Knowing the direction of the wind can be useful, because it is not for nothing that wind indicators - weather vanes - have been installed on almost all roofs for a long time. There are very simple models - just an arrow that shows where the air flow is directed. There are entire works of art - three-dimensional models. We will talk further about how and what to make a weather vane with your own hands.
What to make a weather vane from
Wind direction indicators are made from the most different materials. The main thing is that these materials are durable and can withstand weather conditions well. These conditions are met following materials:
The most durable, naturally, are metal weather vanes. But cutting sheet metal — difficult task. Thinner sheets - 2-3 mm, you can also try to cut them with a jigsaw with good quality files. And then you will have to stock up on them in large quantities. All other materials are cut with a bang by this tool.
Where to get it or how to make a sketch
Sketches for a weather vane can be found with dimensions, or you can create them from a suitable picture. To do this, any picture you like must be loaded into one of the photo editors, enlarged to the right size and print. This trick can be done with COREL.
Another option is to open the drawing in AutoCAD, outline the contours with half lines. You will get the desired outline. It can be increased to the desired size.
If with computer programs You are not very friendly, you will have to work with your hands - draw out the drawing into small squares, then transfer it to paper on a large scale.
How to make a weather vane
Glue the finished sketch of a weather vane in natural size, printed on paper, onto a piece of material of the required size. Transfer the contours to the material using any available method. You can do this:
Using the marks, we restore the contour. On some materials this can be done with a pencil or marker, for metal - only with the same punch.
Next, you need to cut out the body of the weather vane along the resulting contour. You should choose a tool for cutting a weather vane depending on the type of material. In most cases, a jigsaw is suitable. For softer materials, you can also use a hand saw. For metal 2-3 mm thick, you can also try to cut a weather vane using hand saw or jigsaw. True, it will take a lot of time. The metal is thicker, even the most powerful jigsaw will not take it. For such a case, you can use a welding machine and a large chisel. Straight and not very rounded areas, you can try to cut them with a grinder.
After the “body” of the weather vane is cut out, the edges are processed until smooth. To do this, use needle files, files, and sandpaper. If you have a grinder, the process can be speeded up by installing sanding discs of different grain sizes.
How to make a turning mechanism
In order for the weather vane to perform its actions, it must be movably fixed. And so that at the slightest wind it turns. To do this, the “body” of the weather vane itself is attached to a rod, and the lower part to the roof or chimney (if a weather vane is made, a chimney cap with a weather vane). These two parts are connected movably - using bearings or other similar connections.
Using a ball
You can find any bearing and weld two parts of the “holder” to it. You can make a turning mechanism without a bearing, but with a ball of a suitable size or cone.
To make a rotary vane mechanism, you will need two metal pipes of different diameters or a pin of a smaller diameter and a pipe of a larger one. Moreover, they must be selected so that one fits into the other with a minimum gap (2-3 mm).
The weather vane body is attached/welded to the wider pipe. Moreover, it is necessary to make sure that the upper part of the pipe is sealed. The lower tube or pin is used to attach the cardinal direction indicator. This is what is attached to the roof. Its upper part should also be welded or sealed.
If you don’t have a welding machine, you can use wooden plugs - they are driven tightly into the pipe. For reliability, you can lubricate the walls with universal glue. But this option - with wooden plugs - cannot last too long. Frequent turns will wear away the wood, so after a while the rotating mechanism of the weather vane will have to be restored.
When assembling the weather vane, a ball from the bearing is placed on the installed pin, and the weather vane body with a welded pipe is placed on top. For smoother rotation, you can add oil to the mechanism. After this, you can consider that you have already made a weather vane with your own hands. True, you still need to secure it, and this is far from easy to do - working at heights with a heavy and bulky product in your hands is quite a challenge.
With a machined cone
If you can’t find a ball of the right size, but you know a lathe or you can work with metal, you can grind a cone that will replace the ball.
The weather vane assembly scheme itself remains the same: we attach the body to the upper pipe, and fix the lower one on a pole, roof ridge, etc.
Final revision
In order for a metal weather vane to serve for a long time and at the same time have a presentable appearance, it must be carefully painted, having first prepared the surface well. First, use sandpaper to remove the rust, completely down to bare metal. Then we coat it with automotive primer (you can also use a rust converter). After the primer has dried, you can paint it.
Winged horse - why not decorate your home
We take paints for exterior work. All automobile ones are perfect, but oil-based ones, such as hammer ones, are also suitable. They give an interesting effect. You can also try painting with powder paints, but they require special conditions - heat. Otherwise, the coating will quickly fall off.
After applying the paint, leave the product to dry for two days without touching it with your hands. Such paints take a long time to dry (with the exception of powder paints), and after “testing” stains remain. If you are satisfied with the quality of the painting, you can install the weather vane in place.
Homemade weather vanes of varying complexity: photo reports
When making a wind direction indicator with your own hands, many questions arise. The design is simple, but there are many options. For example, the swivel assembly can be made in different ways, not to mention the shape and size of the housing. Everyone chooses what they like best. In order to form at least a general idea of how you can do this useful for a country house or garden plot device, we will give several examples of homemade weather vanes with step-by-step photos.
Based on a bearing from a VAZ pump
The bearing was taken from an old VAZ. Based on the size of the bearing, pipes were found - one of which this bearing fits into. We install a stopper in this pipe so that the bearing does not fall inside; after installing it, we weld it. From pipes of smaller diameter we make a cross, to which we will then attach letters indicating the direction of the cardinal points.
