Parts of my Electric Motor

In this simple motor, there are four main components: the field/base magnet, the armature, the commutator, and brushes. Even though I did not follow the instructions word for word because I found that there were better ways that I supplemented.

The first part of the motor is the field magnet. The field magnet is created by making a "U" shape by using two L brackets or bending the metal into shape and part them about 3-4 inches apart. After that take low gauge wire, probably lamp wire or 16 gauge wire should work. Wrap the wire around the two brackets 400 times, but leave extra wire at the end in the beginning and at the end so you have two pieces of wire sticking out and strip the enamel off about a half an inch on both sides. When you're done wrapping, then use electrical tape to secure the wiring.

Next comes the armature. Tape two 3 and a half inch nails together with electrical tape, find the center, and stick a metal rod through. Then, take higher gauge wire, probably 24 or so, and wrap to the right leaving gaps in between each wind, that way on the way back once you reach the end of the nail you aren't overlapping. Then, wind back and forth and back and forth until you've layered it four times. Make sure to keep the wrapping neat and take your time no matter how long it takes and to leave two wires sticking out at the end like with the field magnet.

Next is the commutator. Take an old wine cork and take the copper (the one that Mr. Bostian gives to you) and cut it into two parts.Use electrical tape to tape the two pieces on both sides of the cork leaving two centimeter wide gaps in between them. Make sure you tape the two wires from the armature onto the copper pieces.

Lastly is the brushes. Take two foot long strings of multi-strand lamp wire and strip the plastic wrapping off about a half an inch from both sides. Then attach alligator clips to the ends. Then all of your pieces should be done and you are pretty much ready to go!

Oh and you need a spool with some string on it to help pull the toy car.