For a long time, humanity used weather vanes to determine the speed and direction of the wind. This can be either a simple flag installed on some elevated area or a more complex structure equipped with a rotating arrow and a tube, thanks to which the wind speed is determined. The rotation of the weather vane occurs due to the fact that air masses press on the flag, trying to take the most optimal position. In this case, the counterweight takes the direction of the direction the wind is blowing. Often such a device is equipped special points, which show the direction to the cardinal points. It is thanks to them that wind speed observations are made.

If you want to make a weather vane with your own hands, it is not so difficult; for this, as a rule, tin, wood, plastic or metal are used. At the same time, the appearance of the device can be performed as a full-fledged work of art.

In Europe, many city houses have long been decorated with original and interesting weather vanes, made in the form of various fairy-tale characters, buildings, birds, ships, animals, etc. The somewhat simple functional design and unique appearance have contributed to the great popularity of such products among owners of country houses and country houses, where weather vanes for the most part act only as decoration.

Stages of weather vane production

If you are going to do everything yourself, then first of all you will need to prepare a small sketch of the product. To do this, use marked or special graph paper. Also, if necessary, you can draw the figure on a natural scale.

To make a weather vane, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Welding machine;
• 80mm steel ball;
• Metal sheet 1.5-2 millimeters thick;
• Chisel;
• Copper pipe with a diameter of 18 millimeters;
• Hammer;
• Round 12mm rolled metal;
• Wire 3 millimeters in diameter;
• Metal drills;
• Steel pipes 12, 22.5 or 25 mm in diameter;
• Electric drill;
• 5 cm pipe 60 mm in diameter;
• Electric jigsaw;
• Rolled metal in the shape of a square with sides 15 by 15 mm;
• Files;
• 15mm ball from ball bearing;
• Grinder or angle grinder, or angle cable machine;
• A metal plate 12 millimeters thick with sides 60 by 60 mm.

Next, we will look at the process of making a weather vane with your own hands. It is worth noting that if you wish and have all the listed materials, tools, as well as drawings, you can complete the work within a day. The videos and photos presented in the article will help you understand the tips and work order.

In general, work on making a weather vane can be divided into the following stages:

1. Preparation for the main work.
2. Cutting blanks.
3. Arrow preparation.
4. Execution of a rotating device.

Important! When working with metal elements and materials, do not neglect safety precautions. Welding should be performed in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials. During work, it is recommended to use fairly thick clothing made of natural fabric, a protective shield and gloves.

Drawings and sketches

The most popular drawings and sketches for making weather vanes are sketches of figures of a cat and a rooster. Using a dimensional grid, you can copy the image onto the surface of a metal sheet, enlarging it to the required dimensions along the way.

Arrows are marked on the image, thanks to which the direction of the wind, as well as the dimensions of the rotating unit, can be determined in the future.

Work order

Let's take the figure of a cat as an example.

First of all, the outline of the future weather vane is displayed on the surface of the metal sheet. Before you start cutting out the shape, you need to secure the sheet well to eliminate the possibility of it moving during work. For this it is better to use locksmith clamps, through which the material is securely fixed on the workbench.

You can get rid of the formed burrs after cutting with a grinder and a grinding wheel. To process hard-to-reach areas, it is better to use a thin, wide file.

Lock securely metal product on a workbench, then drill small holes in it for the mustache, eyes and nose. You can use drills 12-15 millimeters in diameter.

You can achieve the characteristic oval shape for a cat's eyes using a needle file or a file. round shape. With their help, the holes made are gradually expanded to the desired size.

Steel wire with a diameter of 3 millimeters must be cut into pieces of 100-120 millimeters. Next, a 10-20 mm indentation is made, after which it is necessary to make an L-shaped bend. As a result of these actions, we will obtain blanks for the weather vane.

To make the nose, a 20-mm round rolled metal will be useful. Next, using an angle grinder, the edges of the rod are rounded.

To replicate the features and shape of a cat's nose as closely as possible, you need to use a chisel. To do this, appropriate marks are made on the workpiece.

The next step is to cut out the prepared fragment of the required size.

It is necessary to install the nose welding machine: in front, a mustache is inserted into the holes made, which are then welded from the back.

After finishing welding work don't forget to use grinder for processing seams. As a result, you should get the most smooth and even surface possible.

The work is carried out in the same order if you are planning to create a weather vane in the shape of a rooster with your own hands.

The next step is to move on to making an arrow, which will indicate the direction of the wind. Contours are drawn on the surface of the workpiece, according to which a figure is then cut out using a jigsaw.

The base of the boom can be a pair of square rods 15 by 15 millimeters. Moreover, one element is welded to the tip part, and the second - to the tail. After welding, the surface is carefully cleaned.

To make a rotating unit, it is necessary to drill holes with a diameter of 13 mm in the steel ball and the cover of the future weather vane. After this, the lid is welded to a 5-centimeter pipe.

On both sides steel truss Flats are created - this is the name given to small recesses designed for a more reliable fit of the ends of the arrow. Next, a rod with a spherical component is attached to the base of the turning unit, after which the attachment point is processed by welding.

As soon as the ball and arrow are fixed together, you can proceed to fastening the product. To fix a weather vane with a spherical part, a semicircular cutout is made at the base of the workpiece. Obviously, this area is welded at the end.

During the welding process, metal splashes should be avoided on the surface of the figure. To do this, the element should be covered with a sheet of tin.