We weld another piece of thin pipe to the top of the bearing. This will be the rotating part, to which the body of the weather vane will then be attached. We weld two short sections of pipe perpendicular to this pin - we will weld the cut weather vane to them. To protect the bearing from moisture and dust, we use a boot from the steering rod, pulling it before we started welding the rotating part.
A cat is cut out of an aluminum sheet 2 mm thick, the letters are made of galvanized steel. We'll spray paint them with bright red auto enamel, and the cat with black.
All that remains is to weld/attach all the parts to assemble the weather vane.
A homemade metal weather vane on a bearing is ready. Can be installed on the roof.
The simplest weather vane in 5 minutes from scrap materials
When hunting, fishing or dacha, you may need a wind direction indicator. You can make a very simple model literally from nothing. You will need:
- plastic or paper glass (preferably large capacity);
- thick wire (you can use aluminum or steel);
- plastic screed;
- a washer with an internal diameter not less than the diameter of the wire.
The manufacturing process is very simple. First of all, carefully, without damaging the walls, remove the bottom. You can remove it from a paper cup, but you will have to cut it off from a plastic cup. Next, stepping back from the wider edge about a centimeter, we make two holes in the walls, located one opposite the other, and thread the wire. We bend one edge of the wire so that the wind indicator does not fall off.
We make a weather vane with our own hands from scrap materials
From the opposite side - from below - we put a washer on the wire, raise it to the level of the glass, leaving a very small gap (a few millimeters). We take the tie, tighten it, fixing the washer at the desired level.
That's all, we made a simple weather vane with our own hands. Of course, it is very short-lived, but long-term service is not always necessary. And it will correctly indicate where the wind is blowing.
Video on the topic
Photos of weather vanes and ideas for sketches
The most common themes for making a weather vane are a cat, a rooster, an eagle, and a ship. They are the most common. There are many options and variations. But there is very non-standard ideas. Perhaps, looking at them, you want something original.
You can attach a weather vane not only to a ridge or a pole - you can install it on a pipe
Stork - to happiness and wealth
Favorite hobby: fisherman can be seen from afar
Wooden weather vane - you can also make it yourself
The first mention of a weather vane dates back to the pre-Christian era. On the Tower of the Winds in Athens there was the oldest weather vane depicting a figure of the ancient Greek god of the seas and depths, Triton. The author of the design is considered to be the Greek astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhus. For centuries, the weather vane performed the same function assigned to it - it showed the direction and speed of the wind. Today, the weather vane is no longer perceived as an anachronism, but is a kind of talisman of home ownership and stylish decoration for roofs, which completes the architectural appearance of the building. Just like thousands of years ago, the weather vane conscientiously fulfills its meteorological mission.
The principle of operation of the weather vane and its functions
How often do people think about the question of what wind is blowing today and what is its speed? Hardly. But in windy weather, watching the fancy fouettes of a weather vane is interesting for both adults and children. In addition to its main meteorological function (indicating the direction and speed of the wind), the weather vane has other tasks:
- protects the chimney from air masses entering it, thereby preventing smoke from entering the living room;
- decorates the roof ridge of a home, being an extraordinary element of architectural decor;
- is a kind of talisman and guardian of the hearth and well-being.
According to the teachings of Feng Shui, weather vanes contribute to the flow of positive energy into the house, promote mutual understanding with neighbors and friendly relations within the family.
Types of weather vanes and their symbolic meanings
If noble townspeople decorated their houses with weathervanes in the form of a family coat of arms or a knight on horseback, then ordinary people increasingly depicted their belonging to a certain profession on the spiers. Above the shoemaker's workshop one could see a weather vane-shoe, and above the bakery a loaf of bread. With the development of artistic forging, weathervane figurines began to acquire a refined appearance and carry a certain meaning. Animals, birds, ships, zodiac signs, fairy-tale and even biblical characters were depicted above the chimneys. Often a wind rose with the Latin initial letters of the cardinal directions (W, N, E, S) was attached to the bottom.
The compass rose helps determine wind directions
The most common weathervane figurine was a rooster, which symbolized vigilance and fighting spirit, and also protected the house from enemies and fires. In England, the weather vane is still called the “weather cock.” Roosters began to appear on the roofs of Catholic cathedrals back in the 9th century by decree of the Pope in honor of the Apostle Peter.
A rooster on the roof of a house symbolizes fighting spirit, courage and brilliance Nowadays I see weathervanes on private houses less and less often. As a child, when I went to the village, I met the most different variants, but, as a rule, the cockerel predominated. Although, once even a dragon was caught, but he did not stay in his place for long. One day there was a strong wind, the dragon was blown off, and I never saw him again. The weather vane must be attached taking into account such bad weather.
Stepanhttps://nashdom.online/kry-sha/otdelka-kry-shi/flyuger-na-kryshu.html
The cat was just as popular. The freedom-loving animal was the keeper of the hearth and comfort. It was believed that the cat protected the home from otherworldly dark forces and brought happiness and good luck to the family.
The cat is friends with the brownie and protects from dark forces The griffin weather vane combines the qualities of a mighty king of beasts and a vigilant eagle - courage, wisdom and observation. The griffin has a sharp mind, healthy calculation and rationalism.
The griffin combines the courage of a lion and the wisdom of an eagle People with an active lifestyle and immense energy decorated their homes with figurines of horses. The horse is a symbol of a noble family and nobility.
A figurine of a horse above the roof of a house speaks of the nobility and active life position of its owner. The dragon in Chinese mythology has always been the bearer of wisdom and the keeper of secret knowledge. He is responsible for business success and the financial well-being of the family who decided to decorate their home with his image.
