I'm thinking about building a small windmill generator and I'm curious which type of motor would be best to salvage for my project. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
For a fun experiment, you could try using a small computer cooling fan. It's not super powerful but good enough for lighting a few LEDs. If you're looking for something bigger, I agree with those who suggested a treadmill motor!
Car alternators are another great option. They're reliable, inexpensive, and you can usually find them without too much hassle. Perfect for DIY projects!
Hoverboard motors are also effective when it comes to creating windmill generators. They can really generate a decent amount of power!
I hear smartdrive washing machine motors are a popular choice too, though they do require some rewiring to work right. Check out some resources online for guidance on that.
You might want to consider using a DC motor from a treadmill. They're powerful and can work well for generating energy. Plus, they're pretty easy to find!

Yeah, treadmill motors can really pack a punch! If you’re serious about building something more robust, definitely go that route.