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| Weather Vane DIY |
Get ready for a change in the weather with this handy item.
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We made this useful weather vane in response to a viewer's request. You can use it to determine the direction that the wind is coming from, and therefore a change in the weather pattern. It is useful for gardeners, sailors and surfers alike.
1
Cut a section out of both of the 1/2 inch tees so they sit inside each other. See diagram 1.
2
With the 600mm length of pipe, slide the first tee joint onto the end keeping the cut side facing up. Slide it about 75mm down the tube. Slide the second tee joint into the end keeping the cut side down, creating a cross for your compass directions. See diagram 2.
3
With the 4 x 250mm lengths, cut a 50mm slot in one end and fit a directional letter in each one. Fix with a pop rivet. See diagram 3.
4
With the 400mm length, cut a slot 200mm long through the pipe. See diagram 4.
5
After you have chosen and cut out your design (we used a whale) with tin snips, locate the 400mm tube in the appropriate place. Wear a pair of gardening gloves for protection.
The tube should be forward from the centre of the design, leaving at least 60 percent behind the tube so that the front points to the wind direction. Once the post is located, drill and pop rivet into place. See diagram 5.
6
Slide the threaded rod into the 600mm pipe keeping it flush with the bottom. Drill through the tee joints placing one rivet in each piece. This will hold both the tee joints and the threaded rod in place.
7
Place and pop rivet the four directional arms in their appropriate locations.
8
Mount the weather vane clear of the roof so that airflow is maintained, and that it is clear of obstructions such as trees. Use a compass to locate North. The method that you use to fix the vane to the roof will vary depending on the location of the mounting. A simple way is to use two saddles. Once in position, screw in tight and slide your wind view on top.
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Materials
Materials
1/2 inch copper pipe (2m length)
1/2 inch copper tees (Y way W24 x 2)
Copper pop rivets
10mm threaded rod x 900mm
600mm x 600mm sheet steel (galvanised)
Tools
Hack saw
Tin snips
Drill + 1/8 inch bit
File
Tape measure and pencil
Pop riveter
Cutting List
1/2 inch copper pipe:
1 @ 600mm
4 @ 250mm
1 @ 400mm
10mm threaded rod, 1 @ 800mm
600mm x 600mm sheet steel:
Cut design of choice (whale) and directional letters N, S, E, W.
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More Info
All materials are available from your local hardware store.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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