Windmills have been used for centuries to harness the power of the wind. Windmills are also an attractive decoration for the backyard or garden. Although they cannot convert wind energy into electricity, they can add beauty to your landscape. With basic materials you can find at any hardware store, you can build a small Dutch-style octagonal windmill or a ranch-style windmill to beautify your garden.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Miniature Dutch Style Windmill
Step 1. Draw a side pattern
Draw a polygon shape on a large sheet of cardboard or paper. If you are using paper, use heavy paper such as parchment paper or poster paper. It should be 22.8 cm at the top, 30.4 cm at the bottom and 50 cm in height. Cut out the pattern. This pattern will be used to create the sides of your windmill.
Step 2. Make a pattern for the top
Draw a hexagon with a side length of 24 cm on a piece of cardboard or thick paper. Cut out a hexagon pattern. This pattern is used as a platform at the top of the windmill.
Step 3. Make a pattern for the blades
Draw an "X" shape on a large sheet of cardboard or thick paper. Each "X" sleeve measures 40 cm long and 5 cm wide.
- Measure exactly 5 cm from the center "X" on four sides to create a square shape around the center "X".
- Cut the pattern into one piece, making sure not to cut it into a square shape.
Step 4. Transfer the pattern onto the plywood
Lay out the pattern on the plywood sheet. Use 2.5 cm of plywood for the sides, top, and 5 cm diameter circle. Use 1.27 cm of plywood for the "X" shape. Use a carpentry pencil to trace the pattern onto the wood. You will need six sides, one hexagon-shaped top, one 5 cm diameter circle, and one "X" shape.
- Use a compass to easily draw a 5cm diameter circle on the plywood. If you have a 5cm diameter jar or can, you can also use it to trace the shape of a circle.
- It's best if you trace all the pieces you need onto the plywood before you cut them. This way you ensure that you cut efficiently and have enough wood to complete your project.
- Do not use chipboard or MDF as they may crumble when wet.
Step 5. Cut the plywood to the shape
Place the plywood on the two easel tables for stability. Use a chainsaw to cut through all the pieces, six sides, one hexagon top, one "X" shape (for the blade), and one 5cm diameter circle.
Circular saws work faster than electric saws on long straight cuts, but cannot cut small shapes. If you have both, use a circular saw to cut the sides and a power saw for the rest
Step 6. Cut 1.27 cm diameter dowels 15 cm long
Solid dowels such as oak or poplar are best suited. You can often find short dowels at craft supply stores, but you can also use dowels from hardware stores.
Step 7. Drill a 1.27 cm hole in the center of the "X" shape and circle
If you don't have a 1.27cm diameter drill, use a compass to draw a 1.27cm diameter circle over the first piece of wood so you can judge when the hole is large enough. The dowel should fit in this hole.
Step 8. Sand the pieces
With hand or machine sandpaper, sand all pieces except the dowels. This step will smooth and even refine the wood. This step also prepares the wood for painting or staining.
Step 9. Paint or color the pieces of wood
You can choose a light color for the Dutch style windmill, or a natural wood color to show the beauty of your wood. After you've painted or colored the wood pieces, let them dry. This may take 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity in your area.
If you use paint, choose an outdoor latex paint. If you use dye, continue with at least one coat of clear polyurethane to make it leak-proof
Step 10. Assemble the windmill body
Lay one of the six side woods on a flat surface such as a workbench floor or a flat floor. The short end is facing up, and the long end is at the bottom. Place another piece next to it, also with the short end on top and the long end on the bottom.
- Place a pencil between these pieces and push the wood to form a pencil-wide gap.
- Repeat this process on the remaining side pieces until you have placed all six side pieces side by side.
Step 11. Use painting tape to connect the pieces of wood
Apply the plaster of paint near the top, middle, and bottom of each joint made in the previous step. This will keep the side pieces firmly attached as you build the body shape.
Step 12. Mount the windmill body in an upright position
You may need a friend's help in this step. With the plastered side facing outward, bring the edges of the pinwheel body together to form a closed tower shape. Secure the last joint with painting tape. Test on a flat surface to make sure the body of the wheel is as high as the sitting position.
If the body of the pinwheel is uneven, mark any pieces that are too long and sand them down to stabilize. Sand slowly and check your work frequently
Step 13. Apply wood glue to the top edge of the body of the pinwheel
Place the hexagon-shaped top onto the body of the pinwheel. Press firmly, being careful not to push so hard that the body of the pinwheel collapses. Set aside and let sit until the glue is completely dry.
Step 14. Turn the windmill body upside down
Apply wood glue all over the body of the pinwheel. Don't worry if there's excess glue on the joints, you can scrape it off after the glue dries. Set aside and let the glue dry completely.