When doing the work yourself, it is very important to accurately compare all the elements of the future weather vane with each other, and the angle between the rotating mechanism and the arrow itself must be 90 degrees.

Reliability of installation of the figure is ensured thanks to the fastening areas where the hind legs must be welded to the base of the pointer, and the front legs directly to the steel sphere.

For support you need to use a piece of round rod, thanks to this the weather vane can rotate freely under the force of the wind.

Make sure that the support rod fits exactly into the pipe, after which you can weld the edges of the elements.

Next, the ball necessary for the free rotation of the cat figure should be lubricated with any viscous mixture, after which all that remains is to insert it into wide pipe. At the end there is a brass or copper pipe.

Upon completion of the weather vane assembly, the element is painted and decorated, if necessary, and then placed on the roof of the house.

Video instructions for doing the work yourself

Below we invite you to watch video lessons on how to make a weather vane with your own hands. In this case, work may be limited lightweight design, or by creating a more complex element with lighting and a generator. The choice is yours. In any case, a neat and thoughtful weather vane can stand on the roof for many years, bringing joy every day and regularly showing the direction of the wind.

Varieties

A folk sign that speaks of good luck if you meet a chimney sweep on the street is reflected in the weather vanes that began to be produced in the form of this character. Of course, today such a meeting is hardly possible, and therefore a figurine of a windsock with the contours of a chimney sweep will help to attract at least a little luck into your home.

Successful placement of weather vanes is possible if there is a cottage with a large number of passages and turrets on the roof. In this case, hand-made elements will perfectly complement the appearance of the roof of the house.

The eagle, personifying the sun and sky, subconsciously indicates greatness, strength, speed and power. When you see such a weather vane, you involuntarily feel a sense of high status and independence of the owner of the house.

The horse symbol can be recommended to people who adhere to an active life position and remain purposeful no matter what. And if you adhere to nobility and prudence in all your decisions, then this symbol will indicate this to everyone around you, while remaining a rather elegant and uncomplicated decision.

A griffin placed on the roof of a house indicates that the owner is in a struggle between good and evil, that he is overcome by both shadow and light. In addition, a weather vane in the form of a half-eagle or half-lion testifies to the vigilance, belligerence and strength of the owner, helping to protect the home from evil forces.

The Old Russian boat goes well with large structures that have a large number of stairs, doors and windows. The choice of such an element indicates the owner’s desire for new knowledge and considerable mental capabilities.

From time immemorial, the owl was considered a symbol of patience and wisdom, and therefore if you want to use such a weather vane, then you should take a closer look at whether your character matches the established image. Moreover, even if you don’t exactly look like an owl, then installed element will contribute to a small push towards self-improvement.

Religious silhouettes can be seen quite rarely, and therefore, if you decide to install such a weather vane on the roof, be sure to think about the meaning that will be conveyed to passers-by from the new structure. As a last resort, you can use a heroic character.

A windsock in the form of a ship that will later sail across the sky is a wonderful and at the same time romantic addition to appearance Houses. However, when deciding to create such an element with your own hands, be sure to evaluate own strength, since the upcoming work in this case can hardly be called simple, since it will require long and precise measures.

Looking away folk tales, you can notice that Baba Yaga, although she was always considered a negative character, in reality she always remained positive. It is worth noting that this image remains great solution both from an aesthetic point of view and a constructive one, because the broom acts as an excellent windsock.

Often, a weather vane made in the shape of Baba Yaga is placed on the lid in conjunction with the Black Cat, which is a direct advisor and companion to the fairy-tale character. At the same time, the originality and beauty of the new composition will cause admiring glances from both little passers-by and adults.

• 1
  The main stages of making a weather vane
• 2
  Weathervane drawings
• 3
  
• 4
  
• 5
  Types of weather vanes

Since ancient times, humanity has used a weather vane to determine the direction and speed of the wind. This can be a simple device in the form of a flag attached to a high pole, or a more complex device with a rotating tube and an arrow that determines the force of moving air masses. The rotation of the weather vane occurs due to air pressure on the flag, which tends to take the optimal position. At this time, the counterweight points in the direction from which the wind blew. Often the device is equipped with bearings indicating the cardinal directions, which are used to navigate during observations.

How to make a weather vane with your own hands. Photo

You can make your own weather vane from wood and metal, plastic and tin, and its appearance can be a real work of art. The city halls of many European cities are decorated with beautiful, unique weather vanes in the form of birds and animals, buildings and ships, fairy-tale characters, etc. Thanks to the original appearance and simplicity, functional design, the devices have gained immense popularity among owners country houses, where they are, for the most part, just decoration.

To make a weather vane with your own hands, first of all, prepare a reduced version of it sketch on graph paper or other marked paper, or a template of the figure you like in life size. In addition, you will need the following materials and tools:

• metal sheet 1.5 - 2 mm thick;
• wire with a diameter of 3 mm;
• steel pipes with a diameter of 15 mm, 22.5 mm, 25 mm;
• copper tube Ø18 mm;
• 50 mm piece of pipe Ø 60 mm;
• square rolled metal 15x15 mm;
• steel ballØ 80 mm;
• ball from a ball bearing Ø 15 mm;
• round metal Ø 12 mm;
• metal plate 60x60 mm, thickness 12 mm;
• angle grinder (angle grinder, grinder);
• jigsaw;
• hammer;
• chisel;
• set of files;
• electric drill and set of metal drills;
• welding machine.

