[HomeBrew] Variable capacitor

[N1KHB--- via HomeBrew]

Hi all,
   One simple (I hope) question - do the rotor plates on a  variable 
capacitor actually NEED to be electrically connected to each other  in order to 
vary capacitance value as they move in and out of the stator plates,  or can 
they be electrically isolated from each other? I'm thinking in the split  
stator types of capacitor here where the stator sections form the two 
electrical  ends of the capacitor.
    Common manufacturing techniques have them  electrically connected to 
each other, but may be as much convenience in the use  of various metal parts 
being assembled rather than necessity. I should  know the answer to this, 
but don't. Thanks!
 
Sonny N1KHB