If you look at the thread 'my projects so far (long, with pictures)', by me, Dinges, you'll notice the very same 6 coils that you have difficulty removing.

I have 'di-sected' many a VCR, and recently have started saving these coils. Perhaps one day, I'll make a tiny generator too with them. Mine were mounted on a PCB; not very easy to get off, but possible if you use care and take your time. On some coils, one turn (usually on the inside) has gotten loose; in that case, just cut off the wire; your coil will end up one turn smaller than the others, no problem.

Have saved the bearing assemblies of these VCR motors too (have started saving them way before I started saving coils...). They should make it easier to complete the mechanicals of the generator; I have thought about using the entire PCB, like you do, for a generator. Doesn't look very professional, but probably works fine.

Glad to see you & I have got the same idea on recovering those coils. BTW, I notice lots of things on this board that make me think 'hey, I had the same idea too!'. Funny eh?

Hmm... Your talking on the subject has given me new inspiration; will make some sketches & calcs on such a tiny generator ASAP. Will be fun, though not very useful. I have some round NdFeB-magnets (bought cheaply at a ham-fest) of 14mm diameter; they would be fine for this purpose. For a rotorplate, I could probably use the original rotor (the flat plate with axle pressed into it). Double rotor design, of course; a mini-version of Hugh's generators.

Off-topic: who invented the axial-flux generator/its fitness for wind-energy? Was it Hugh P., or is he the one who popularised the idea?

Do you have any ideas about the number of turns? Tried counting them (yeah...), but no succes. I could unwind a coil, but then I'd have only 5 left...

Like your idea about the rulers too, BTW!