Below we will talk about how to make a weather vane with your own hands. Using our instructions and drawings, all the work can be done in one day. Photographs of individual stages, as well as videos, will help you correctly interpret our recommendations.

The process of making a weather vane with your own hands can be divided into several stages:

• preparatory activities;
• cutting out figures;
• arrow preparation;
• manufacturing of the rotation mechanism.

When working with metal, it is important not to forget about safety precautions. Welding work must be carried out in a ventilated area, away from fuels and lubricants. In this case, it is important to use special gloves and a protective shield, and choose clothes from natural fabric of sufficient thickness.

Weathervane drawings

As an example, we suggest using sketches and drawings of a weather vane in the form of very popular figures in our country. rooster or cat. Size chart allows you to transfer an image to a metal sheet, increasing it to the required size.

Weather vane stencils. Photo

The drawing shows the dimensions of the rotating unit of the weather vane and the arrow by which the wind direction will be determined.

Weather vane drawings. Photo

Step-by-step instructions for making a weather vane

At the first stage, a cat figure is cut out of a metal sheet with a pre-applied outline. The steel workpiece must be secured to prevent it from moving. It's best to take advantage metalwork clamps, with which the metal sheet is attached to the workbench.

Making a weather vane with your own hands. Photo

You can remove burrs along the edge of a part using a grinder with an installed grinding all around.

IN hard to reach places processing is carried out using a wide, thin file.

Having firmly secured the metal figure on the workbench, use a drill with a drill bit Ø 12-15 mm make holes for the nose, mustache and eyes.

Making a weather vane with your own hands. Photo instructions

The characteristic oval shape of cat's eyes is obtained by widening drilled holes semicircular file m and needle file.

3mm steel wire cut into pieces measuring about 100 - 120 mm, after which 10 - 20 mm are retreated from the edge of each part and an L-shaped bend is made. In this way, blanks for the mustache are obtained.

A cat's nose can be made from round rolled metal diameter up to 20 mm. The edge of the rod is rounded using the same angle grinder.

To imitate the shape and structural features of a cat's nose, chisel characteristic dents are made on the workpiece.

A prepared fragment about 5 mm thick is cut from the workpiece, obtaining a part of the required size.

The nose is installed using welding machine. After this, into the prepared holes with front side insert the mustache and weld it from the inside out.

After welding work, the seams must be treated grinder until a flat, smooth surface is obtained.

DIY weather vane. Photo instructions

The same instructions will be useful for those who decide to make a weather vane in the shape of a rooster with their own hands.

As the base of the boom, two pieces of a square rod with a cross section of 15x15 mm are used. In this case, the plumage is welded to one fragment, and a tip-shaped part is welded to the other. Welding joints are carefully cleaned.

To make swivel unit, drill holes with a Ø 13 mm drill in its cover and steel ball.

The cover is welded to a 50 mm piece of pipe with a diameter of 60 mm.

On two opposite sides of the steel sphere they make the so-called flats- recesses for a clear fit of the ends of the arrow. A rod with a spherical element is welded to the base of the turning unit.

After both parts of the arrow are attached to the ball, proceed to fastening weather vane. To join the figurine with a spherical element, a semicircular fragment is cut out at its base, after which the parts are connected by welding. To avoid splashes of molten metal on the figurine, it is covered with a sheet of tin. It is very important to orient the parts correctly - the angle between the arrow and the rotating mechanism should be exactly 90°.

Sustainability The shape of the cat is determined by the attachment points - its front paws are welded to a steel sphere, and its hind paws touch the base of the pointer.

To ensure that the structure can rotate freely, these parts are used. A piece of round rod was selected as a supporting element.

Support rod must fit tightly into the pipe, after which the edges of the parts are scalded.

Ball, which is needed for easy rotation of the structure, is lubricated with any grease and inserted into a wide pipe, after which a copper or brass tube is installed into it.

After assembling the weather vane turntable with your own hands, the design paint And install on the roof.

Video of making a weather vane with your own hands

The videos presented below will give the most complete picture of all the stages of making a weather vane with your own hands. You can use the video instructions for assembling a simple structure, or start building a windsock with a generator and lighting. In any case, a product made carefully and with soul will delight the owner and his family members for many years, pointing in the direction of the wind.

Types of weather vanes

The popular belief that if you meet a chimney sweep on the street, you will have good luck all day long, is reflected in weather vanes with the outlines of this character. Today such a meeting is almost impossible, so attract good luck you can bring it into your home by installing a chimney sweep figurine with a windsock on the roof.

A cottage with numerous turrets and passages can be decorated a series of weather vanes, which are easy to do with your own hands. Stylized images of figures from the Russian ethnic group will perfectly complement the roofs of buildings made according to folk motifs.

Cat has long been considered a guardian of the house and its protector from dark forces. By placing a weather vane in the shape of a mustachioed purr on the roof, you can create an aura of kindness and tranquility around your home.

Being a symbol of Heaven and Sun, eagle embodies strength and power, speed and greatness. A weather vane installed above the house in the form of this proud bird can indicate the independence of the owner, show his social status and high social position.

Weather vane in shape horse Suitable for purposeful people with an active lifestyle. Those who are guided by prudence and nobility in their lives will be able to express this to others by using this simple and elegant solution.

Griffin, installed on the roof, may indicate the internal struggle of its owner with light and shadow, about fluctuations between good and evil. In addition, a half-lion-half-eagle figurine can speak of the strength, warlikeness and vigilance of the owner, as well as protect the house from evil forces.