The dragon will provide you with financial well-being Storks and swans symbolize chastity and grace, devotion and love, mutual understanding and support. Families who had long dreamed of children and procreation decorated their homes with storks. The figurine of a stork is especially popular in Scandinavian countries, where it symbolizes home and patronizes travelers.
A figurine of a stork is installed on the roof by people for whom family values are important. Figures of angels and images of biblical characters on weathervanes symbolize faith, connection with the Almighty and the spiritual world. They bring happiness, kindness, warmth and comfort to the inhabitants of the house.
An angel weather vane will give family comfort and peace of mind The buildings of port cities were crowned with ship weathervanes, and later every sailor considered it an honor to decorate the spire of his house with a sailboat flying on the wings of the wind.
The ship on the spire of the building symbolized unstoppability, courage and naval glory Weather vanes with propellers look impressive even in light winds. The additional movement of the blades adds weightlessness and mobility to the design.
By the speed of rotation of the blades you can judge the speed of the wind Thus, in addition to its main purpose, the weather vane is a mirror image of the inner world of its owner, acts as a symbol of the home and an element of architectural art.
It always seemed to me that the richer and more respectable the house, the more interesting not only its idea should be, but also the accompanying “accessories”. It’s not for nothing that they say that everything new is well forgotten old. I believe that a weather vane is a roof element that will give individuality to your building. Moreover, you can experiment with sizes and shapes, the main thing is to know the meaning of these symbols.
Alyonahttp://proroofer.ru/aksessuary/flyuger-na-kryshu.html
Do-it-yourself weather vane from a variety of available materials
You can make a weather vane with your own hands from scrap materials. But based on the properties of the materials, a structure made of metal is much stronger and more durable than figurines made of plywood or wood. Weather vanes made of plastic are less susceptible to rain, snow, frost or sun, but are inferior in brightness and style. metal structures. Although any weather vane, made with soul and imagination, will delight you and your children, neighbors, guests and random passers-by.
The weather vane is a simple structure consisting of a horizontal “Wind Rose” scale, a body, a counterweight and a weather vane, located on a vertical movable axis.
You can use plywood, plastic or sheet iron as a weather vane. Metal weather vane
Before you start making a metal weather vane, you need to transfer the image of the figure onto the sheet using a sketch. The ideal material for such a weather vane is sheet copper.
The image you like must be transferred to a sheet of metal Draw a figurine of a weather vane at your discretion or download a sketch from the Internet - this will save time and expand the horizons of your imagination. The pictures for the weather vane amaze with their diversity and creativity.
Step-by-step instructions for making a metal weather vane
- Using metalwork clamps, secure the sheet of metal with the image of the figurine on a workbench or stable table. Cut out the image along the contour with a jigsaw.
The image of the figure, applied to a sheet of metal, must be carefully cut out with a jigsaw - Clean out rough edges and burrs using a metal file or grinder with a grinding wheel.
You can clean up any uneven spots left by a jigsaw using grinding wheel and a file - Carry out finer processing in hard-to-reach places using a fine file.
Fine processing is carried out by hand with files - Make holes for the eyes and nose with an electric drill with a drill with a diameter of 10–12 mm.
Holes for the eyes and nose are made with a drill - Using a needle file and a semicircular file, give the holes a completed shape.
The exact shape of the eye holes can be given by processing their edges with a file. - Make a cat's nose from rolled metal, rounding the edges with a grinder.
To make a nose, the edges of a metal rod are rounded, and then a fragment of the required length is cut off - Weld the cat's nose and whiskers using a welding machine.
Electric or gas is used to connect metal parts. welding machine - Using a jigsaw, cut out two fragments along the contour: the arrow and the tail.
The details of the “Compass Rose” arrow are cut out with a jigsaw - To make a swivel joint, drill 12 mm diameter holes in the ball and cover.
To make the hole exactly in the center, secure the required part in a vice - Weld the lid, rod, ball, arrows, and weather vane figure to the base of the rotary hinge. Treat traces of welding seams with a grinding wheel of an angle grinder.
After welding, you need to clean all connecting seams with a grinder - Insert a metal ball lubricated with any thick lubricant between the support rod and the stand. This will provide the weather vane with the necessary mobility from a slight breeze.
The ball treated with thick lubricant will provide the weather vane with sufficient mobility
Video: stainless steel weather vane
Weather vane made from plastic bottles
If you don’t have extra money to buy a weather vane, you can make one from plastic bottles. Even a child can make the simplest weather vane. We will need the following materials and tools:
- plastic bottle;
- strong knitting needle or rigid wire with a diameter of 1.5–2 mm;
- fixing bead;
- wooden block;
- scissors and pliers.
Making your own weather vane from a plastic bottle: step-by-step instructions
Video: weather vane made from a plastic bottle
Weather vane made of CDs
A weather vane made from CDs is also not an expensive pleasure, especially if you use old ones to make it. unnecessary disks. Choose the number of blades at your discretion (from 2 to 6). You can, of course, use all the disks that you have lying around unclaimed, but is it worth it? The basis for fixing the disk-blades will be a wheel from a scooter, baby stroller or roller skate.
Step-by-step instructions for making your own weather vane from CDs
- We make cuts in the wheel at an angle of 30–35 degrees in the designated places. The number of cuts must match the number of blades.
To make cuts, the wheel must be securely secured in a vice. - We fix the discs in the wheel with epoxy glue.
The CD is mounted into the cut using epoxy glue - We make a rocker arm for a weather vane from a wooden block: on one side we cut a cut for the disc-tail.
