DIY weather vane from the box. Beautiful do-it-yourself weather vane: interesting solutions

A stylish and original weather vane will decorate the roof of a private house. Attracting the attention of passers-by, it will serve well, indicating the direction of the wind. And although today it is easy to buy a windsock of any degree of complexity, it is still more interesting to make this device with your own hands. Such a weather vane can tell about the character of the owner of the house and his artistic preferences.

What is a weather vane: device and types of design

Appearing at the dawn of birth sailing fleet, a weather vane has long been the simplest meteorological device for determining wind direction. The device was installed at the very top of the roof, so even a fleeting glance was enough to determine whether it was worth going out to sea today. That is why most windsocks can be found in port cities, where to this day they expose their sides to the oncoming air masses. The elementary design and magical attractiveness did not allow the weather vane to get lost in the mists of time - not only is it not going to lose ground, but it is also finding new fans.

A weather vane with a decorative flag can tell about the owner’s passions, artistic preferences, character and even sense of humor

Considering that a device rotating in the wind can only play a role original decor, you underestimate its practical significance:

• existing designs not only have wind and direction indicators, but also allow you to determine the speed of air flow (the so-called Wilde weather vane);

  To determine the wind speed, the weather vane is equipped with a rotating plate and a simple scale

• additional sensors and transducers turned the weather vane into a multifunctional air flow analyzer. Now he regularly serves in ports, airfields and weather stations;

  A modern weather vane is a complex electronic device

• there are many designs with original figures for mounting on chimney- they not only prevent wind from blowing into the chimney, but also improve draft;

  The smoke weather vane will not only indicate the direction of the wind, but will also protect the chimney from precipitation

• models with an air blade installed in the front allow you to protect your garden from rodents and other pests. Rotating even from a weak breeze, the propeller creates noise and vibrations that scare off moles - in this case, poles with weather vanes are placed throughout the site.

  A weather vane with a blade is one of the most popular designs

As for the decorative component, here the marine windsock revealed itself in all its glory.

What kind of figures are not used as his flag! Silhouettes of birds and animals, fairy-tale characters, scenes on religious themes, various romantic objects and patterns - this is where you can give free rein to your own imagination and creative thinking.

Operating principle

Being a simple device from a mechanical point of view, a weather vane includes only a few parts.

A schematic representation of a weather vane allows you to quickly understand how it works

The main parts shown in the diagram:

1. Arrow - points to the wind and serves as the basis for attaching a flag and other parts. In simple devices, the pointer may not be installed, then the flag is attached directly to the vertical axis.
2. Flat blade - rotates under the influence of air currents and becomes parallel with them. The only thing required of the blade is to have an area sufficient to rotate the structure from the wind. It can be made in any configuration: from the simplest geometric figure to a complex object with an abundance of small details.
3. Counterweight - for balancing the windsock. If balance is achieved by hanging the flag, then the weight is not used.
4. Rotary axis - with one or more bearing units, thanks to them it easily rotates in a vertical plane. In simple designs, the axle usually rests on a steel ball. The small support area reduces friction between parts, ensuring ease of rotation.
5. Bearings - rotating parts may contain rolling or sliding bearings.
6. Tubular stand - serves as the body of the rotation unit and a guide for the vertical axis. Brackets for attaching the weather vane are welded to its outer part.
7. Cap - protects the rotating unit from precipitation. But it can also be used to center a vertical rod.
8. Reference angles (rumbas) - are attached to the top of the rack and indicate the exact direction to the cardinal points. The cardinal directions marked on them (South, North, West, East) are set strictly according to the compass to quickly determine the wind direction.

Possessing the most large area relative to other parts, the flag will begin to rotate as soon as the wind blows. The movement will stop when the blade aligns with the movement of air masses. This way it will create minimal resistance to flow. At this time, the arrow will indicate the exact direction from which the wind is blowing.

To make the weather vane more functional, an anemometer (air flow meter) is attached to it. In its simplest form, this device is a small blade that is mounted perpendicular to the flag. Swinging freely on a horizontal axis, the plate deviates from the vertical at an angle corresponding to a particular wind force. The speed of air flow is judged by a scale located next to the blade. In more “advanced” devices, wind force is measured using a propeller and a miniature electric generator or encoder mounted on its shaft.

What to make a weather vane from yourself

A thin copper or steel sheet is best suited for making a flag. Copper is practically resistant to corrosion and over time acquires a noble greenish tint. But for the sake of experimentation, you can make a blade from scrap materials. For this, home craftsmen use wooden planks, plastic or textolite plates, plywood, plastic bottles, CDs, etc. The choice of material depends on the ingenuity of the craftsman. Of course, such a weather vane will not be as durable as a metal one, but it can delight children or scare moles and birds just as well.

A voluminous weather vane made of copper sheet is a real work of art

The arrow, bearings and vertical axis are best made from steel rod. It will give the structure the necessary rigidity and allow the parts to be connected by welding. The cross-section of the rod is selected based on the dimensions of other parts of the weather vane. To indicate the wind direction and approximate angles, you can use a rod with a diameter of 8 to 12 mm.

To determine the size of the body and the central rod, the characteristics of the rotation unit are taken into account. When using ball or roller bearings, the cross-section of the vertical axis must coincide with the diameter of their inner race. If the turning mechanism uses a steel ball and bushing, then you will need a rod with a diameter of 12 to 18 mm.

