Sun ray pattern self orientating wind vane

Description

Garden wind vane featuring 12 blade (sun ray pattern), horizontally mounted propeller with blade circumference ring and tail fin to enable self orientation to the wind.

Modular design to enable easy sub part replacement and build variation.

Overall Size: ~300(L) x 190(W) x 125(H) mm

Overall Weight: ~112g

Print details:

Filament: PLA (Red & Yellow) other colours may be used as suits personal choice.

From experience PLA will last several seasons subject to thickness, infill, physical and environmental (temperature/moisture), stresses. 

An epoxy overcoat will aid environmental robustness sealing gaps to reduce moisture ingress.

Situated out of direct sunlight will reduce UV degradation (brittleness and colour fading). 

However, you may wish to use PETg or ASA as these may prove more robust in the longer term.

Layer Height: 0.15mm

Infill: 100%

Wall Thickness: 2mm

Bed Adhesion: Skirt

No supports

All parts are correctly orientated within the files for printing directly.

Elements:

Propeller: Size: 125 (dia) x 17.6(H) mm, Weight 32g

Neck: Size: 34 (dia) x 21.3(H) mm, Weight: 10g

Bearing: Size: 25.3 (dia) x 20(H) mm, Weight: 9g

Pivot: Size: 25.3 (W) x 34.7 (L) x 20(H) mm, Weight: 12g

Tailpin: Size: 25.3 (dia) x 32.6(H) mm, Weight: 13g

Tail: Size: 19.1 (dia) x 120(W) x 59.3(H) mm, Weight: 21g

Tailcap: Size: 20(dia) x 19.1(H) mm, Weight: 5g

Additional Supplies:

May prove more cost effective to buy a range of values rather than individual values unless you already have them available. Some components may also have a MOL greater than the quantity specified in the component list.

Self tapping screws M2 X 10mm - Qty 8 or Plastic Adhesive

Tubing, pipe, dowel or rod 6 (dia) x 215(L) mm - Qty 2

For the structural elements stainless steel works well while resisting corrosion.  

In this case stainless steel drinking straws. Available in a variety of colours to complement filament choice.

Ball bearing: 7/32inch (5.55625mm) 

Flange Ball Bearing: 13.5 (OD) x 12 (ID) x 4(H) x 6(Bore) mm

Although, the bore and rod are 6mm, manufacturing tolerance may affect the fit.

The fit for the rod in the bearing should be tight to prevent it spinning loose

For example a single layer of thin (0.05mm), metal (copper/aluminium), tape around the rod may be sufficient to fill the void.

Note: No affiliation to any of the suppliers feel free to use your preferred supplier that suits the requirements. Cannot guarantee the availability of specifically listed parts due to supply or obselecence requiring alternatives to be sourced that may vary from those listed. 

Links valid at the time of publication.

Assembly:

Know your tools and follow the recommended operational procedures and be sure to wear the appropriate PPE.

Align the propeller to the neck at the corresponding holes and attach the propeller to the neck with M2 screws or adhesive.

Press fit the flange bearing into the respective opening by hand or using a vice. If its a loose fit provision is made to hold the bearing on place with 4x M2 x 6 mm machine screws.

Attach the tail pin to the neck at the corresponding holes and attach with M2 screws or adhesive.

Slide the pivot on to the 6mm pipe such that it can be slid up and down but not too loose to move once positioned. If its too tight widen with a 6mm drill and it too loose apply layers of 0.05mm tape.

Slide the tail onto the other end of the 6mm pipe and fit the tail cap.

Push the free end of the pipe into the tail pin.

Cut 45mm off one of the pipes and push in to the neck and push the other end into the flange bearing. Remove any internal and external burr for smooth edges with suitable flat or round needle files. 

Apply silicone oil to the bearing to improve spin and keep out moisture 

Position the pivot on the pipe to find the balance point and secure with an M2 machine screw or adhesive if required.

Into the base of the pivot insert a 7/32inch (5.55625mm) ball bearing and push in a length of hollow pipe. Invert the pipe and apply silicone oil. 

At any stage should the elements spin about the rod they can be secured with adhesive or M2 machine screws.

Mount a suitable length of pipe, tubing, dowel or rod onto which the hollow pipe in the pivot can be fitter such that it spins freely on the ball bearing.