The disc is inserted into the sawn cut and reinforced with wire - WITH reverse side we strengthen the wheel with blades.
The weather vane head is secured to the rocker arm using a self-tapping screw and a screwdriver - Determine the center of gravity on the rocker arm.
The center of the rocker will be attached to the main pole - We drill a hole in the center and attach it to the base of the structure (pole) using a self-tapping screw without a thread at the head.
A self-tapping screw at the head without a thread will provide the weather vane with a good response to the wind - For better mobility, we place a nut and washers of the appropriate diameter between the pole and the rocker.
Make sure that the rocker rotates easily on the base. - We install the weather vane on appropriate place and catch sunbeams.
Children will appreciate the sunbeams that will appear in abundance due to the reflection sun rays from the discs on the weather vane
When installing a CD weathervane, be careful not to damage it on building corners, roofs, or chimneys.
Video: CD weathervane
Weather vane made of wood and plywood
A simple wooden weather vane made of wood and plywood can be made by any dad who has the skills to use a jigsaw and a hammer.
So, we will need:
- plywood isosceles triangle measuring 20*30 cm;
- two equilateral triangle: 7.5*7.5 cm and 12.5*12.5 cm;
- jigsaw and glue.
Step-by-step instruction manufacturing is as follows:
A weather vane made of wood and plywood must be coated with a water-repellent primer and varnish or paint that is resistant to precipitation and temperature changes.
Video: wooden weather vane with propeller
There are many weather vanes that the youngest designer of your garden plot or cottage could make. Paper cups, plastic tubes, sheets of colored paper and even pieces of colorful fabric will work for this. You can even have a competition to see whose weather vane is better. Let's hope that little hands can handle a paper cup faster than daddy's with sheet metal.
Weather vanes that can be built with a minimum of material and time How to properly install a weather vane on a roof
At first glance, installing a weather vane may seem like a complicated and difficult job. After all, the mount must be quite strong in order to withstand the pressure of gusty winds. The main danger is that working at height involves unforeseen risks and must be carried out with a safety rope and a reliable partner. Weather vanes are mounted on roof ridges, on chimneys or chimney caps (deflectors).
Of course, you can make the fastenings yourself, but it is much safer to purchase ready-made ones in hardware stores. Moreover, fastener designs are designed for different types roofs. With such brackets, attaching the weather vane to the roof ridge will not be difficult. The most common type of fastening for a gable roof is easily fixed to the ridge using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
Using a ready-made mount, installing a weather vane on the roof ridge will not be difficult If it is necessary to strengthen the weather vane on a flat horizontal surface or pitched roof, use a special flat mount.
The bracket is secured with four self-tapping screws on a horizontal surface For sloping roof A special bracket is suitable for mounting on movable legs, fixed to the roof using nuts and bolts.
The hinged mounting of the legs allows you to secure this bracket on a roof with different slope angles For correct installation weather vane required:
- using fasteners, align the mounting hole for the weather vane rod vertically;
- use a compass to set arrows indicating the cardinal directions (wind rose);
- if necessary, install a bearing at the base of the weather vane to allow the structure to slide smoothly depending on the wind direction;
- secure the weather vane to a fastening device suitable for your roof type.
In order for the weather vane to rotate easily, the rotation unit must be generously lubricated with thick lubricant and protected from moisture. This will improve the accuracy of wind direction readings and increase the service life of the structure.
Video: how to install a weather vane on a roof ridge
If you are not very strapped for money, purchase a weather vane with an image that is most suitable in style and design. Do not forget that the weather vane also protects the home and emphasizes the originality and subtle psychological traits of its owner. But the design, made by the owner’s own hands, will delight your family and random passers-by. Imagine, invent, design and enjoy!
Every person wants his home to be beautiful both inside and outside. To decorate the exterior of the house, both decorative finishing materials and various statues, trees and flower beds are used. Today you can also decorate the roof of your private home or country house using a weather vane.
A weather vane is a flag that rotates around its axis under the influence of the wind. Previously, they were used to determine the direction and strength of the wind. At present, they have become excellent and original decoration roofs of the home.
Story
The weather vane has its own rich history. There is no exact information about who and when the first weather vane was made. But today it is known for certain that the first weather vane decorated the Tower of the Winds in Athens, and this was around 48 BC. This weather vane was an image of the sea god Triton and the direction of the eight winds. You can immediately understand that even the very first design had a symbolic meaning.
The tradition of making weather vanes in the shape of a rooster originated in England. There, since ancient times, it was considered a symbol of a new day, vigilance and had magical meaning. The rooster is also a symbol of Christianity. During his reign, the Pope ordered all churches to be decorated with the image of a rooster, which symbolized the Apostle Peter. Thus, the roofs of cathedrals in Catholic Europe began to be decorated with weather vanes depicting this bird.
The rooster is also a symbol of France, which is why its people love to decorate their houses with weathervanes with this particular image.
The Vikings also loved this device. They made weather vanes from bronze, often gilded, depicting figures and scenes from Scandinavian mythology. The Vikings often placed their weather vanes on their ships. The symbol of the stork - the patron saint of the family hearth - originated in the Scandinavian countries.
During the era of feudalism in Europe, the weather vane was made with the image of the coat of arms of the owner of a particular castle. The Japanese and Chinese, who had their own mythology, loved to decorate their homes with weathervanes depicting a dragon. He brought good luck to the house and protected it from evil spirits.
In Rus', weather vanes began to appear in the 15th century as home decorations. Initially they were made in the form of a flag. But over time, they began to depict animals, people and mystical creatures.