It all depends on the weight of the wind vane and the length of the turning part. It is convenient to use a thin-bodied pipe as a body suitable diameter - excess weight there is no need for a weather vane.

Several options for DIY

There is a huge variety of designs that can be created at home. Let's look at the most interesting of them.

Mirror wind vane (sunbeam generator)

An unusual weather vane with a rotating propeller can be made from CDs. The glare from mirror surfaces will create a fabulous holiday atmosphere. Garden owners will also like this weather vane, since sunbeams jumping through the bushes effectively scare away birds.

CDs that have become unusable can be given a second life by using them as blades for a weather vane propeller

Before starting work you need to prepare:

• several CDs (the number depends on the number of blades in the propeller);
• rubber wheel from a suitcase or hand truck;
• wooden beam ok or stalk;
• long screws or nails;
• plastic ties;
• epoxy adhesive.

Anyone can find the necessary tools to assemble a weather vane. home handyman. Since glue will be used, it is best to make it on outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Several years ago, the author of these lines became interested in making such a weather vane, planning to use the device to protect his garden from insolent jays. Unfortunately, I could not find any drawings or detailed description design, so I did everything at my own peril and risk. The main mistake was to use a wheel from a broken scooter with a bearing without side seals. Due to the sawdust that was poured into the space between the balls, the structure rotated reluctantly. Cleaning the unit with gasoline did not help the situation either - the rubber turned out to be not oil-resistant. Having turned into a slimy slurry, it still prevented the normal rolling of the balls on the surface of the inner race. To thoroughly rinse the bearing, I spent about an hour and about 0.5 liters of gasoline. Therefore, before you start cutting the rubber part, make sure that the chips do not fall into the rotation unit.

Step-by-step instructions for making a mirror windsock:

1. The rubber part of the wheel is marked in accordance with the accepted number of blades.

   Marks on rubber surfaces are best applied with a pencil or gel pen.

2. In the wheel clamped in a vice, cuts are made in the marked places at an angle of 30–45 degrees to center line ball bearing.

   To avoid injury, the wheel should be clamped in a vice.

3. Before firmly attaching the mirror blades to epoxy resin, you need to practice inserting them into the prepared slots. Due to the friction between rubber and plastic, this is not easy to do. And since CDs are fragile, you need to wear thick household gloves to avoid injury.
4. Epoxy is used to coat all the cuts and those areas of the CDs that will be glued to the rubber.

   Inflicted thin layer epoxy resin will firmly glue the disc to the rubber

5. When attaching the blade, it is important that its center is on the radial line of the wheel. When installing more than 2 blades, alternating the mirror and front sides of the disks is used. In this case, the weather vane will generate sunbeams regardless of its position relative to the sun.

   When attaching the blades, you should be extremely careful, otherwise the “turbine” will vibrate strongly

6. The blades are straightened on a flat surface: they all must touch the plane equally, otherwise vibrations will appear during rapid rotation. The structure should not be touched for 1–2 days to allow the glue to harden.

   After assembling and aligning the blades, the propeller is left alone for the time required for the epoxy resin to set.

7. A 30–60 cm long beam (arrow) blank is cut from a wooden block. On one side, a cut is made for a flag - this will also be a CD.

   The cut in the rocker can be made with a regular hacksaw, holding it in a vice

8. The other side of the indicator must be cut in the shape of an arrow and a drilling with a diameter of 2–2.5 mm must be made in its end. The hole will not allow the wood to split when driving a nail or screwing in a screw.

   To prevent the self-tapping screw from splitting the wood, a hole is made in the place where it is screwed in.

9. After installing the disk in the rocker arm, through hole. The tail blade is fixed to the boom using a wire. You can also use two disks as a flag, orienting them with their mirror side facing outward.

   Strong copper wire is used to attach the flag

10. A propeller is installed on the weather vane. To attach it, it is best to use a self-tapping screw 30–40 mm long.

    Using a self-tapping screw as the propeller axis, the structure can be made collapsible

11. Then the “turbine” is balanced. To do this, small weights are glued to the blades that stop at the top point. The work is considered completed if the propeller does not try to return to its original position when rotated at an arbitrary angle.
12. The center of gravity is determined at the rocker arm and through drilling is performed at this location. The hole must be in the same plane as the flag.

    When drilling for a vertical axis, it is necessary to ensure the balance of the entire structure

13. The weather vane is attached to the pole with a long screw or self-tapping screw with a neck free of threads. A nut or several washers are installed between it and the end part of the pole. The rocker arm should rotate around its axis without effort.

    In such a simple design there is no need for a bearing unit - a simple nut will suffice

All that remains is to install the pole with the windsock in the chosen location and secure it with nails or plastic ties. The weather vane will announce its presence with sunbeams that will scatter throughout the area.

The assembled weather vane will delight you not only with its easy rotation, but also with its original visual effects.

Airplane weather vane made from plastic bottles

A windsock in the form of a three-engine airplane with rotating propellers has simple design. It can be made in a couple of hours, and will delight children and adults for many years. Plastic bottles are used as the material for its production, and they are durable.

