Influence Machine

Wimshurst Machines, static electrical generators

The Benjamin Franklin Model Fancy Sectored Wimshurst Static Electrical Influence Machine, Ben

Constructed of fine-grade mahogany and linen phenolic, with fittings of hand-turned copper and brass, this machine is precision built and includes two Leyden jars for maximum spark discharge. The terminations are made of copper and brass spheres, and the finishings have been carefully thought out to give a truly handsome and traditional appearance. This machine is powered by two Dayton motors, and the adjustable DC power supply may be plugged into any wall outlet. A rechargeable battery-pack power supply is available on request. The Benjamin Franklin, like all our Wimshurst machines, is also available with a hand-crank assembly for hand-powered operation.

We named this model in honor of the great electrical experimenter of the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin, whose discoveries made using frictional static electrical generators paved the way for the development of induction static electrical generators such as this one. The term influence is the 19th-century version of today's term induction.

This machine has sectors on its disks. The sectored type of Wimshurst machine is perhaps the most well-known of the traditional induction static machines. The output of a sectored machine is not quite as great as that of a sectorless machine, due to some leakage of charge from the sectors. However, sectors are necessary to the machine's operation only if the machine is to be self-starting, such as in a permanently installed museum exhibit.

This machine comes in two disk sizes: 14-inch disk and 16-inch disk. Base size and overall height can be modified to conform to the individual needs of the customer.

Collector's Models:
Fancy Sectorless Machine:
14-inch disks US $1800
16-inch disks US $2000
Fancy Sectored Machine:
14-inch disks US $2000
16-inch disks US $2200