In 1782, by order of Empress Catherine II, the largest weather vane in the world was made and installed. The name was given to him symbolically - Tsar Weathervane. But, unfortunately, due to its enormous weight, it did not last long and was subsequently melted down.
Over time, this device gained increasing popularity, so in Europe, at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, workshops even began to appear in which weather vanes were produced en masse.
It should be noted that this trend is still observed today due to the growing demand for this design. As it turned out, weather vanes have not lost their meteorological value. Forecasts do not always correspond to reality, and modern weather vanes, equipped with more complex design And electronic stuffing, can easily determine the strength of the wind and its direction. They are most often used by modern weather services and aviation bases.
Today, the simplest version of this device has lost its scientific value due to the development of technology, but modern people Everyone also decorates the roofs of their houses with this simple device for decorative purposes.
Design features and operating principle
A weather vane is a simple meteorological device. Its main part is a flag, which, under the influence of wind, rotates in the direction of least resistance. At the base of the structure there is a wind rose, usually having four or eight directions. Using them you can accurately determine where the wind is blowing from. The weather vane design can also be equipped with a small fan, which will create noise and vibration, scaring away small rodents and birds.
It is necessary to understand that any weather vane consists of mandatory parts, which include:
- a housing that is inserted into the axle;
- a bearing that ensures free rotation and is located in the housing;
- a wind rose indicating the cardinal directions (without it, it is simply impossible to determine the direction of the wind);
- an axis connecting the body to the flag;
- cap, which is important detail and protects the bearing from moisture getting into it;
- a flag indicating the direction of the wind, and often representing a decorative figurine;
- a counterweight that must be placed on the opposite side of the flag to rotate it.
It is better to fasten all parts of the weather vane efficiently to each other, and it is also better if they are processed either decorative paint, or protective varnish for long-term operation of the device.
Select an option
Undoubtedly, a beautiful and original weather vane can be purchased in a store. But it is also possible to make it yourself at home. To do this you need to select suitable material and develop a detailed sketch of the device.
The weather vane can be made from a variety of materials:
- plywood;
- tree;
- metal;
- plastic or plastic bottles;
- old CDs.
The last two options are suitable for small structures that can be placed, for example, on the roof of a veranda or gazebo. Plywood and wood are short-lived materials, even if they are treated with special means.
Metal can withstand all weather changes and strong gusts of wind, so it is considered the most successful material for a decorative weather vane.
The most important step is choosing a figure for the flag. After all, there are opinions that it is not easy decorative element, but also a certain symbol. Therefore, any image has its own mystical overtones. The symbols are deciphered as follows:
- The rooster is very popular in Russia; it scares away evil spirits.
- The cat is a symbol of home comfort.
- The owl symbolizes wisdom.
- Leo, the king of beasts, indicates power and strength.
- The eagle helps protect your home from enemies.
- The stork brings mutual understanding and happiness to the house.
- The goose is a symbol of vigilance, love and order in the home.
- The chimney sweep is a symbol of good luck.
- George the Victorious protects the house from any troubles.
- Baba Yaga opposes the evil influence of evil spirits.
When choosing a weather vane figurine for your home or cottage, it is better to familiarize yourself with what it can symbolize.
It should be noted that there are several main functions that this design has.
- Meteorological. First of all, a weather vane serves to measure the speed and strength of the wind and indicate its direction.
- Protective. When installing this structure on a chimney, it serves as protection from strong wind blowing.
- Repellent. If you install a propeller on the weather vane and place this device not on the roof, but on the ground, then the vibrations will repel moles, rodents and shrews. If you install an electronic windmill, the effect will be stronger.
- Decorative. This device often has a very attractive appearance, therefore it is installed on the roof as an unusual decorative element.
Materials and tools
Typically, the design of a simple weather vane includes the following elements:
- checkbox, which turns in the direction of the wind. It may have a simple geometric shape or an unusual decorative design and be the main decoration of the device.
- Arrow. The figurine is most often placed on it.
- Counterweight. It is located on the opposite side of the flag. It must have a greater mass than the mass of the flag, then it can return to its original position.
- Vertical axis. It is mounted either on a bearing or on a metal ball, which allows the structure to rotate.
- Cap prevents water from entering the bearing.
It is best to make a flag from metal, for example, it can be copper or steel. This way it will be much more durable than a product made from wood or plywood sheets.
There is always the opportunity to make a forged product, but it will be quite heavy, and not everyone can do it on their own. And the work of a master will be expensive.
Any material must be processed protective coating, such as paint, to withstand environmental influences.
The base and axle should be metal, as this is a very strong material for their construction.
To make a weather vane with your own hands, you will need special tools:
- a jigsaw for wood or metal (this is useful for cutting out a flag);
- drill;
- hammer;
- soldering iron;
- vice;
- pliers;
- grinder and files;
- sandpaper.
Drawing
First of all, you need to decide which figure will crown the weather vane. Then you need to create its drawing with your own hands. If you have never cut out this kind of shapes before, then it is better to stick to a simple option for better execution.
The circuit is very easy to make yourself. It is better to first draw a drawing on a regular sheet of paper, and then complete it in exactly the size that the figure will be, thereby obtaining a stencil. This stencil will be universal for any manufacturing material. It is better to choose its dimensions in the range from 300 to 500 mm, otherwise the flag may break.
Manufacturing stages
Regardless of the choice of materials and shape of the figurine, the manufacturing steps will be the same.
The main parts of the structure are the axle and its body. The process of rotating the weather vane will depend on them. It is better to install the axle on a bearing, and the diameter of its base should clearly match the diameter of the bearing. The bearing must be covered with a housing to prevent moisture from getting on it.