A weather vane, stylized as a three-engine airplane, will please no less than an “adult” windsock, but will require less time to manufacture

To build this windsock you will need:

• 4 plastic bottles with a volume of 1.5–2 l and 2 bottles of 0.5 l each;
• polycarbonate strip 4 cm wide and 40 cm long;
• hot glue;
• galvanized self-tapping screws 2x15 mm with wide heads.

It is best to take bottles of the same color so that you do not have to paint the structure in the future. The process of making a weather vane:

1. The bottom part of three bottles with a volume of 1.5–2 liters is cut off.

   When cutting off the bottom of bottles, make sure that all parts are the same in height

2. On each bottom, the contours of future aircraft propellers are marked with a marker.

   To prevent the markings from being erased while working, you should use a permanent marker

3. Using scissors and a construction knife, the propellers are cut out.

   The pieces can be cut out using scissors and then the edges can be trimmed with a wallpaper knife.

4. Using a hot nail or electric drill, a hole with a diameter of 4 mm is made in the center of each workpiece.

   When drilling plastic, set the minimum speed, otherwise the material will begin to melt

5. A through groove is marked in the body of the remaining large bottle - a polycarbonate “wing” of an airplane will fit into it. The container is cut through on both sides construction knife. The same is done with small bottles, only the slot is made on one side.

   The hole in the fuselage of the aircraft must exactly correspond to the section of the wing

6. The body is assembled from blanks, all connections are carefully glued with hot-melt adhesive.

   Having assembled all the parts of the weather vane together, they are attached and at the same time sealed using hot-melt adhesive

7. The center of gravity of the structure is determined, a hole is cut for the vertical axis (a ballpoint pen, which is inserted into the “fuselage” all the way).

   The installed rod must be firmly fixed in a vertical position

8. A hole is pierced in the center of each lid with an awl.
9. The propellers are attached and checked for ease of rotation. If necessary, a plastic sleeve is placed under the “screw”.

   After assembly, it is necessary to check the ease of rotation of the propellers of the airplane weather vane.

10. Elements of the plumage are cut out from the wall of the bottle and fixed to the weather vane body with hot glue.

    The tail part of an airplane weather vane can be made from the remaining parts plastic bottles

11. A “nozzle” made from the neck of a bottle is attached to the bottom of the fuselage.

    A “nozzle” attached to the aircraft will not only serve as decoration, but will also create additional windage

12. Covers with “screws” are screwed onto the threaded part of the “fuselage” and “motors”.

    The assembled airplane weather vane is ready for painting

If bottles were used different color, That finished design Can be painted with any enamel. After it dries, the weather vane is installed on a rod driven into a pole or board. It is better to use a steel bicycle or knitting needle as an axle. It should fit into the shaft of the ballpoint pen with a slight tension, then the plane will be able to turn with the slightest air movement.

To make the weather vane more attractive, it needs to be painted.

Video: how to make an airplane weather vane from plastic bottles

Metal weather vane

A good weather vane that will last for decades can only be made from metal parts. During the work process, you should use the drawing and instructions for making a windsock in the form of a cat figurine.

The size chart allows you to increase the figure to the required size

The configuration of the flag can be any, but it is recommended not to change the design of the rotary unit - it has proven itself well during operation.

Manufacturing the rotary unit in exact accordance with the drawing is the key to long-lasting operation of the weather vane.

Necessary materials for making a metal weather vane:

• sheet metal up to 2 mm thick;
• pieces of steel pipe with a diameter of ½, ¾, 1 and 2 inches;
• copper tube with a diameter of 18 mm;
• square profile pipes 15×15 mm and 20×20 mm;
• metal ball with a diameter of 80 mm;
• a piece of sheet steel 12–15 mm thick;
• steel ball with a diameter of 15 mm.

Whatever figure is chosen for the weather vane, the process of making it looks the same:

1. The outline of the flag is transferred to a steel sheet and cut out electric jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal. Difficult areas can be cut out with a chisel.

   To cut steel sheets, it is convenient to use a jigsaw with a metal file

2. The edges of the figure are processed with a file or grinder.

   Straight sections of edges can be passed with a grinder, and hard-to-reach places can be processed with a file.

   You can use a drill press to drill holes for the cat's whiskers and eyes.

3. Cat whiskers are made from steel wire with a diameter of 3–4 mm. To do this, it is cut into pieces of 10 cm and bent at an angle of 90° with a length of 1–1.5 cm.

   Thick steel wire is used to make cat whiskers.

4. The cat's nose can be made from half a metal ball Ø20 mm or a rod of the appropriate size. In the latter case, the workpiece is clamped in a vice, and the end is rounded with an angle grinder.

   The cat's nose can be made from a thick steel bar

5. The rotating unit is installed. First, 12mm diameter holes are made in a metal ball and a 60x60x12mm base plate. Then the plate should be welded between a 50 mm piece of metal pipe Ø60 mm on one side and a piece of square metal profile 20x20x200 mm on the other. A vertical axis is threaded through the structure, and the parts of the rotary assembly are connected by welding.

