How to Build Weather Vanes
A weather vane indicates the direction of the wind. Once a useful weather instrument, weather vanes are often used to add a folk or whimsical element to a home, garage, barn or shed. Weather vanes are a classic symbol of rural life in early America. A classic weather vane can be built in a home workshop with a few basic materials and tools. Cedar and copper are ideal choices for a weather vane because both weather beautifully over time. In addition to beauty, they are both lightweight to allow for sensitivity to the wind.
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Things You'll Need
- 1-3-by-24-inch cedar board
- Band saw
- 6-by-6-inch copper flashing, 2 sheets
- Pencil
- Tin snips
- Glue
- Finish nails, 1 box
- Hammer
- Drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- 1/4-by-6-inch metal rod
- 1/4-inch washer
- 2-by-36-inch dowel
Instructions
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1
Saw a 2-inch deep slit in each 1-inch thick end of the cedar board with a band saw.
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2
Draw an arrow point or triangle on one copper sheet. Draw a tail fin on the remaining copper sheet. These will be inserted into either end of the cedar board.
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3
Apply glue to the slits in each end of the board. Slide the arrow point and tail in each end of the board respectively.
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4
Hammer two finish nails into each end to secure the copper in place. Space the nails approximately one inch apart.
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5
Drill a 1/4-inch hole two inches deep into the center of the weather vane assembly. Drill a 1/4-inch hole two inches deep into the center of one end of the dowel.
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6
Inserted the metal rod into the dowel. Slide the washer over the metal rod. Insert the weather vane assembly onto the metal rod.
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7
Mount the dowel to a deck, house roof, shed, garage or barn. Use mounting hardware specific to the place you have selected.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Cut out a rooster for a more decorative weather vane.
Wear eye protection when working with wood and copper.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit weather vane image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