Weather vane in shape Old Russian rook will be in harmony with a large house with many windows, doors and stairs. By establishing such a figure, the owner of the household will be able to tell others about his remarkable mental abilities and desire for new knowledge.

Traditionally owl is a symbol of wisdom and patience, so a person who decides to install such a weather vane should think about how much his self-awareness corresponds to the chosen image. And even if everything turns out to be very difficult in this regard, a personal owl on the roof can give an impetus to self-improvement.

Religious motifs are not found on weather vanes very often, therefore, when deciding to make a weather vane based on the Bible or the Koran with your own hands, think about what you want to convey to others with such a decision. As a last resort, choose some heroic figure, for example, St. George the Victorious slaying the serpent.

Ship flying across the sky in full sail - what could be more beautiful and romantic? Having decided to make such a weather vane with your own hands, you must remember the complexity of such work and the need for accurate calculations.

Remembering old fairy tales, you can find that, despite the negative image, Baba Yaga has always been a positive character. Note that this fabulous figure is an excellent solution not only from the standpoint of aesthetics, but also in constructively. The broom with which the witch is depicted is an ideal windsock.

Often a weather vane with Baba Yaga is also decorated with a figurine Black Cat- her indispensable companion and adviser. The beauty and originality of such a composition will attract admiring glances not only from children, but also from adults.

The first mention of a weather vane dates back to the pre-Christian era. On the Tower of the Winds in Athens there was the oldest weather vane with the image of a figure ancient Greek god seas and depths of Triton. The author of the design is considered to be the Greek astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhus. For centuries, the weather vane performed the same function assigned to it - it showed the direction and speed of the wind. Today, the weather vane is no longer perceived as an anachronism, but is a kind of talisman of home ownership and stylish decoration for roofs, which completes architectural view building. Just like thousands of years ago, the weather vane conscientiously fulfills its meteorological mission.

The principle of operation of the weather vane and its functions

How often do people think about the question of what wind is blowing today and what is its speed? Hardly. But in windy weather, watching the fancy fouettes of a weather vane is interesting for both adults and children. In addition to its main meteorological function (indicating the direction and speed of the wind), the weather vane has other tasks:

• protects the chimney from air masses entering it, thereby preventing smoke from entering the living room;
• decorates the roof ridge of a home, being an extraordinary element of architectural decor;
• is a kind of talisman and guardian of the hearth and well-being.

According to the teachings of Feng Shui, weather vanes promote the flow of positive energy into the house, promote mutual understanding with neighbors and friendly relations within the family.

Types of weather vanes and their symbolic meanings

If noble townspeople decorated their houses with weathervanes in the form of a family coat of arms or a knight on horseback, then ordinary people increasingly depicted their belonging to a certain profession on the spiers. Above the shoemaker's workshop one could see a shoe weather vane, and above the bakery a loaf of bread. With development artistic forging weathervane figurines began to acquire a refined appearance and carry a certain meaning. Animals, birds, ships, zodiac signs, fairy-tale and even biblical characters were depicted above the chimneys. Often a wind rose with the Latin initial letters of the cardinal directions (W, N, E, S) was attached to the bottom.

The compass rose helps determine wind directions

The most common weathervane figurine was a rooster, which symbolized vigilance and fighting spirit, and also protected the house from enemies and fires. In England, the weather vane is still called the “weather cock.” Roosters began to appear on the roofs of Catholic cathedrals back in the 9th century by decree of the Pope in honor of the Apostle Peter.

A rooster on the roof of a house symbolizes fighting spirit, courage and brilliance

Nowadays I see weathervanes on private houses less and less often. As a child, when I went to the village, I came across a variety of options, but, as a rule, the cockerel predominated. Although, once even a dragon was caught, but he did not stay in his place for long. Happened once strong wind, the dragon was torn off, and I never saw him again. The weather vane must be attached taking into account such bad weather.

Stepan

https://nashdom.online/kry-sha/otdelka-kry-shi/flyuger-na-kryshu.html

The cat was just as popular. The freedom-loving animal was the keeper of the hearth and comfort. It was believed that the cat protected the home from otherworldly dark forces and brought happiness and good luck to the family.

The cat is friends with the brownie and protects from dark forces

The griffin weather vane combines the qualities of a mighty king of beasts and a vigilant eagle - courage, wisdom and observation. The griffin has a sharp mind, healthy calculation and rationalism.

The griffin combines the courage of a lion and the wisdom of an eagle

People with an active lifestyle and immense energy decorated their homes with figurines of horses. The horse is a symbol of a noble family and nobility.

A figurine of a horse above the roof of a house speaks of the nobility and active life position of its owner.

The dragon in Chinese mythology has always been the bearer of wisdom and guardian secret knowledge. He is responsible for business success and financial well-being a family who decided to decorate their home with his image.

The dragon will provide you with financial well-being

Storks and swans symbolize chastity and grace, devotion and love, mutual understanding and support. Families who had long dreamed of children and procreation decorated their homes with storks. The stork figurine is especially popular in Scandinavian countries, where it symbolizes home and patronizes travelers.

A figurine of a stork is installed on the roof by people for whom family values ​​are important.

Figures of angels and images of biblical characters on weathervanes symbolize faith, connection with the Almighty and the spiritual world. They bring happiness, kindness, warmth and comfort to the inhabitants of the house.