   Welding the rotary assembly is one of the most critical stages of work

6. A slot is made in the ball into which a cat figurine, an arrow and plumage are attached.

   When connecting all the parts of the weather vane, it is necessary to ensure the strongest possible fastening

7. The end of the ½ inch diameter tube must be capped with a 50mm piece of steel rod with a flat and even end.
8. All parts are carefully sanded, degreased, primed and painted. Several layers will reliably protect the metal from rust and increase the service life of the weather vane several times.
9. Assembly of the weather vane begins with the support ball. It is treated with any grease and lowered into the housing. An anti-friction compound is applied to the vertical axis, then it is inserted into copper tube with a diameter of 18 mm. The rotating unit and the housing are connected.

   The ease of rotation of the weather vane will be ensured by a ball, an anti-friction copper bushing and plenty of lubrication.

To install such a weather vane on the roof, you will need more serious fastenings.

Video: making a stainless steel cockerel weather vane

How to attach a weather vane to the roof

Correct and reliable fastening of the weather vane on the roof is no less important stage than its production. The device must be clearly visible from all sides, be in the path of air currents and not pose a danger to people and objects. For this reason, a few simple rules are followed:

• the weather vane is mounted at a distance of at least 0.5 m from the highest point of the roof;
• angular landmarks (points of reference) are set according to the compass;
• before final fastening, the vertical axis is aligned with the level or slope;
• steel brackets, brackets and clamps are used for installation;
• if a long pole is used to install a metal weather vane, it is secured with guy wires.

The highest place on the roof is best for installing the weather vane.

Several places on the roof are suitable for mounting the weather vane:

• chimney or smoke hood (hood) - to brick pipe The weather vane is attached using a variety of brackets and anchor dowels. If the stove is equipped with a metal chimney, then clamps made of steel strip with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm are used;
• ridge - a wooden ridge is not the most reliable attachment point, so it is used only if there are no other options. A corner made of thick metal with a welded section is best suited as a bracket. steel pipe. For fixing, self-tapping screws with a diameter of at least 5 mm with an open-end wrench head are used;
• pediment - for fastening to brick gables dowels are used. If this part of the building is covered with a board, then a through bolted connection with overlays on the back of the wooden panel is used;
• rafter system - installation to rafters and other wooden elements roof frame has a significant disadvantage: you will need to make a hole in the roof. And then additional measures will be needed to restore its tightness.

The bracket must correspond to the chosen installation method, otherwise it will not be possible to ensure the stability of the structure

You will have to work on the roof, so it is important to remember the safety rules. During operation of the wind direction, it is necessary to periodically check the reliability of the fastenings and add lubricant to the rotation unit.

You can’t think of anything if you have imagination and “golden” hands. Creative owners of private houses are trying to artistically decorate their properties without spending a lot of money. Yes, and this is of no use! You can make an excellent weather vane from scraps of wood, building materials, or even just plastic bottles, which are often left behind after construction and are wastefully disposed of as unnecessary.

Such a product may have several different options execution.

Option #1

• directly a plastic bottle that will serve as the base;
• metal wire with a diameter of 1-2 millimeters;
• You can use a large bead as a hinge; it is desirable that it is not round, but has a flattened shape;
• a block of wood that we will use as fastening;
• You will also need auxiliary tools: for example, scissors, which will be needed to cut the plastic.

Before starting work, we prepare the bottle by cutting off the bottom and neck to get a cylinder. And of course, it’s worth removing all the labels to make the product look neat. We heat the wire to get a neat hole in the plastic and pierce our workpiece perpendicular to the side plane. You need to leave a distance of a centimeter from the edges. The upper edge of the wire must be carefully bent so that the structure does not fall apart in bad weather. We insert the lower edge of the wire into the bar two centimeters, having previously placed a bead on it so that the weather vane does not touch the bar and can move freely under the influence of air masses. It is better to attach the finished product to the highest point of the roof to ensure good review and absence of wind obstacles.

If you want to diversify the design a little, you can make it in the form of a sail by simply cutting out two semi-ovals on both sides symmetrically relative to the holes for the knitting needle. Or use a third of the cylinder and a wire structure resembling the letter “L”. The wire will be attached to the holes on the edge of the cylinder.

Option No. 2

This weather vane will be mounted not on, but in any place convenient for you, since the entire structure will be placed on a stick, for which you can choose any material, depending on availability or desire.

For work you need to prepare the following materials:

• plastic bottle with a volume of 2 liters;
• stick for attaching the weather vane (it should be approximately 1.5 meters long with a thickness of 2 centimeters in diameter);
• marker - for marking;
• drawing paper;
• acrylic paints to give the weathervane unusual look, and a brush;
• hammer and small nails.

Also, before starting work, it is necessary to remove all labels and select a design that will decorate the weather vane. Place the selected image as a sketch on paper and cut it out. This will be a template, the contours of which are placed on the bottle using a marker, stepping back a centimeter from the edges. Next, we repeat the outline of the template several times with the same distance between them, moving further and further along the bottle. Now, using a knife, we make cuts along the resulting contours without touching central part. Bend the cut out and color the silhouettes acrylic paints. It is necessary to wait until the paint has completely dried before continuing the work, so as not to spoil what has already been done. Let's move on to the fastening. You need to make a hole at the bottom of the bottle, after which you need to put it on a stick so that the neck is at the bottom. We drive the nail so that it fits into the hole made on the bottle and enters the stick, rising half a centimeter above it. Now all that remains is to choose a place for the future weather vane and drive our stick there.