During the manufacture of the device, it is very important to follow all the technology, since its functioning will directly depend on this.
Figures cut out from a stencil using a plasma cutter or sawed out with a jigsaw are very beautiful. An updated version of the fan type can be made from an old weather vane. It will look more modern.
The first step is to make a flag. A pre-prepared stencil is placed on a sheet of metal, secured with clamps and cut out using a jigsaw. Sawing a picture using a regular one with a hand jigsaw represents a very difficult process. Therefore, if you have a jigsaw, then it is better to use it. If you prefer metal, for example, plywood or a plastic panel, then you can use a plasma cutter.
As soon as one part of the figure is cut out, you need to loosen the fastening and turn the sheet over so that you have free access to the other part. The lines must be cut carefully so that no irregularities arise. It is better to carry out all work on a metal table.
After the figure is cut out, it needs to be sanded well using a sanding machine. Small holes are cut using a drill and smoothed with a file.
After making the flag, you need to make an arrow. It is also better to make it from metal. A stencil is applied to it and cut out required form products. The boom will include two parts, which are manufactured separately. Both parts need to be sanded well.
Both parts of the pipe are welded to rotary mechanism. A metal ball or bearing can be used as it.
After the arrow is secured, you can attach the figurine prepared earlier. It is also better to do this by welding for greater structural reliability. The flag must be secured to one part of the arrow, since there will be a counterweight on the other at its sharp end.
Support
To make the support you will need a thick metal rod. It is attached to the end of a pipe, into which a metal ball must also be placed.
Lid
The cover can be made of any materials, the main thing is that it fully matches the dimensions and protects the bearing well from moisture.
Rose of Wind
The wind rose must be made from metal rods up to 20 cm long, which must be welded together at an angle of 90 degrees. At the ends of these rods there will be letters indicating parts of the world. Often used letters, but you can also select letters of the Russian alphabet corresponding to each side. The height of each letter must be at least 70 mm. The wind rose is welded onto the housing cover.
Vane
The entire structure is assembled, starting from the base and ending with the flag picture. Using the case, you need to adjust the wind rose so that it shows reliable data. After all this, you can move on to the fasteners.
Fasteners
Fastening is made only after the product is completely assembled. It is necessary to decide in advance on the location of the fastener; this can be either a chimney or the ridge of the roof. Depending on the location, the mounting system will be supported.
Roof mounting
It is very important to install the weather vane correctly. It should be mounted in the highest place of the house strictly vertically. If the first time it is not possible to set the axis vertical exactly, it must be corrected later.
Before installation, it is better to treat the finished weather vane with paint or enamel, which will withstand the influences external environment. When installing the weather vane, you do not need to tighten its elements too much.
Excessive rigidity of the fastening will not be able to withstand the wind well.
Mounting can be done in several ways:
- using a round base in the form of a flange;
- using plates or clamps;
- using metal slats for mounting on the chimney.
In order for the weather vane to catch even the slightest breath of wind, it is better to install it at a height of 10-12 meters. The process of installing a structure on a house canopy is not at all complicated, but it has a number of features.
When attaching a weather vane to a ridge, you will need two metal plates. They are screwed on both sides of the ridge, a piece of metal pipe of the required diameter is attached to them, a thread is cut and a nut is put on. Then you can install the entire structure, securing it in the hole with a nut. It is better to lubricate all parts that come into contact with each other with grease.
If you decide to place a weather vane on a chimney pipe, then you need to take into account that the thickness of the metal cap must be at least 2 mm so that the structure does not collapse. The bracket is attached to the cap using rivets. The main shaft of the weather vane is then screwed into the bracket and secured with a bolt and nut.
Not everyone has the opportunity to make a real weather vane on their own or order one from professionals. In this case, you can make a weather vane with your own hands from scrap materials at no additional cost.
A variant of this design could be a homemade weather vane made from plastic bottles. One type of such a homemade device is a weather vane in the form of a propeller. For this design you will need a bicycle wheel, metal pipe, as well as plastic bottles.
Its production will proceed as follows:
- The bicycle wheel is divided into four even parts, then places for attaching bottles are marked.
- At the next stage, plastic bottle caps are attached using self-tapping screws.
- Next, the blades themselves are prepared. One side of the bottles is cut out using a stationery knife.
- The bottles need to be placed on the wheel by screwing their necks into the caps.
- Next, the wheel must be secured to the pipe so that it can rotate, for example, using a suitable screw.
- Finally, the finished weather vane can be installed in open areas.
You can make a weather vane in the form of a pinwheel. It only requires one plastic bottle and a metal rod. Manufacturing occurs according to the following algorithm:
- On the bottle you need to mark the places that will be cut in the shape of blades.
- Then they need to be cut to the top of the bottle so that they are sufficiently secured.
- Next, bend the cut parts at right angles.
- The bottle cap must be secured to the rod, which will serve as the axis of the weather vane.
- Then the finished bottle is attached to the axle.
- The resulting weather vane can be painted and decorated with multi-colored ribbons to give it a decorative look.
DIY crafts in the shape of roosters will be relevant not only during the holidays in New Year 2017, but also every year at Easter. And without them it is simply impossible to imagine an interior in Provence, country or rustic style. In this material, we presented 6 step-by-step master classes on how to make cute crafts in the form of roosters to decorate your home, Christmas tree or holiday table from scrap and even waste materials.