An angel weather vane will give family comfort and peace of mind

The buildings of port cities were crowned with ship weathervanes, and later every sailor considered it an honor to decorate the spire of his house with a sailboat flying on the wings of the wind.

The ship on the spire of the building symbolized unstoppability, courage and naval glory

Weather vanes with propellers look impressive even in light winds. The additional movement of the blades adds weightlessness and mobility to the design.

By the speed of rotation of the blades you can judge the speed of the wind

Thus, in addition to its main purpose, the weather vane is a mirror image inner world its owner, acts as a symbol of the home and an element of architectural art.

It always seemed to me that the richer and more respectable the house, the more interesting not only its idea should be, but also the accompanying “accessories”. It’s not for nothing that they say that everything new is well forgotten old. I believe that a weather vane is a roof element that will give individuality to your building. Moreover, you can experiment with sizes and shapes, the main thing is to know the meaning of these symbols.

Alyona

http://proroofer.ru/aksessuary/flyuger-na-kryshu.html

Do-it-yourself weather vane from a variety of available materials

You can make a weather vane with your own hands from scrap materials. But based on the properties of the materials, a structure made of metal is much stronger and more durable than figurines made of plywood or wood. Weather vanes made of plastic are less susceptible to rain, snow, frost or sun, but are inferior in brightness and style to metal structures. Although any weather vane, made with soul and imagination, will delight you and your children, neighbors, guests and random passers-by.

The weather vane represents simple design, consisting of a horizontal “Wind Rose” scale, a body, a counterweight and a weather vane, located on a vertical movable axis.

You can use plywood, plastic or sheet iron as a weather vane.

Metal weather vane

Before you start making a metal weather vane, you need to transfer the image of the figure onto the sheet using a sketch. The ideal material for such a weather vane is sheet copper.

The image you like must be transferred to a sheet of metal

Draw a figurine of a weather vane at your discretion or download a sketch from the Internet - this will save time and expand the horizons of your imagination. The pictures for the weather vane amaze with their diversity and creativity.

Step-by-step instructions for making a metal weather vane

1. Using metalwork clamps, secure the sheet of metal with the image of the figurine on a workbench or stable table. Cut out the image along the contour with a jigsaw.

   
   The image of the figure, applied to a sheet of metal, must be carefully cut out with a jigsaw

2. Clean out rough edges and burrs using a metal file or grinder with a grinding wheel.

   
   You can clean up any uneven spots left by a jigsaw using a grinding wheel and a file.

3. Carry out finer processing in hard-to-reach places using a fine file.

   
   Fine processing is carried out by hand with files

4. Make holes for the eyes and nose with an electric drill with a drill with a diameter of 10–12 mm.

   
   Holes for the eyes and nose are made with a drill

5. Using a needle file and a semicircular file, give the holes a completed shape.

   
   The exact shape of the eye holes can be given by processing their edges with a file.

6. Make a cat's nose from rolled metal, rounding the edges with a grinder.

   
   To make a nose, the edges of a metal rod are rounded and then a fragment is cut off required length

7. Weld the cat's nose and whiskers using a welding machine.

   
   An electric or gas welding machine is used to connect metal parts

8. Using a jigsaw, cut out two fragments along the contour: the arrow and the tail.

   
   The details of the “Compass Rose” arrow are cut out with a jigsaw

9. To make a swivel joint, drill 12 mm diameter holes in the ball and cover.

   
   In order to make a hole exactly in the center, secure the desired part in a vice

10. Weld the lid, rod, ball, arrows, and weather vane figure to the base of the rotary hinge. Treat traces of welding seams with a grinding wheel of an angle grinder.

    
    After welding, you need to clean all connecting seams with a grinder

11. Insert a metal ball lubricated with any thick lubricant between the support rod and the stand. This will provide the weather vane with the necessary mobility from a slight breeze.

    
    The ball treated with thick lubricant will provide the weather vane with sufficient mobility

Video: stainless steel weather vane

Weather vane made from plastic bottles

If you don’t have extra money to buy a weather vane, you can make one from plastic bottles. Even a child can make the simplest weather vane. We will need following materials and tools:

• plastic bottle;
• strong knitting needle or rigid wire with a diameter of 1.5–2 mm;
• fixing bead;
• wooden block;
• scissors and pliers.

Making your own weather vane from a plastic bottle: step-by-step instructions

Video: weather vane made from a plastic bottle

Weather vane made of CDs

A weather vane made from CDs is also not expensive pleasure, especially if you use old unnecessary disks to make it. Choose the number of blades at your discretion (from 2 to 6). You can, of course, use all the disks that you have lying around unclaimed, but is it worth it? The basis for fixing the disk-blades will be a wheel from a scooter, baby stroller or roller skate.

Step-by-step instructions for making your own weather vane from CDs

1. We make cuts in the wheel at an angle of 30–35 degrees in the designated places. The number of cuts must match the number of blades.

   
   To make cuts, the wheel must be securely secured in a vice.

2. We fix the discs in the wheel with epoxy glue.

   
   The CD is mounted into the cut using epoxy glue

3. We make a rocker arm for a weather vane from a wooden block: on one side we cut a cut for the disc-tail.

   
   The disc is inserted into the sawn cut and reinforced with wire

4. WITH reverse side we strengthen the wheel with blades.

   
   The weather vane head is secured to the rocker arm using a self-tapping screw and a screwdriver

5. Determine the center of gravity on the rocker arm.

   
   The center of the rocker will be attached to the main pole

6. We drill a hole in the center and attach it to the base of the structure (pole) using a self-tapping screw without a thread at the head.

