Weather vanes are an element in American folk tradition. The vanes add beauty and function to an outdoor space and were once widely used on farms. Wind direction was important for people in rural areas. For example, a farmer may want to determine which way a storm system is travelling in order to protect animals and crops. Weather vanes range from simple to more elaborate designs. One can easily be made from wood and a few basic tools.
- Skill level:
Other People Are Reading
Things you need
- 1-by-6-by-24-inch cedar board
- Band saw
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Mounting surface
- 1/4-by-12-inch metal rod
Place the cedar board on a work surface. Draw an arrow point on one 6-inch wide end. This will be the point to indicate wind direction.
Cut the arrow point out with a band saw. Slowly feed the wood through the saw along the pencil line.
Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the centre board on one 1-inch thick edge. The hole should be approximately 3-inches deep.
Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the surface where you plan to mount the weather vane. Make the hole approximately 3-inches deep.
Insert the metal rod into the hole in the mounting surface. Align the 1/4-inch hole in the weather vane with the rod and insert it onto the rod so that the weather vane spins freely.
Tips and warnings
- Place the weather vane on top of a barn or shed so that it is visible from a distance.
- Wear eye protection when working with wood.
- 20 of the funniest online reviews ever
- 14 Biggest lies people tell in online dating sites
- Hilarious things Google thinks you're trying to search for