Sometimes wind vanes are used to drive away moles and rodents with their noise. cultivated plants or trees.

Option #3

The weather vane can be hung, for example, from tree branches.

For work you need to prepare the following materials:

• plastic bottle with a volume of 2 liters;
• thick paper;
• marker;
• knife for working with plastic;
• wire for fastening with a diameter of 2 mm;
• beads that will work as hinges.

We prepare a template on paper. Its length should correspond to the circumference of the plastic bottle. On it we draw and cut out future “windows” with rectangles with an equal distance between them. We transfer their contours using a marker onto the bottle. Next you need to “open” these rectangles. To do this, use a knife to carefully cut out three sides and bend them 30-40 degrees. Now, to secure it in the chosen place, we thread a wire into the center of the cork while heating it. It will serve as an axis. We place beads on it and bend the ends.

Option No. 4

For work you need to prepare the following materials:

• two plastic bottles;
• wire - the axis of the structure;
• metal rod - fastening;
• hinge.

Cut a propeller from the bottom of one bottle. To do this, carefully cut the bottom of the bottle so that each protrusion has a continuation and a narrowed end. This cutout resembles a flower. From the second bottle we will need a body. Cut off the bottom, leaving the neck with a lid. This design is the future weather vane. Using hot wire, we make a hole in the center of the propeller and the wind vane, connecting them. This will be the axis of the structure. A hinge must be secured between them so that the propeller can rotate freely. Next, we make a hole perpendicular to the axis in the cap of the weather vane bottle. We install a metal rod in it. It will serve as a fastener. All that remains is to fix the weather vane on the roof.

To determine the wind or as entertainment for children, you can even make a weather vane from a plastic cup.

This process is not at all complicated, and all you need is a cup, a flagellum, a wire with a diameter of 1.5 mm and a flat support washer, which will provide hinge fastening.

Cut out the bottom of the cup to create a cylinder. Next, we make two holes through which we thread the wire. We bend its upper end. We put a washer on the lower end and secure the flagellum.

It is likely that after the renovation you still have scraps of plywood, from which you can also make an excellent weather vane.

For work you need to prepare the following materials:

• plywood;
• nail (you can use self-tapping screws);
• three flat beads that can be strung on a nail;
• plywood glue;
• wooden block.

Do not forget that plywood can lose its properties under the influence of precipitation. Therefore, before starting work, it is worth covering it with a special protective paint.

Cut out three equilateral triangles from plywood. The first will be the basis - his dimensions 30x20 cm. We drill a hole in the center of it, which will be needed to secure the finished weather vane to the block. The diameter of the hole should match the nail. The second triangle needs to be cut smaller - 12.5x12.5 cm (dimensions), and from the top side of it we cut out a rectangle with a jigsaw approximately to the middle. Its width should be equal to the thickness of the plywood used. The third is even smaller, with dimensions of 7.5x7.5 cm. We cut out a rectangle in it in the same way, but only from the base side. We connect the triangles as follows: the largest one is the base, glue the middle triangle to it, using the cut out rectangle as a place for attachment. You should get a “tail” of the weather vane. Next we glue the “nose”, the part for which will be a smaller triangle.

Insert a nail with a bead strung on it into the hole on the large triangle. We put two more beads on the bottom side. And we drive a nail into a wooden block. All that remains is to secure the structure to the roof and you can determine the direction and strength of the wind.

Many owners are trying to find a highlight for the exterior of their home, but there are not many such devices. A weather vane is ideal for this. It simultaneously performs both practical and aesthetic functions.

Features of a weather vane with a propeller

This device can be of different shapes, most often the weather vane has the shape of a domestic or wild animal, an angel, fairy tale hero, airplane.

A weather vane is not only a functional device, but also a decoration for the roof of a house.

Selecting material for making a weather vane

The main criterion when choosing material for a weather vane should be the ultimate purpose of its manufacture. But, despite this, it is recommended to choose the material that will make the structure a decoration of your home for a long time. A weather vane can be made from almost any material, but each of them requires different tools and equipment.

Wood weather vane

Quite light and easy to use construction material, which does not require specific tools and skills. Suitable raw materials for a weather vane High Quality. Before use, it is recommended to impregnate wood with mixtures to protect it from dampness and harmful insects. However, such a product will not last long.

This material is durable and resistant to any mechanical stress. Most often, black or stainless steel is used for weather vanes. The second type is resistant to corrosion, has a long service life, but still requires proper maintenance and timely repairs. This can be a problem because the weather vane is installed in a place where repairs are quite difficult.

Steel has high anti-corrosion properties, which is why a steel weather vane can most often be seen on the roof

It is a durable metal that can even withstand hurricanes. It's quite easy to work with. Additionally, a layer of silver can be applied to the surface of a copper weather vane, for which reagents that are used in making photographs are ideal. This metal is resistant to corrosion, making the product long time can be exposed to rain and will last a long time without repair.

Copper is highly resistant to weather conditions, so it is best suited for making weather vanes.

Plastic structures

Plastic is a modern material characterized by high strength and resistance to sun rays. Another advantage is ease of processing. Plastic products can be sawed, glued, soldered, and the properties of the material do not change.