Master class 1. Candy bowl in the shape of a rooster
Looking at this elegant candy dish, it’s hard to imagine that you can make it yourself, and even from... cardboard boxes for eggs. In fact, to make such a handsome man it will not take much time or the skills of an artist-sculptor. By the way, even a child can do most of the work, so this great idea New Year's crafts for school or kindergarten.
With this candy bowl you can decorate your holiday table and surprise your guests. However, it can be filled not only with sweets, but also with tangerines, small gifts for competitions, and notes with predictions. You can also put a cockerel under the tree along with a gift.
Materials:
- 7 packages for a dozen eggs;
- Scissors;
- Acrylic paints and brushes;
- Hot glue gun;
- PVA glue (at least 250 g);
- Balloon;
- Old newspapers;
- White paper.
Instructions:
Step 1. Cut out the cones located in the middle of the tray, then cut their sides into feather petals. Each cone should have 4 feathers.
Step 2. Now we need to make blanks for the head and throat of the rooster according to the principle of adding feathers to cones: the head will consist of 5 feathers, the second cone (throat) - of 6 feathers, the third cone - of 8, the fourth - of 10, the fifth - of 12 feathers. And finally, make the sixth piece, but in the form of a fan of 8 feathers, and not in the form of a cone, since this part will cover the beginning of the back. To extend feathers, use tape, gluing it with inside blanks
Step 3. For now, set the cones aside and cut out the beak, comb and wattle of the rooster. The comb just needs to be drawn and cut out. To make a beard, you need to cut a blank from two sidewalls of adjacent tray cells (see photo).
The next two photos show the principle of making the beak of our craft. Please note that the beak consists of two cones, because our rooster must crow!
Step 4. Now we begin to form the figure of the rooster, namely the head and throat. Glue all the cones together, starting with the smallest and ending with the largest, using a hot glue gun. Also glue the beak, beard and comb.
Step 5. Draw and cut out two blanks in the form of wings 15 cm long, then use a glue gun to cover them with feathers... from the same cones.
Step 6. Cut feathers for the rooster's tail from the tray lids (you should get 4 feathers from one lid).
Step 7. Let's move on to making a belly-bowl for candy using the papier-mâché technique:
- inflate balloon and cut strips from white office paper and strips from old newspapers.
- Cover the entire ball tightly with strips soaked in PVA glue (the glue can be diluted slightly with water). The first and last layers must be white. There should be at least 4 layers of paper in total.
- The next day, when the paper is completely dry, burst the ball and cut the resulting “egg” into two unequal parts (one half should be slightly larger). Then place the small part in the larger one and glue it to make the bowl strong.
Step 8. Attach the rooster's head to the belly using a cardboard backing (from the inside). Hot glue the wings and tail to the rooster's body. Our craft in the shape of a rooster already looks surprisingly realistic!
Step 9. It's time to paint the candy bowl. You can choose the shades of paint to suit your taste, because roosters are different and it is not at all necessary to achieve complete realism. Perhaps your rooster will be beautiful in all-gold plumage? In the same project, shiny paints were used for the legs, beak, comb and beard, and pearlescent paints were used for painting the feathers.
Please note that the color transitions on the cockerel are smooth - from pearl white to gold and then to green.
Step 10: To provide more stability to your candy bowl, glue some kind of square support to the bowl and of course two legs made from 3-leaf cones. Finally, paint the paws, fill a bowl with candy and place your handsome one in a prominent place. Now he is ready to cheer up all the guests at the New Year's or Easter table!
Master class 2. Christmas tree decorations in the form of roosters
In the coming 2017, the Christmas tree must be decorated with decorations in the form of roosters. It is easier and best to make Christmas tree decorations with your own hands from felt, because it is so bright, affordable and easy to work with.
And here is a video instruction on how to make crafts in the shape of roosters-hearts with your own hands.
In this video you can see general principle making felt crafts in the form of cockerels.
In addition to the egg with the cockerel, make some more felt pendants and decorate the willow branches with them for Easter
Master class 3. Paper roosters with hanging legs (for children)
Here’s an idea for children’s crafts on the theme of the symbol of 2017, which can be made both for school/kindergarten and for decorating a Christmas tree or walls at home.
Instructions:
Step 1: Download and print the template, then cut out all the pieces.
Step 2. Cut one rope, glue the paws to its ends - these are the legs.
Step 3. Place the legs on the bottom loop, bend it along the dotted line and glue it to the body.
Step 4. Glue the top loop.
Step 5. Well, that's all, now all that remains is to color the cockerels to your taste.
Master class 4. Panel with a silhouette of a rooster in Provence style
The silhouette of a rooster, painted on rough old boards, will be an excellent decoration, rustic or. And a panel with the symbol of 2017 can be excellent New Year's gift. The following selection of photos presents several ideas for such crafts.
Materials:
- Wooden boards of small thickness. In this master class, boards from a pallet (pallet) were used; boards disassembled from wooden box for fruits. Whatever boards you choose, fresh or old, you need to clean and dry them before making the craft.
- Saw or jigsaw.
- Small nails.
- Hammer.
- Stain or acrylic paints of the desired color for the background. If you wish, you can use chalk paints, which are sold in finished form or diluted independently (from acrylic paints with the addition of gypsum). With their help, it will be easier to create the effect of an old tree.
- White acrylic or chalk paint to depict the silhouette of a rooster.
- Colorless matte primer for wood (preferably).
- Matte varnish (preferably).
- Brushes.
- Fine grit sandpaper.
- Pencil.
- Paper.
- Stationery or breadboard knife and scissors.
- Wood wax, clear or dark (optional).
Instructions:
Step 1. Estimate how many boards you will need to put together a panel of the desired size.