   
   A self-tapping screw at the head without a thread will provide the weather vane with a good response to the wind

7. For better mobility, we place a nut and washers of the appropriate diameter between the pole and the rocker.

   
   Make sure that the rocker rotates easily on the base.

8. We install the weather vane in a suitable place and catch the sunbeams.

   
   Children will appreciate the sunbeams that will appear in abundance due to the reflection of the sun's rays from the disks on the weather vane.

When installing a CD weathervane, be careful not to damage it on building corners, roofs, or chimneys.

Video: CD weathervane

Weather vane made of wood and plywood

A simple wooden weather vane made of wood and plywood can be made by any dad who has the skills to use a jigsaw and a hammer.

So, we will need:

• plywood isosceles triangle measuring 20*30 cm;
• two equilateral triangles: 7.5*7.5 cm and 12.5*12.5 cm;
• jigsaw and glue.

Step-by-step instruction manufacturing is as follows:

A weather vane made of wood and plywood must be coated with a water-repellent primer and varnish or paint that is resistant to precipitation and temperature changes.

Video: wooden weather vane with propeller

There are quite a few weathervanes that the youngest designer of yours could make. garden plot or dachas. Paper cups, plastic tubes, sheets of colored paper and even pieces of colorful fabric will work for this. You can even have a competition to see whose weather vane is better. Let's hope that little hands can handle a paper cup faster than daddy's with sheet metal.

Weather vanes that can be built with a minimum of material and time

How to properly install a weather vane on a roof

At first glance, installing a weather vane may seem like a complicated and difficult job. After all, the mount must be quite strong in order to withstand the pressure of gusty winds. The main danger is that working at height involves unforeseen risks and must be carried out with a safety rope and a reliable partner. Weather vanes are mounted on roof ridges, on chimneys or chimney caps (deflectors).

Of course, you can make the fastenings yourself, but it is much safer to purchase ready-made ones. construction stores. Moreover, fastener designs are designed for different types roofs. With such brackets, attaching the weather vane to the roof ridge will not be difficult. The most common type of fastening for a gable roof is easily fixed to the ridge using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.

Using a ready-made mount, installing a weather vane on the roof ridge will not be difficult

If it is necessary to strengthen the weather vane on a flat horizontal surface or pitched roof, use the special flat mount.

The bracket is secured with four self-tapping screws on a horizontal surface

For a sloping roof, a special bracket is suitable for mounting on movable legs, fixed to the roof using nuts and bolts.

The hinged mounting of the legs allows you to secure this bracket to the roof with different angles slope of the slopes

For correct installation weather vane required:

• using fasteners, align the mounting hole for the weather vane rod vertically;
• use a compass to set arrows indicating the cardinal directions (wind rose);
• if necessary, install a bearing at the base of the weather vane to allow the structure to slide smoothly depending on the wind direction;
• secure the weather vane to a fastening device suitable for your roof type.

In order for the weather vane to rotate easily, the rotation unit must be generously lubricated with thick lubricant and protected from moisture. This will improve the accuracy of wind direction readings and increase the service life of the structure.

Video: how to install a weather vane on a roof ridge

If you are not very strapped for money, purchase a weather vane with an image that is most suitable in style and design. Do not forget that the weather vane also protects the home and emphasizes the originality and subtle psychological traits its owner. But the design made with my own hands owner, will delight your family and passers-by. Imagine, invent, design and enjoy!

The weather vane not only has practical value on summer cottage, but also performs a decorative function. Usually it represents a metal figure of a rooster or other forged composition on a vertical axis, which rotates with the help of the wind and shows its direction and strength. At first, weather vanes were exclusively made of steel due to the high strength and durability of such material. And now, in addition to this, a special anti-corrosion coating is applied to them, which protects the metal from negative external influences.

Varieties

Weather vanes differ from each other in their purpose; the following varieties are distinguished:

• decorative options (serve as decoration);
• meteorological weather vanes (determine wind direction);

• chimney models (protect pipes from wind blowing and smoke entering the room);
• schlagen weather vanes (protect the chimney from the penetration of harmful animals or birds due to the action of special rattles or fans that create vibrations).

Moreover, some designs can combine several functions at once.

Material

The metal version of the weather vane is the most common, practical and affordable. Weather vanes can be from of stainless steel or copper. Moreover, the second option, although more expensive, is the most durable. In addition, this design effectively shines in the sun, is resistant to corrosion and is very easy to maintain. In addition, copper soft material, which is pleasant and easy to work with when forging.

As exclusive weather vane models you can use wooden structures, but they are less durable. And plastic is a budget option"not for everyone." Some craftsmen are even able to make a weather vane at their dacha from scrap materials (for example, plastic bottles). But it is unlikely to serve its owner for a long time, and it will not evoke any sense of aesthetic pleasure.

So, a wooden weather vane, subject to processing protective compounds will last 5 years. A steel structure will last for ten years if it is tinted every year, but a copper structure is almost eternal.

Design

A classic weather vane is usually made of metal up to 50 cm high in the form of an image of an animal. It can be a rooster, a cat, or even any fairy-tale or cartoon characters, which will especially appeal to children. If you wish, you can also make a wooden plane with your own hands. If you want the weather vane to serve a decorative function, make sure that its design fits seamlessly into the architecture of the building and the overall style.

