5000 Volts Is More Than Enough Power To Crush A Soda Can

Bob Davis scored a complete power supply including a 5000V transformer, 100uF Capacitor and a contactor on eBay for $US100 and did what any sane person would do — he built a can crusher.

The first test was caught on tape, and despite issues with a broken meter, the device managed to crush the hell out of that soft-drink can. In fact, it was so powerful that the power transformer shorted out and the diode was “blown to bits”. Interesting, but not quite as manly as it could be. I’m waiting to see someone build a crusher that smashes a can flat on a dummy’s skull. [Bob Davis via Gadget Lab]