I am experimenting with some windmills. Each has a small electric motor wired to act as a generator to light LEDs that flash and change colors. If you look closely at the smaller one, you can see two LEDs sticking up on top. The LEDs do light, but it requires a lot of wind.......only one prop.  These are prototypes and that is where I need the advise. The smaller one doesn't work well because the prop is too small. The larger one is in it's first day of experimenting and I'm sure the prop material I used won't stand too long. I used plastic corner mold because it is light and cheap. However, I would like to go with wood and that is where I'd like some suggestions.

1. Would one eighth plywood take the weather?

2. Any other suggestions on easy to work with and readily available materials?

Thanks

Ron

Cedar is a good choice. It withstands the weather, is easy to work light weight and takes a finish great. Ply when it gets wet will separate into its layers.  Hopefully someone else will chime in with their thoughts. Mine are based on outdoor furniture and the like. Around my part readily accessible and not very pricey.

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

I think the plywood will hold up for a period of time if it's treated thoroughly with something like Thompson's water seal or a good exterior paint. But yes cedar or cypress would be the better choices. I have used 1/8" baltic birch for latches on some blue bird houses in our yard and 2 years later with no treatment it is still has no separation .  BTW neat project Ron

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

The two bladed prop does not have the sail space to  catch small breezes.  The multi bladed one might but all those veins are mass  creating a healthy amount of still inertia that must be overcome by the force of the breeze.

I don't imagine that any plywood  will last long out of doors.  Can't hurt to try it though. Saturate it with penetrating epoxy and paint with UV resistant outdoor paint.

Now here's the "real" question.

Can the neighborhood kids resist taking the flashing things out with pellet guns and slingshots?

I'd try metal though. Roofing flashing is light and strong and weather resistant.   Put folds in it to get strength. It takes paint too.

Greg,

Those are really cool. Like the added lights. 

If this is something you want to make to market. You might consider a marine grade ply. Also check out places that have supplies for whirligigs, you might find other materials offered that would be more cost effective.

Here is a link to one www.cherrytreetoys.com . 

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No greater Loves than God, Family, Friends, country, the sight of flying chips and the smell of saw dust.

 The two bladed one was used because I found a box of model airplane props and I figured I'd use one to see how it did.

Not so good. Then I fashioned 3 of them into a multi blade prop.  The whole thing blew off its perch and broke the prop

Cliff said:

The two bladed prop does not have the sail space to  catch small breezes.  The multi bladed one might but all those veins are mass  creating a healthy amount of still inertia that must be overcome by the force of the breeze.

I don't imagine that any plywood  will last long out of doors.  Can't hurt to try it though. Saturate it with penetrating epoxy and paint with UV resistant outdoor paint.

Now here's the "real" question.

Can the neighborhood kids resist taking the flashing things out with pellet guns and slingshots?

I'd try metal though. Roofing flashing is light and strong and weather resistant.   Put folds in it to get strength. It takes paint too.

wider blades made out of cedar (lightweight) are the ticket.