For example, figurines with a rustic theme are more suitable for wooden country houses, and Gothic motifs are more suitable for an elegant roof with a spire.

When choosing the type of figure for a weather vane, keep in mind that each has a specific meaning. For example, a rooster symbolizes vigilance and, according to old folk beliefs, scares away evil spirits. The cat symbolizes comfort and coziness in the house, and is also considered a guardian of the house and a protector from evil spirits. The owl means wisdom, and the lion means strength and power. A weather vane in the shape of a horse is suitable for purposeful and noble people.

In Asian countries, weather vanes with the image of a dragon are common as a symbol of wisdom and spiritual strength. The image of a chimney sweep, according to popular belief, will bring good luck to your home. St. George the Victorious, killing a snake with a spear, is the protector of the house from negativity.

The griffin speaks of the strength and vigilance of the owner, and also protects the house from the influence of evil forces. It is interesting that even such a seemingly negative image as Baba Yaga is an excellent solution: it will not only attract the attention of others with its unusualness, but will also protect against evil forces.

The eagle protects the home from enemies and, being a symbol of Heaven and the Sun, embodies strength, power and greatness. Such a weather vane will emphasize the independence of the owner and show his social status. And the stork patronizes families and is a symbol of mutual understanding. A very romantic image is a ship flying across the sky. Old Russian themes are also popular: for example, a weather vane in the shape of a rook or a hero.

Therefore, choose a weather vane design not only based on the aesthetic appearance of the structure, but also on the message that the figure conveys.

How to do it yourself?

Before starting work, you need to make a sketch and drawing of the weather vane in order to know exactly what size and shape the structure will be. A standard blank in the image of a rooster can be found on the Internet and the contours of the drawing can be transferred to paper. For the drawing you will need special paper with millimeter markings. Subsequently, this stencil is applied to the metal or other material that you will use. You can cut the figure with a jigsaw or special metal scissors, and file the edges.

To make a weather vane you will need: metal scissors; bolts; compass; bearing; drill with drills; wire; welding machine; kernel; wrench; cover with internal thread; a tube; file.

The base of the weather vane will be a metal tube. At its end a thread is cut into which the lid is inserted. Where there is no thread, a bearing is inserted. We will mark the cardinal directions on the weather vane with wire using a welding machine. Can be fixed on each side symbols cardinal directions, which are adjusted using a conventional compass.

We fix the completed structure on the lid, while fixing a metal rod into the support. A metal figurine and an arrow indicating the direction of the wind are welded to it. And don't forget to balance the figure's weight and counterweight to get accurate readings. And, of course, take care of safety precautions when carrying out installation work.

Fastening

The most common and practical option– fastening the weather vane to the chimney pipe. If the chimney is made of brick, then the strength of the fastening is not satisfactory. In this case, the weather vane structure is fixed in a vertical position with screws at the corners. And if you have a ventilation deflector, you can weld the structure to it.

You can attach the structure to special supporting elements to the horizontal edge of the roof slope. The only drawback is the wooden ridge, which can crack over time under the influence of rain, snow, bright sun and other external influences. The figurine must be secured strictly vertically at the highest point of the roof.

Another interesting and very non-standard option weather vane - cat figurine as if playing with a ball or catching a mouse. In this case, the cat figurine is a flag, and the counterweight will be a ball or a mouse. This design is supported by a rotating axial tube enclosed in a thicker copper pipe. Rotation occurs due to the presence of a bearing in the main body.

By following the advice of professionals, you can not only easily build a weather vane with your own hands, but also ensure its accuracy and durability.

• For greater accuracy of the weather vane, pay attention to the fact that there is no nearby tall buildings or trees, which can significantly distort wind direction indicators;
• the design of the weather vane should not be too weighty, and the figure on the arrow should be balanced with a counterweight - only then will the weather vane rotate freely;
• to connect the axle to the base, use a special bearing with protection from moisture so that rotation occurs freely;

Sometimes there is a need to determine the wind speed and its direction. In a private house, you can install a weather vane on the roof for this purpose. It may have a special tube with an arrow that determines the air force.

You can make such a design with your own hands; there are several manufacturing options: both more complex and as simple as possible from available materials. And if you show your imagination, then, in addition to its main function, it will serve as a magnificent decorative element.

Design functions

As a rule, one product combines several functions. On suburban areas they can be very important:

Original weather vanes - required architectural elements for buildings in northern European countries. Almost all houses are equipped with such decorations.

Symbolism of jewelry

Originality is given to weather vanes with silhouette figures with which they are decorated. They were used as amulets or certain symbols. The weather vane itself on the roof, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, is considered a symbol of good neighborly relations.

Most often, designs are equipped with animal figures. They all have one meaning or another:

Some install figurines of fairy-tale heroes or real characters. Thematic figures are also common. If the building is owned by a baker, it could be a bun. If there is a shoe workshop here, then a shoe and so on.

DIY metal product

Before you learn how to make a weather vane with your own hands, you need to evaluate your strengths. The metal construction is the most complex, but it is also of good quality.

Before you start working, you should prepare a template of the finished figure or prepare a sketch. Stencils are best made using cardboard. They will then be easier to transfer to metal.

You will need to make a drawing of the arrow and the rotating part of the structure, with their help the direction of the air will be shown. Everything should be written down on the drawing - the parameters of the arrow, the turning point and more.

