How to Make Windmill Motors
Windmills have been used for years to generate power and are a popular crafting hobby as well. The variety in design, shape and complexity vary from project to project but there are a few basic principles that are required for any windmill. The requirements to build a windmill are simple: a motor, blades, a tower, a mount for the top of the tower, and a control system. For building a craft windmill at home, the requirements are: a motor, blades, a tower, a stand for the tower, and an on and off switch. Even if a windmill will be using natural wind to turn, it will still need a motor to get it started.
Things You'll Need
- Hard flat plastic
- Heavy-duty scissors or sharp knife
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Three blades
- Superglue
- DC motor
- On/off switch with batteries
Instructions
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1
Cut a circular piece out of the hard plastic with heavy-duty scissors or a sharp knife. This will act as the base for the windmill blades.
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2
Drill a hole in the center of the plastic.
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3
Sand any sharp pieces off the plastic with sandpaper.
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4
Attach the three blades in a Y shape onto the plastic piece.
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5
Twist the red and black wires from the on/off switch on to the red and black wires on the DC motor.
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6
Test the motor by turning the on/off switch on and off a few times. Make sure you keep your fingers away from the small metal pin. This part spins the blades of the motor.
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7
Superglue the plastic piece onto the part of the DC motor that spins. This piece will look like a small metal pin.
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Tips & Warnings
Buying a DC motor from a hobby shop is easier than removing one from a toy. Attaching the motor to a tower and base for the windmill is the best way to test it.
The metal pins and inner wiring of the DC motor can be dangerous. You should keep your hands away from those parts of the motor.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
