Nearly 10 years ago I made a novelty windmill. I was given some junior roller blades with true wheel bearings. I have used some of the bearings on a center steady for my lathe and others on windmills. I made a windmill that worked really well. I had to repair it once when a piece of hail the size of a tennis ball broke a blade. Last week I found it in pieces. I'm sure that a huge gust of wind caused it to go airborne and shatter all the blades. So I am making a new one. The blade design and angle are 12 in dia and all out of my mind and may not work well. In the picture you can see I have it laid out on my saw with the blades glued in position by some wooden blocks at the proper angle. I used silicone glue because it holds very well and does remain somewhat flexible. I haven't decided on the paint color or design of the tail fin. The blades are made of clear plastic and After I finalize it I will  post a movie of it in action ( I hope)..........if all goes well

Lookin' really cool so far!

 I got it finished and working. Its doing good. The last time I tried to post a video........it didn't work. I hope it does this time...............It didn't, I'll try something else.

 Maybe someone can help. I used an iphone to get the picture and I use a Macbook
  How do I attach a video to my entry? I have NO have no problem anywhere else

Edited June 2, 20215 yr by Ron Altier

iMovie does not work on lots of forums 

you may need to make a YouTube and post that. Or convert to another format

Here's how to switch your iPhone back to jpeg and mp4. Mp4 videos can be loaded directly to the Patriot site.

 

"To make the switch from HEIF/HEVC back to JPG/MP4, navigate to “Settings -> Camera -> Format.” Here you will see that “High Efficiency” is selected by default. Tap on “Most Compatible” instead to force your iOS device to capture images in JPG and video in MP4. You can always reverse this action if and when it suits you."

Thanks, I'll give it a try

Looks good Ron.  What type of wood did you use to hold up to the weather?  Do you power anything with it, or just to watch and slow down the wind?

1 hour ago, Cal said:

Looks good Ron.  What type of wood did you use to hold up to the weather?  Do you power anything with it, or just to watch and slow down the wind?

I used heavy Oak for the solid  prop base. I discovered long ago that the sun at a mile high destroys most wood and finishes. Hard wood and a good finish only last until the next hail storm hits. I've had hailstones as big as baseballs in my backyard. Only about 3 or 4, the rest were smaller. Up the way a quarter mile they got all the big ones and it destroyed bout everything.....windows, plastic chairs, railing, roofs, etc. 

 I haven't powered anything yet successfully. I did try with an earlier windmill with a small toy generator. It did work, not very well, but not long. You guessed it.........hail destroyed it.

 

I'm just having fun!

Here is the 95% complete windmill. Still have trim paint to do.

Edited June 6, 20215 yr by Ron Altier

Cool!!!

I didn't have to change settings, I just changed cameras. I got Cannon Pixel shot and it worked first time. Now.............I must remember that!

I'll do a better job next time.

Very cool Ron

That's a piece of art. Well done, Ron!