The plastic weather vane can be made in any color; it is highly durable and resistant to sunlight

Plywood

To make a weather vane, only multi-layer waterproof plywood is suitable, but you need to be prepared for the fact that such a product will not last long. Dyeing the material will help artificially increase its service life, but for a very short period of time.

To make a weather vane, you can only use multi-layer waterproof plywood

Tools for making a weather vane

The list of tools for making this device is quite simple:

• metal scissors;
• hacksaw or saw;
• sandpaper of different fractions;
• electric drill;
• Bulgarian;
• office tools, for example, ruler, pencil, glue.

Basic elements of a weather vane

Regardless of what shape your weather vane will be, it must contain certain elements, the main ones being an axis and a flag with a counterweight.

Vane body and axis

The body serves as a support for the entire structure. Both steel and brass pipes with a diameter of 1 inch are suitable for its manufacture. The body has a strictly vertical axis - a rod, usually made of steel reinforcement.

The main function of the support rod is to hold the windmill. The diameter of the reinforcement is about 9 mm, this is enough to withstand strong winds and any other mechanical load that will act on the weather vane.

The weather vane body is the support of the entire structure

Flag with counterweight (wind vane)

The main part of the device located on the vertical axis. The flag shows which direction the wind is blowing. The counterweight serves to balance the flag and is located on the opposite side. The main difficulty in the manufacture of this element is that the flag and the counterweight must be located evenly on both sides of the axis, that is, have the same mass.

Of the entire structure, it is the weather vane that is of artistic value. Experienced master is able to produce a part of any shape without disturbing the balance between the flag and the counterweight.

When making a weather vane, it is important to maintain an even distribution of mass on both sides of the axis

Protective cap

The protective cap has the shape of a circle or a cone and is located on the axis of the weather vane, most often directly above the body. Its main function is to protect the housing and bearings from moisture and dirt.

Rose of Wind

A cardinal direction indicator consisting of two rods crossed at an angle of 90°. As a rule, the rods are attached to the top of the lid in a stationary state. At the ends of the pointer, letters are installed to indicate the cardinal directions. To fix the element in the correct position, you need to use a compass.

To set the cardinal direction indicators in the correct direction, you need to use a compass

Bearings

They are located inside the body and ensure free movement of the supporting rod under gusts of wind. The internal diameter of the parts is 9 mm.

Fasteners

The choice of fasteners depends on the material used and the method of fastening. These can be corners, overlays, bolts, rivets.

Propeller

It helps determine wind speed. You can make the propeller yourself from plastic and wood or use ready-made parts.

It is the airplane with the propeller that looks most organic, because in original design this detail is also present. And it’s much easier to model this shape than others.

The plane is ideal for making a weather vane with a propeller

Drawing of an airplane weather vane with a propeller

The weather vane is usually located on the roof, so high aesthetic demands are placed on it - according to him appearance they will judge not only the taste of the owner of the house, but also his wealth. Therefore, it is very important to design the structure correctly, while showing maximum imagination and creativity. The drawing of the future model should be as detailed and accurate as possible.

The drawing of the future aircraft model should be as detailed as possible and with exact dimensions

Step-by-step instructions for making an airplane weather vane

This device will become business card at home only if the element is properly made and installed.

Metal weather vane

It is performed in the following sequence:

1. Cut a pipe 120 mm long. Make small holes in it for fastening to the support with rivets or bolts. The holes must first be tapped.
2. Insert bearings from each end into the pipe, securing with welding. Additionally, the bearings can be fixed by heating the pipe into which the bearing must be inserted. After the pipe has cooled, the bearings will sit quite firmly in it. Fill the pipe itself with grease.

   Bearings help the weather vane to easily rotate around its axis

3. Close the top of the pipe with a cap, which can be a plastic plug. Now you need to seal this place insulating tape. A layer of felt gland must be laid between the cap and the body.
4. Now you can start making the weather vane. You need to make a drawing on paper, which then needs to be transferred to a steel sheet. Remember that the dimensions of the aircraft must be proportional to the body parameters. It is recommended to make a product with a length of 400–600 mm and a height of 200–400 mm.

   It is very easy to cut steel sheets with special metal scissors

5. After the airplane figurine is ready, you need to attach it to the supporting rod using clamps or welding. The last stage is the installation of the propeller. It must be installed on a weather vane or on a supporting rod. In the case of an airplane, it will look more harmonious on the weathervane. For fastening, it is recommended to use a bolt, which must be placed between two washers. To reduce the noise of the weather vane, it is recommended to place it on a bearing.

Weather vane made from plastic bottles

You can make an airplane weather vane from plastic bottles. To do this you need:

1. Collect empty containers and wash them thoroughly. For a weather vane in the shape of an airplane, 4 bottles are enough. Cut off two bottles top part with the cork halfway up. As a result, you should have 2 cut tops with cork and 4 bottoms, the height of which is 5 cm.

   You need to cut off the top and bottom of the bottle

2. On each bottom at an angle of 45°, make cuts in the form of burrs, which will serve as fasteners.

   The bottom of the bottle must be cut into strips

3. Now you need to work with the top parts of the bottles. You need to unscrew the plug in which to make holes for the axle. This can be done with an awl or a hot rod. Screw this plug back. Leave one top part of the bottle without a cork.

   Use an awl to make holes in the plugs for the axle.