Once the glue is dry, use a small chisel to scrape off the excess glue
Step 15. Apply wood glue in the center hole in the "X"
Insert a 30 cm dowel into the 5 cm long hole. Apply wood glue around the coating. Let it dry completely, then scrape off any excess glue.
Step 16. Draw a straight line 15 cm long on the hexagon
Mark the center of the line in the middle of the top of the hexagon. Drill a starting hole at the end of each line. Screw in the two eyelet hooks, adjusting them so that the hooks align.
Step 17. Attach the pinwheel to the body
Place the dowel in the small hole. The blades of the wheel must be far enough away from the body to allow it to rotate freely. Apply wood glue in the small circular holes of the wood and on the ends of the logs.
Step 18. Paint the pinwheel as a final step
Dutch windmills sometimes have doors or windows, so if you wish, you can apply a small brush to add that touch. You can also paint flowers, animals, or anything else that interests you.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Ranch Backyard Style Windmill
Step 1. Cut 8 pieces of 1.27 cm plywood
This piece should be a rectangle about 30 cm long and 5 cm wide. With medium grain sandpaper, sand the cut edges until smooth.
Do not use MDF or chipboard because these materials will not withstand the outside weather
Step 2. Use a compass to draw a 15 cm circle on the plywood
The circle is 2.5 cm thick, so use 2.5 cm plywood or glue two circles of 1.27 cm thick plywood. Use an electric saw to cut circles.
Step 3. Divide the circle into 8 equal parts
Use a pencil and ruler or straightedge to draw a line that divides the circle into two halves. Draw another line that divides the circle into four. Then draw two more lines to divide the four halves. When you're done, the lines on the circle will resemble pizza slices.
Drill a 0.3 cm diameter hole in the center of the circle. The center of this circle is the intersection of each line you just drew
Step 4. Draw a 45 degree angle mark on the edge of the circle
Start at each line you drew in Step 3 and use a pencil to draw a 45-degree angled line on the edge. It may be easier to use a protractor or speed square (a type of bow used in construction).
Step 5. Flip the circle
Repeat Step 3 on the side of the circle, placing the ruler on the opposite end of the 45-degree angle you just drew. When finished, there will be two sets of lines that intersect each other about 1.27 cm..
Step 6. Use a chainsaw to cut the slashes
The depth of each cut should be about 2.5 cm. Use a chisel or file to make sure this piece is wide enough to fit the screen.
To keep the circle you cut stable, you may need to clamp it to a workbench or a large piece of wood on two easels. Move the clamps as needed
Step 7. Apply wood glue in each groove
Fit each screen in each curve until it fits. Set aside and let the glue dry completely. This may take between 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity in your area.
Once the glue has completely dried, you can use a chisel to remove any excess glue
Step 8. Cut the tail in the plywood
The tail of the pinwheel will be in the shape of a pentagon like home plate on baseball. Draw a 15.2 cm square on a 1.27 cm piece of plywood.
- Place a ruler or straightedge on the square 5 cm from the outer edge of the square. Tilt to a 45 degree angle.
- Use a pencil to draw a straight line from the top of the square to the outer edge of the square. Thus a triangle is formed. Repeat on the other side.
Step 9. Cut the tail with a chainsaw
Follow the line you just drew so that the top corner of your tail goes inward and the bottom corner of the tail is square.
Step 10. Attach the tail to one end of the 2.5 cm dowel
The length of the dowel is at least 40 cm because it will be the "pole" of your windmill. Use a small finishing nail and hammer to attach the tail.
Step 11. Paint or color the windmill
Use outdoor latex paint or waterproof dye and clear polyurethane to paint poles and windmills (circles with sails). Let dry completely.
You can paint or color when the complete pinwheel is assembled, but that may be more difficult
Step 12. Attach the metal rings to the long wood screws
The screw is at least 5 cm long and 3 mm in diameter (approximately #10 screws). Screw through the hole in the center of the windmill. Install one 2.5 cm ring into the screw.
Step 13. Drill a 0.3 cm hole in the end of the dowel post
Attach the post to the windmill screwing it into the hole you just drilled.
Do not attach the windmill too tightly. The windmill should be secure, but still loose enough to turn
Step 14. Find the center of the windmill
Balance the windmill by holding the pole on one finger. Adjust the position until you are able to balance the windmill on your finger. Mark the point with a pencil.
Step 15. Drill a 0.3 cm hole in the marked place
Attach the windmill to the post by screwing this hole into the post. Many hardware stores sell fence posts that have not been cut.
You can also use your leftover wooden dowels as posts. Most dowels sold at hardware stores are 121 cm long, so you will have 81 cm left after you cut them
Tips
- Many hardware stores and online stores sell prefabricated windmill equipment for purchase. It is pre-cut and ready to assemble.
- Measure twice, cut once. Always check the measurement and placement of the pattern, before cutting your material. This will save wasted wood and wasted effort.
- Ask friends for help! These projects will be faster and easier if someone helps you.
