Making a Whirligig - a woodworkweb video

** Read Full Article Here - goo.gl/Sp3gvC
Summer is the time for gardening, and every garden should be livened with a working whirligig. These fun items are ... well, pretty easy to make depending on the your choice of design. The one we made is simple and works both as a weather vane and a whimsical garden ornament.
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[@ronnyrice697]

Stuff like this makes us feel like a kid again. Great work .

[@delbertreno7971]

I am in my late 60s and when I was a kid my Grand Dad built those and whittled most of the body out by hand. He would drill the hole through the propeller and take a nail and heat it red hot on the stove and push it through the propeller while it was hot to char the wood then put a dab of Grease on it. That would keep the nail from rusting and the charring of the wood would keep it from soaking into the grain. The same went for the body of the plane. He would drill the hole about the same size and then Char the inside of the hole and drive the nail into the pole that it would be mounted on. Then cut the head off of the nail and file it round. After smearing a dab of grease on the nail they were ready to go. That is just a blast from the past. I like the way you do it, Great job!

[@johnburns2940]

Excellent! Screw, ball bearing and Nail is inspired and genius! I love it

[@danielmierop662]

Thank you for promoting aviation and creativity!

[@BillLowenburg]

Making one for my garden! Thanks, I learned a lot!

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Fun little build here! I feel winter a little farther away! Thanks!

[@knecht105]

McGinn's WoodShop It was fun, now just need some windy days

[@TanoMac73]

I am really looking forward to getting through this project of yours with my 10 year old kid... hope it all works out! Fantastic idea.

[@Patricksworkshop]

Good work Colin I have made lots of whirligigs and one tip I give everyone is to weigh and balance all of the blades for the prop to the same for smooth action also a larger tail helps to keep it in the wind thanks Patrick

[@knecht105]

Patrick's work shop Good tip on the prop blades .. thanks buddy

[@nickaxe771]

Love it......going to make one now myself....love your pivot idea

[@vern8890]

Very cool! I bet it was totally satisfying when you turned on the fan and watched it work like you wanted it to.

[@FelipeDelPapa]

Works great Collin. Great project!!!

[@knecht105]

Felipe Del Papa It does, and I didn't even have to make another video to show that :)

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Hey Colin very nice. You made my favorite plane the P-51 Mustang. That is one of the greatest fighters of all time. Great build thanks

[@knecht105]

Backyard Woodworking LOL ... yup, I love this plane but I forgot to paint in some shark teeth on the cowling

[@BackyardWoodworking]

No teeth on this plane that was a p-40 war hawk LOL

[@knecht105]

Backyard Woodworking Oh ... I knew I had seen them somewhere, will have to look that up ... thanks Roland for info

[@Boomers_Bud]

Looked like you had some fun making that Colin. This was a great idea for a video. Derek

[@knecht105]

GiddyUp994 I did Derek, but my artistic painting leave a bit to be desired ... I should have painted in some sharks teeth on the cowling

[@jasonflynnpp144]

That's an awesome build

[@anilshirsat4406]

Very Good idea of highly free pivoting 👌👍

[@sehysamil6693]

An other excellent idea. Genius in deed. Thaks a lot. 👍

[@whistlingboy]

Often is the case that when someone makes a demonstration video of making propellers, they never demonstrate the details of actually making it. Why is that? Most enthusiasts know how to draw and cut out each of the parts in making the propeller but determining the angles to cut into the nose piece is what sits at the crux of the problem and very few detail that issue...they deal with that off camera. You might want to demonstrate that "issue" for the many who aren't that astute. Aside from that your presentation is awesome and interesting. thanks

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

really great project Collin - I liked the bearing idea

[@knecht105]

The ShavingWood Workshop Thanks Tommy, yeah the bearing thing works very well

[@tjweim5785]

Crap, the P-51 is one of my favorite planes of all times. Now I just have to build one. Like I am not busy enough! Good one Colin! Thanks....Now to find that photo you used.....

[@knecht105]

TJ weim LOL ... I think a few people too some inspiration from the little P 51 idea

[@SalihArtAndTech]

Excellent work. I love it.

[@mervyn-xd4sw]

Awesome love it

[@LaRue246]

My son will love this.

[@knecht105]

Mikael Strand Nielsen Very good point, I'll bet he would !!

[@Itdontmatter69]

Looks awesome to. Building one 10 times that scale would even be cooler. I’d buy one that size.

[@supurbian]

nice little trick with the post it note pad for mixing small amounts of epoxy......thanks

[@fernrjf]

Thanks to the reply about the plans to the whirligi! Regards, Robert

[@joselacera8716]

I like the display at the background nice colection

[@knecht105]

+Jose Lacera Thanks Jose

[@alsmith1025]

what an awesome idea. thanks for sharing.

[@knecht105]

Al Smith Thanks Al, yeah fun to do too ... and lots of different planes that one could make

[@glennmayer3862]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@syos1979]

Thanks for making this tutorial! Might have to check out workworking as I'm a huge fan of World War 2 aircraft and always wanted to make one of these.

[@scott6734]

just wanted say great job! Well done video.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for Watching!

[@Timsww]

Great project! Thanks!

[@knecht105]

Tim's Woodworking Thanks Tim, it was fun

[@c.a.m.6276]

Very nice work. Funny thing you put some old tools behind to adorn the place, and those are the tools I use to make my whirligigs down here in my place.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another excellent detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 Would you provide me with the link to purchase the whirligigs kit Thank you so much for assisting me. Keep producing more videos

[@graemepriestley3403]

Thanks Colin, will make a whirligig !