4. Now you can start assembling the weather vane. The two upper parts are connected with cut surfaces facing each other. This process is reminiscent of collecting nesting dolls. It is necessary to attach the bottoms with cuts, placing them around the body in one direction. Now you need to thread a rod or metal rod through the bottom holes of the bottle, and place the bottle cap on top of it. That's it, the plane's weather vane is ready. Install it in a suitable place.

   A weather vane made from a plastic bottle does not look very aesthetically pleasing, but it performs its functions effectively

Video: weather vane airplane made from plastic bottles

For a homemade weather vane, you can use scraps of plywood. In addition to this material, you will need:

• nails or screws;
• flat beads - 3 pieces;
• special glue for plywood;
• small wooden block;
• protective paint.

All work on the manufacture of a weather vane from of this material are performed in the following order:

Video: DIY wooden weather vane with a propeller

The propeller can be made from any material

The manufacturing process is as follows:

1. Prepare a wooden block with a side of 5 cm. Draw diagonals on each face of the cube and mark the place where they intersect. Drill a through hole in one of the planes.
2. On a sheet of tin, mark segments equal to the width of the bar. Cut strips measuring 15x5 cm. There should be 4 such strips. Process the edges of each strip with a sharpening machine.
3. Each strip is roughly divided into 5 parts. Bend one of them with pliers at a right angle. As a result, you should have four blades L-shaped. Place each piece diagonally on one side of a wooden cube with a hole.
4. The protruding parts of the sheet must be cut off so that the part that will be fixed is acute.
5. Now the blades need to be fixed with screws in two places.
6. Sharpen another wooden beam at one end into a cone, and attach the cube with blades to this side using a nail. This propeller can be installed on a pre-made weather vane.

Video: DIY tin propeller

Remember that when installing a weather vane on the roof, you need to ensure that the waterproofing of the latter is not damaged, otherwise leaks cannot be avoided. It is also not recommended to install a weather vane on a ridge or chimney pipe. Incorrect installation can also lead to the device making a lot of noise, scaring away birds and irritating others.

To add originality to the design of a private or country house, its owners make sure that, if not the entire building, then at least some element is non-standard. The easiest way, even in the case of a standard layout, is to make the weather vane original. With your own hands and for a short time you will be able to create an element that will not exactly replicate the design of analogues available in the area. The advantage is that you can use available materials.

Tools and materials for manufacturing

Since our meteorological instrument has to constantly resist the influence environment, sometimes very aggressive, it must be made of appropriate materials, otherwise it will not last long. Often weather vanes are made of wood (even plywood) and sheet iron . Copper is rarely chosen, although this particular metal is more suitable than others.

A wooden weather vane treated with a protective compound will last for several years. The steel analogue lasts for several decades, subject to periodic tinting, which is not always possible, but the copper product is practically eternal. Copper sheet is the easiest to process, and there are no problems with decorating it.

Recently, weather vanes have begun to be made of plastic. The material is easy to process - no complex tools are needed. However, if for the roof country house If the product is suitable, then it will not look good on a large luxurious house; here you will already need expensive materials. The following tools will be needed:

Features and dimensions of the design

There are two main points in the design of a weather vane:. This means the following:

• The axis-rod, which is a kind of fastening element, is installed strictly vertically and attached to the roof of the house.
• A flag with a counterweight is mounted on the rod. The force of the wind presses on the flag, and the horizontal part of the weather vane rotates around its axis.

On each side of the axis there must be parts of equal weight, which is the most difficult thing in the entire manufacturing process.

Design features can be called additional elements. For example, a propeller, because many are attracted by the idea of ​​how to make a weather vane with a propeller with their own hands. The more intense the propeller rotates, the greater the wind force - everything is simple and clear. There may also be a vertically mounted plate that is secured so as to remain free. In this case, the plate should swing in one plane. It also gives an idea of ​​the strength of the wind - the greater the deviation of the angle from the vertical, the stronger the wind.

There are no restrictions in terms of shape and design - as long as the design fulfills its functions. The same applies to sizes. Is it true, experts advise making the product 40-50 cm wide m and 70−80 cm long. This best option for small buildings. When the weather vane is installed on the roof of the gazebo, the dimensions may be smaller.

Stages of product production

First of all, decide on the design of the device, and then draw up a drawing that will show absolutely all the details. Next, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

Since a weather vane with a propeller is a dynamic design, it is not installed on tall buildings, since it will not be visible how much the screw rotates.

The main part - the “airplane” - is cut out of iron sheet, plywood or plastic. The propeller is made exclusively of metal. Rotating element blades located at a slight angle relative to each other. You can make a propeller from galvanized sheet iron using metal scissors. A hole is made in the center of the blank strip for the fastening element, then the edges of the strip are turned slightly in different sides. There are two options for attaching a propeller to an aircraft:

• If the weather vane is made of plywood, the propeller can be attached with self-tapping screws to its end part. The fastener is not screwed all the way to allow rotation.
• A small pin is attached to the nose of a metal airplane by welding or soldering, at the end of which there should be a thread into which a nut and washer are screwed. This is how we get both the fastener and the limiter. The pin can be without a thread, but with a cap, but this option is suitable if the propeller is already on.

