How to Design a Simple Weather Vane
Make a simple weather vane out of an old broom stick, a ruler and a few pieces of aluminum. Weather vanes are used to determine the direction of the wind as well as which way is north. Weather vanes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and decorative weather vanes are often displayed in a kitchen or garage area. They are made from a variety of materials including sheet metal, aluminum and wood.
Things You'll Need
- Small saw
- 12-inch-long piece of wood or ruler
- Nails
- Hammer
- Aluminum pie plate
- Scissors that can cut aluminum
- Glue
- Metal washer
- Broom handle
Instructions
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1
Saw a 1/2-inch vertical slit into each end of the wood or ruler. Hammer a nail through the middle of the wood and spin the wood around the nail several times until it turns easily.
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2
Cut an arrowhead head and tail out of the aluminum plate. The tail should be a little less than an inch wide and a little more than 2 inches in length. The arrowhead should be about 2 1/2 inches in length and less than an inch in width at the head's center point. Glue the head and tail into the slits on the ruler and allow to dry.
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3
Place the metal washer on the end of the broom handle. Hammer the nail in what is now the top of the weather vane through the washer and into the handle. Ensure the arrow moves easily and mount the weather vane outside.
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Tips & Warnings
Miniature weather vanes can be made out of items such as thick cardboard. These make a fun project for children and can be decorated with paint, crayons and markers.
Use caution when cutting the aluminum to avoid injury on the cut edges. Protective gloves can be worn to guard against cuts and abrasions.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit weather vane image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