Step 2. Take measurements and cut the boards to the same length. Also prepare two smaller boards - they will act as crossbars and connect all the other boards.
Step 3: Place the main boards face down, line them up, then lay two smaller boards across them as shown in the photo below. Now nail each board to the cross beams.
Step 4. Clean the surface from dust, then apply primer to the panel in 1-2 layers, allowing each layer to dry. This step is not necessary as we want a rough and antique look to the wood and paint, but a primer is still necessary if you want to extend the life of your painting and make it easier to care for.
Step 5. Now we need to paint the boards, that is, create a background for our rooster. To create the effect of faded paint, this project used water stain white and blue color, which was applied unevenly. There is another way to make it look antique: paint the boards acrylic paint in 1 layer, wait for the paint to dry, then wipe the surface sandpaper in some places or throughout the entire area.
Step 6. It's time to start making the stencil. If you are making a small panel of approximately A4 size or less, then you can simply print the picture below, having first adjusted its dimensions in any photo editor. Then all you have to do is laminate the paper with transparent tape and cut out the silhouette of the rooster using a stationery or craft knife. Voila, the stencil is ready!
If you want to make a larger panel, for example, A3 format, then the picture will have to be printed in two parts (or more). To do this, upload the rooster silhouette to rasterbator.net, print the resulting PDF file, cut out the parts, then assemble them like a mosaic. Next, you can laminate the stencil with tape or transfer the outlines of the stencil from office paper to thicker or laminated paper (see photo).
As you can see, on this stencil, in addition to the silhouette of a bird, the French word “Le Coq” (trans. “rooster”) is carved out. You can repeat this idea or come up with your own signature, for example, “Bon appétit!”
Step 7. Attach the stencil to your panel using masking tape and start painting the silhouette with white paint. Once the paint is dry, sand some areas of the design with fine-grit sandpaper to create an antique effect.
Step 8. Hurray! Almost ready, all that remains is to apply a layer of wax to the panel and polish it. Keep in mind that dark wax will give your panel an even more “shabby” look, while clear wax will simply protect it.
Today, a weather vane mounted on a roof is more a tribute to tradition than a practical device. In order to make it you need to have minimal metalworking skills.
You can decorate your house, always be aware of the direction of the wind and surprise your neighbors if you make a weather vane with your own hands. For this, it is advisable to use sheet copper. The main elements that make up the product are the body and the axle. The weather vane is driven by the force of the wind.
Why do you need a weather vane?
The main purpose of a weather vane is to report the direction of the wind. However, it is believed that the rooster-shaped device can serve as a talisman for the home. According to Feng Shui, weather vanes promote installation good relations with neighbors.
If you decide to attach the product to your roof, the first thing you should do is make drawings of the propeller. Its presence on the weather vane will allow you to assess the strength of the wind. However, it is worth taking into account the fact that vibration may occur from it through the structures. The product is most often used for decorating roofs various buildings, posted on summer cottage. Such an element will become a harmonious addition.
Work order
- First you need to build a support. Take a pipe. A piece equal to 12.5 cm is cut from it. The diameter should be about 1.3 cm. A thread must be made in the upper part of the pipe so that a lid can be put on it.
- A bearing is placed inside the pipe. It is important that it fits correctly.
- The weather vane on the roof must be installed firmly. For this, it is recommended to use steel strips. They are mounted to the side of the device, but so that the rotation of the product occurs without interference.
- Special attention attached to the housing cover. It will not be difficult to make it from steel, the main thing is that it fits perfectly into the pipe thread.
- A similar product has a wind rose. Often it looks like thin steel sticks with letters attached to them, indicating the cardinal directions.
- To prevent moisture from entering the housing, a cap is mounted on top.
Photo gallery
Features of roof mounting
It’s not enough to make a weather vane with your own hands; you need to correctly install it on the roof. First, the body is filled with lithol or grease. Then, according to the compass, the direction of the wind rose is adjusted to the cardinal points.
There are several mounting methods:
- on the chimney cap using metal strips;
- welding a round flange to the end of the body;
- installation using clamps or flat plates.
It is quite simple to understand that everything is done correctly - the product should rotate freely around its axis even in light winds. In this case, you can install a vertical plate on the weather vane, its deviation will show you the strength of the wind. After you have installed the weather vane with your own hands, you can also install a lightning rod. Fasten one end of the steel wire to the product, and ground the other one and a half meters.
Now you know how to make a weather vane. To ensure that the device does not fail for a long time, the bearings must be lubricated at least once a year.
Weather vane as a decorative element
The most popular decorative shape of the product is a rooster. But this does not mean that you should stop at this option. At the moment you can find drawings for products completely different forms. For example, nothing prevents you from making a product in the form of characters from fairy tales, insects, zodiac signs, an airplane, a ship or animals.
You can add any dynamic elements to the weather vane design. This could be the figure of a horse that moves from a pecking bird or from a propeller. This delicacy will be appreciated by all the neighbors in the area.
Moving parts will be visible on low buildings. They are great at scaring away birds. You can install weather vanes of this type in garages and greenhouses. The product will decorate.
Materials
Now it’s clear to you how to make a weather vane with your own hands, but the question remains about what the product can be made from. As a rule, copper or steel is preferred. At the same time, the outside of the finished device is coated with paint. Rarely seen Forged Products. But in fact, you can make a weather vane from scrap materials.
So, the materials can be CDs, plastic bottles, tin and moisture-resistant plywood. If you prefer wood, it is worth remembering that when connecting parts you do not need to fasten them tightly. Otherwise, the dynamics will be disrupted.
The simplest weather vane model (video)