For work you will need the following materials:

• metal sheet up to 2 mm thick;
• wire;
• metal tubes of different parameters and one profile;
• a metal ball (its diameter should be 80 mm);
• bearing ball with a diameter of 15 mm;
• 12 mm round rolled metal;
• iron plate.

The work requires special tools. We must not forget about personal protective equipment. You need to prepare the following:

• welding machine;
• angle grinder;
• grinder;
• electric jigsaw;
• file drill with metal drills;
• chisel and hammer;
• goggles, gloves and a special suit for protection;
• shield

When everything is prepared, you can start working. It is necessary to observe the order of its stages.

First, you need to apply a template of a figure to a sheet of metal, which will need to be cut out along the created contour. Then it is attached to the workbench and secured with clamps so that it does not move while cutting. The template is cut along the contour with a jigsaw, then the burrs are removed with a grinder equipped with a grinding wheel. Access to the remote ones is ensured thanks to a thin file. Small decorative elements made using a drill, wire and other things.

An arrow to determine the direction of air is also cut out using a jigsaw along the contour marked on the sheet of metal. The arrow is not made completely at once, but only the plumage and the index element. These parts are welded to profile pipes, with the tail being on one rod and the indicator on the second. The welding joints need to be cleaned well.

The next part of the work is the production of the rotary assembly. You need a steel ball, a hole is made on it with a drill. The cover must be attached by a welding machine to a piece of tube of the required size. In order for the arrow tubes to fit tightly to the ball, minor indentations are made on both opposite sides. The two ends of the boom are welded to them, then a rod based on a profile tube and a partially round tube need to be attached to the ball.

How to fix it correctly

When the part of the arrow with the possibility of rotation is ready, you can fix the weather vane figurine on a metal ball. To tightly join the base with the ball, it is not entirely cut out like a semicircle and attached to the ball by welding. It is imperative to ensure that an angle of 90 degrees is maintained between the arrow and the turn. This or that figure is installed on the axis in such a way that there is a counterweight on both sides.

For free movement of the weather vane, a support rod is prepared. For this purpose, a round rod is placed in a copper pipe, then the elements are welded together. The bearing ball is inserted into a wide pipe and treated with lubricant. A copper pipe is also placed there. The finished structure remains to be painted and placed on the roof.

To understand how to make a weather vane with a propeller with your own hands, you need to use basic knowledge of the production of a simple design. Detailed drawing including metal propeller required. Such a weather vane should be placed at a low height so that the force of movement of the propeller can be seen. The more it spins, the higher the speed of the wind.

Manufacturing looks like this:

• the vertical support is made of reinforcement or metal pipe;
• on top of the support on the thread you will need to attach a wooden die to fix the horizontal part of the structure;
• a bearing is placed at the bottom so that the product can rotate around an axis;
• the weather vane itself is attached to the roof with plates and screws;
• the propeller is made on the basis of a galvanized metal sheet and is cut with metal scissors;
• a fastening hole is made in the middle of the piece of metal, the edges are bent under the right angle to the sides.

If the weather vane is made entirely of plastic or plywood, then the propeller must be attached with self-tapping screws to the end part of the product, but without completely screwing it in, so that it can easily move along the axis. If it is metal, then you need to weld a small pin with a thread at the end to the end. A nut and washer are attached to the thread. They will serve as a fastening element for the propeller and act as a limiter.

A means for determining the force and movement of air can be made not only from metal. A simple weather vane can even be made from old plastic bottles. To work you will need:

• two large plastic bottles, no need to remove the caps;
• wooden block;
• cardboard piece;
• nail 10 cm long;
• wire;
• marker;
• stationery scissors.

Plastic containers should be washed well and labels removed. Make a template of the propeller and airplane wings from a piece of cardboard. Then you need to make a propeller from the bottom of the bottle, wings cut out of cardboard are attached to the sides of the bottle and outlined with a marker.

A hole is made exactly in the center of the cover using a drill with a thin drill or nail, a similar hole is made in the propeller, after which they are connected by landing on a nail. The screw should rotate easily around its axis. The preparation of the wings is done on the basis of the second bottle, and in the first, slits are made with a knife depending on the width of the wings for insertion. The fuselage of such a windmill is connected to wooden beam, then the structure is attached to the roof.

Plastic-based weather vanes can be made in the form of a rotor. They need to be mounted not horizontally, but vertically. On the sides of the container you need to make square holes, reminiscent of doors, which will be placed in a checkerboard pattern. The bottle is attached to vertical axis, for this purpose you can take metal or wooden rod. To ensure rotation, small bearing balls must be inserted under the plug.

Windmills made of plastic rotors are often used in suburban areas. With their help, you can track what the weather is expected to be in the near future and choose the most favorable time for sowing crops, calculate the direction and strength of the wind, and also protect the crop by scaring off birds with the sound made when moving.

If you need to make a full-fledged metal weather vane that will perform a decorative function, but you don’t have the work experience and the required tools, then it’s better to entrust it to professionals. They will implement all the customer’s requirements regarding the design of the structure and its other nuances.

Country weather vanes are universal devices. They are used both simply to decorate a building and for other purposes. Moreover, if with their help you just need to determine the strength and direction of the wind and scare away pests, then you can make a structure with your own hands from simple materials at hand. A complex metal product, equipped with figurines of animals or fairy-tale characters, is worth making more as a decoration.