Assembly and installation of a weather vane

First we decide on the installation location. It is considered good when the symmetry of the roof structure is not disturbed due to the weather vane. So, if there are pipes on the roof, it is better to attach the device to them. If there are no pipes, attach the weather vane to the ridge. To install the product on the ridge, you only need two strips (fastening elements), which are located exactly at the angle of the slopes. Assembly procedure on site:

The inner diameter of the pipe is determined by the outer diameter of the bearing. Since the weather vane is located under open air, every time it rains, it will be exposed to water. Due to this metal structure It is recommended to lubricate with grease after painting the product. Needs to be tightened up periodically threaded connections, lubricate the bearing and so on. All parts and components must have a large margin of safety, especially the fastenings, because the weather vane is subject to serious wind loads, and precipitation adds problems.

Every country property owner wants to make their home beautiful and unique. If you know how to make a weather vane with a propeller with your own hands, then you can equip any building with it. Despite the presence modern devices With software, the weather vane remains a fairly accurate device for determining the direction and strength of the wind, which operates around the clock, without the need for energy sources, adjustments or frequent maintenance. In addition, these products perform a practical function by driving away birds that can destroy crops. Having a little free time, you can make a weather vane yourself from scrap materials that you can always find in the pantry.

Scheme of the weather vane. Despite the availability of modern instruments with software, the weather vane remains a fairly accurate device for determining the direction and strength of the wind.

Required Tools

To do this you may need the following tools:

• welding machine;
• oil level;
• roulette;
• Bulgarian;
• electric drill;
• riveter;
• jigsaw (manual or electric);
• sandpaper;
• whatman;
• pencil;
• varnish and paint;
• paint brush.

Before work, tools must be checked and equipped.

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Materials used

Weather vanes made from a wide variety of materials are used to decorate houses.

Handling them requires different skills, tools and equipment.

1. Tree. This is a lightweight and easy-to-work material that has been proven over centuries. There is no need for complex tools or professional skills to process wood. To make a windmill, it is necessary to take waterproof wood with good hydrophobic qualities. The wood must be impregnated with a special composition that will protect it from dampness and insects. But a significant disadvantage of wood products is its low strength and fragility.
2. Steel. This is a fairly durable material that is resistant to strong mechanical stress. You can make a weather vane from black or of stainless steel. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and has an almost unlimited service life. Regular steel can last quite a long time with periodic maintenance and repair. But, given the location of the outbuilding, performing this task is quite difficult.
3. Copper. This metal is strong enough to withstand strong gusts of wind. Sheet copper is quite easy to cut and saw. An important factor is that soldering can be used to connect copper parts together. The softness of the material makes it possible to process it using the embossing method. In addition, copper can be coated with silver using photographic development reagents. The metal is resistant to corrosion and does not require additional finishing.
4. Plastic. Modern polymer materials have sufficient strength and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Plastic lends itself easily to all types of processing. It can be sawed, glued or soldered. Polymer plastics do not lose their qualities when subjected to strong heating or cooling.
5. Plywood. Only multi-layer waterproof plywood is allowed to be used in the work. But a plywood product will not last long. Even covering it with several layers of paint will not save it from destruction. If a plywood outbuilding lasts one year, it will be considered a great success.

When choosing a material for work, you should consider final goal making an outbuilding. In any case, it is better to choose a durable material that will last for many years.

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Weather vane device

As a rule, outbuildings are installed on the roof of the house. At this point they can be seen from anywhere on the site. Based on this, increased aesthetic requirements are imposed on the appearance of such a product. Based on it, an opinion will be formed about the tastes, worldview and wealth of the owners of the land plot. Therefore, when making a weather vane, you should show maximum imagination and creativity when designing and creating every detail.

The design of the weather vane is quite simple:

1. Frame. It is made from inch steel pipe. It is possible to use brass pipe, which is quite durable and resistant to corrosion.
2. Bearing rod. It is inserted into the body. It is steel reinforcement without notches. The windmill itself is attached to it. Based on this, it is recommended to use reinforcement with a cross section of 9 mm. This is enough to withstand the wind load acting on the weather vane.
3. Wind vane. It is the rotating part of the device, which indicates the direction of the wind. In addition, the weather vane contains an artistic component that determines the theme of the product.
4. Bearings. These parts are necessary for free torsion of the supporting rod inside the housing. For assembly, products with internal diameter 9 mm.
5. Fasteners Depending on the method of fastening the outbuilding, corners, plates, screws, bolts or rivets are used.
6. Propeller. This is a part whose rotation frequency can be used to determine wind speed. The propeller is made of tin, plastic, plywood or wood. Not a bad option is to use an old computer fan.

Despite the abundance finished products on sale, a homemade weather vane will allow you to put your soul into your work and bring together all family members to implement a joint project. When making this device with your own hands, there is a job for everyone.

Since the main part of the windmill is the weather vane, its design needs to be given special attention.

It may look like this:

• cockerel;
• sailboat;
• ship with propeller;
• an airplane with one or more propellers;
• galloping horse;
• a cat sneaking after a bird;
• hunter with a gun;
• moon with stars;
• lion on the hunt;
• angel;
• swans or stork in the nest.

You can make a weather vane in any design. For a fishing enthusiast, this could be catfish or pike. Car enthusiasts will love the contours of a sports car. There are no restrictions for imagination in this matter.