Hello Paul, it is a brass rod 3.18 mm. In USA it is sold as a 1/8 inch brass rod. If you are German : brass is Messing.

@@gerhardlind7320 Many thanks you have been a good help thanks paul

I am always open for suggestions. What music do you think would be better ?

@@gerhardlind7320 no music!

Thank you, Thomas. I am using 1/8 inch brass rods and 3/16 inch brass tubings. Brass seems to work fine. Gerhard

Thank you for your comment. Yes, I am trying resistors to slow down the motor. Resistors between 150 and 250 Ohm seem to work.

Malcolm, thank you for your comment. When I started (after I retired from my job) I only had a few tools : a hand saw, a power drill (corded, I don't like cordless tools), a screwdriver and a hammer. When I got more into it I purchased first a work bench, then a band saw, then a drill press, and a scroll saw. I do not have a carpenter's workshop. I work on the porch of my garden shed - outside, that is why in the winter I am not building a lot. The power tool I use most is the band saw. I do not have a table saw. I also do some woodcarving in the winter, because I can do that indoors.

Hi Frederick, I first drill a hole, then use a scroll saw. You could also use a coping saw if you do not have a scroll saw. Thank you for asking. Does this help ? If not I have another idea. Gerhard

That clarified it nicely. Danke. I live north of Denver in the foothills and find two blades are more than enough to power any whirligig.

@@frederickebert9278 Sprechen Sie Deutsch ?

Nur ein bisschen

@@frederickebert9278 Frohe Weihnachten

Thank you Gérard, I am glad you like it. Yesterday I added a new one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLEq6ePdqenq9U . I hope you like that too, merci, Gerhard

Hello Susan, I am using a brass rod which is 1/8 inch = 3.18 mm in diameter. Thank you for your interest. I will have 2 new videos in the next few days. Gerhard

Hello Gerhard, thank you very much. I will be waiting for you two new videos, I love to see you work greetings from Argentina@@gerhardlind7320

Do you mean what I used for painting the dots on the apron ? I just used a piece of 1/8 in brass rod. Yes it was round, but any round piece of a wooden dowel could also be used.The other wire I used for the moving parts was a 12 Ga Copper wire. Thank you for your comment, Gerhard

@@gerhardlind7320 yes copper wire thank you Soo much

Madeline, thank you very much for your comments. I am very sorry that your Papa died. A band saw is a good start - that is the tool I use the most ! I don't think you get snow in Puerto Rico. We will get new snow (the 16th of the season) tomorrow night - but tomorrow is also the beginning of spring. I am looking forward to spring. How is the weather in Puerto Rico ?

Madeline, thank you for your comment. I am using 3/16 brass tubing and 1/8 brass rod. I buy these sometimes from Amazon, but you can try a lokal hardware store. Don't use steel. Let me know if you got what you need. Gerhard