Any whirlligig makers out there?

[KMinAF]

I made a really nice whirligig out of wood a few years back but the weather took its toll and on a rather windy day it literally blew apart from spinning so fast. This weekend I decided to make another one but out of metal this time so it would last a bit longer. My grandkids especially like it so I thought I would make one for each of them. If you have made one I would love to see it so I can get some more ideas.

 

[royce]

Excellant KM
Well done

Royce

 

[Hephaestus29]

No but I've been wanting to set one up on my mail box.

My idea is to have what looks like a milling bit ("VAWT" vertical axis wind turbine)
turning a shaft that goes up and makes a 90 via maybe a weed whacker or ?
and on top of the mail box would be a lathe turning. I guess you could have a guy standing there cranking a carriage handle or something.
I just looked them up and I did see a blacksmith and a few other things I liked.

 

[brianh]

I have several designed in my head I was thinking of incorporating them in weather vanes.

The woodpecker is a nice idea.

 

[Jose Cuervo]

This one's not mine but I think it's freaking awesome.

http://bit.ly/29wxjDM

 

[dogdog]

 

[AldeanFan]

Saw one at a swap meet with two fat people going at it ***********, oh how I wish we had camera phones back then

 

[lilredex]

There is a similar one on a Woody Allen movie with two dogs going at it, but it is a clock providing the power.......like those Elvis clocks with the wiggly legs.

Anyone else see it?

 

[kbs2244]

I like the fender washer crank shaft.

But over speed is a often over looked problem.
The solution is to have it do something.
This provides the drag to prevent over speeding.
It may mean a higher wind sped to get it started, but it will save it in the end.

 

[ambenz]

I am thinking of using serving spoons on a large spinning vertical access. More of a art sculpture like you seen at the Aunts house in the movie "Twister".

 

[WQ59B]

I am thinking of using serving spoons on a large spinning vertical access. More of a art sculpture like you seen at the Aunts house in the movie "Twister".

Get busy!

 

[ambenz]

Get busy!

AWESOME video linkl