Weirdest sparks for a circuit project

[Crest]

I've had more 'aha' moments from random bits of junk than from any formal schematics.
Like that one time a toaster sparked a mini relay board experiment!
What’s the oddest thing that’s ever inspired one of your circuit builds or experiments?

 

[solderandchill]

Once took apart a broken microwave and used the magnetron transformer for my first high-voltage power supply. It scared me to death when I tested it, but I learned so much. Old appliances are treasure troves for strange components you’d never think to buy.

 

[resistorwizz]

Got this old VCR that gave me maybe six different motors and a bunch of optical sensors I still use for my projects. It was the best parts stash ever, and it cost me nothing at a garage sale.

 

[ohmsweetohm761]

Dismantling disposable camera flash circuits was how I first learned about capacitor discharge systems. I probably ripped apart about twenty of them as a kid. My parents thought I was a bit nuts for hoarding dead cameras, but those little boards taught me a lot about how energy storage works.

 

[Alan]

I've had more 'aha' moments from random bits of junk than from any formal schematics.
Like that one time a toaster sparked a mini relay board experiment!
What’s the oddest thing that’s ever inspired one of your circuit builds or experiments?

Honestly, junk drawers are just unpaid R&D departments disguised as household storage