A weather vane is an old fashioned, yet extremely functional device that indicates wind direction. It can be a valuable part of any activity that involves blowing winds, such as flying a model airplane, flying a real airplane or even flying a kite. Even if you have no intention of flying anything, a weather vane can help weather-savvy folks take an educated guess at what to expect in the weather depending on the usual wind patterns in their area.
Step 1
Use about half the surface area of the baking pan to mark out a large trapezoid shape with a marker. This will become the tail of the weather vane and will need a large surface to catch the wind.
Step 2
Draw a triangle on the remaining half of the aluminum pan to create the head or pointer of the weather vane.
Step 3
Cut out the shapes carefully with heavy duty aluminum cutting scissors.
Step 4
Slice a groove into the ends of the 12 inch-wooden dowel or piece of wood with a saw or serrated knife. The groove should be about half an inch deep and run vertically across the end of the dowel.
Step 5
Find the precise center of the wood. You may do this by measuring carefully or by cutting a length of string the same length as the dowel, and then putting the ends together evenly and marking the dowel where the string folds over.
Step 6
Drive one nail through the center marking until the head rests on the wood.
Step 7
Pull the dowel around the nail until it loosens and begins to spin freely.
Step 8
Place glue inside the grooves on both ends of the dowel.
Step 9
Insert the aluminum shapes into the grooves, centering them horizontally, one on each end. The trapezoid should be inserted small end first, and the triangle should be inserted at the base of the shape.
Step 10
Let the glue dry for several hours or overnight.
Step 11
Position the washer to the head of the long dowel or old broomstick. Use the masking tape to help hold the washer in place, pressing hard to bring the outline of the washer through the tape.
Step 12
Drive the nail that you nailed into the shorter dowel into the end of the larger piece of wood, through the middle of the washer. Hammer the nail far enough into the top of the dowel or broomstick to hold it in place while still leaving room for the indicator to spin around with no resistance.
Skill: Easy
Ingredients:
- Aluminum baking pan
- Marker
- Heavy-duty scissors
- 12-inch long dowel or piece of wood
- Saw or serrated knife
- Ruler or length of string
- 2- to 3-inch nail
- Glue
- Metal washer
- Masking tape (optional)
- Long wooden dowel or old broomstick
Tip: Install your new weather vane as high as possible to ensure accurate readings.
Warning: Aluminum can become extremely sharp when cut, so use care when cutting out the aluminum shapes.
Keyword: weathervane build weather vane wind