[@KevinConnors-j4x]

Great instructional video. Can you provide a template of the plane and the logo?

[@harryalbertomosqueravallej2111]

EXCELENTE PROYECTO, GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR TU INGENIO.

[@knecht105]

Harry Alberto Mosquera Vallejo Thank you for commenting Harry

[@francomtb7166]

I'm gonna do it!

[@willboudreau9552]

The wings were one of the most beautiful features of that model fighter. With symmetrical chord in the wings (wonderful challenge for a woodworker) it's a shame you just stuck symbolic wing stubs on the whirlygig.

[@jaytechCFL]

Very nice!

[@knecht105]

Jason Bourdon Thanks Jason

[@lucasregiscardoso]

Maravilhoso simplesmente fantástico !!!!!!!

[@knecht105]

lucas regis cardoso Thank you Lucas

[@jgeorge7091]

love it

[@WigWagWorkshop]

I been trying to work out a way to build a B-36 Peacemaker Whirligig. I am trying for a 1/72nd scale version, like the plastic model I will be building soon. My dad flew in the B-36, and its one of my favorite planes.

[@knecht105]

WigWagWorkshop I would love to see some pics when you are done ... sounds like a very cool project

[@AlbertoArrechea]

Nice...!!!

[@sandrobertte]

Belíssimo trabalho. ✈️

[@eliandrosouza5019]

thanks to explanation

[@TheAxia5573]

Amazing

[@markolsen7438]

For those that have difficulty making the prop, just buy a dollarstore windmill for a dollar or so, but make sure to super glue the vanes so they don't come off

[@amyosullivan6627]

I really want to do this!!! Does anyone have any advice over never made one

[@MrEdsster]

I sure enjoy your videos . I know you're a woodworking guy but wouldn't it be Kewl to use a cutting board for the material that would never ever rot? Just an idea, it my experience that woodworkers are always using other materials in their projects. This was a great video just an idea I had with your inspiration. Thanks Colin

[@knecht105]

MrEdsster Thanks for your comment and your suggestion ....

[@electron1961]

excelente video gracias por compartir tus creaciones

[@knecht105]

jose gl Thank you Jose

[@Riceking10]

I'd really like to see how to make some cabinet shelves for a pantry. We have a cabinet in our new house with no shelves in it. Not sure how to make sure they're strong enough.

[@knecht105]

Riceking10 I would probably use plywood for this but I would face the plywood with some natural wood so it looked like a natural wood board. Plywood is very strong and is good for shelving, I am thinking probably 3/4" or maybe slightly under depending on the span. Fastening them, you could use "L" brackets maybe, screwed to the cabinet and the shelves.

[@gilbertringuette4733]

Do you sell these air planes. I would like to buy one. Thank you.

[@joselacera8716]

I LIKE IT VERY GOOD WORK YOUNG GENERATION WILL PICK UP A LOT OF TEACHING THANK U 4 THE VIDEOS DA VETERAN JOSEPH

[@knecht105]

+Jose Lacera Thank you Jose, yes I think you are correct, youngsters would probably like this kind of woodworking

[@joselacera8716]

yes hey will God bless u

[@kaziklu79]

Great!

[@knecht105]

kaziklu79 Thanks for taking a moment to comment

[@usernamemykel]

I would have liked to see, in detail, the work necessary to insert the prop blades into the nose.

[@antoniocarlosbelinassi1129]

I love it, Airplanes Whirligig !

[@Sebastopolmark]

Hey Colin, nice project. I like the way you tapered the tail section AND the ball bearing idea. That will definitely cut down the friction and allow it to turn much more freely. The nail tip will work, but once it cuts the head of the screw, I would think it will be almost impossible to replace it. Good job.

[@knecht105]

Sebastopolmark Thanks for taking a moment to comment ... so good points :)

[@a.hermes5341]

NICE!!!

[@knecht105]

A. Hermes Thanks ... it was fun too

[@ajiththai]

Thanks for the video sir.

[@knecht105]

Ajith Kumar Happy to do it, thanks for you comments and questions

[@bardrock]

I build these as well nice job

[@OlegShiltsin]

Хорошо получилось! Мне нравиться!

[@knecht105]

Oleg Shilcin Спасибо за то, минутку, чтобы комментировать, я ценю это

[@fernrjf]

Hi, Made a copy of the P51 as you suggested. Could you give me an approximate lenght of the unit in order to get the proper size? Thanks again! Robert

[@knecht105]

Robert Fern Sure ... 18 inches is good

[@bobrown60c]

Nice job,I was also wondering why the small wing?

[@dinoilcagnolino3213]

It's a real cool toy. But you need to make the wings so they are more to scale. Also try balancing the prop. Great job.

[@knecht105]

DINO IL CAGNOLINO yes, Ithink f the prop was a bit lighter ... and as you say -balanced- it would spin better ... thanks for the tips

[@rontaylor607]

The P51 Mustang, my favourite,Out Classed the SPIT.

[@knecht105]

Ron Taylor Thanks Ron, yes one of mine too ... along with the Corsair

[@davebentley4829]

ive made a plane too,see my video,it took me 6 hours to make mine,but i only have a hand saw and some sand paper,and some old paint,but it looks ok,and works well too.

[@christianbuzio9468]

Ciao Colin. Just want wish you an Happy Easter from Italy;-)!

[@knecht105]

christian buzio Thanks Buddy, same to you but a bit belated

[@christianbuzio9468]

Wishes are always on time;-)! May I ask your mail? I would like to talk with you about new materials for woodworking that I have developed and I really would like your opinion abouy them. Cya soon

[@EPSILONGLASS]

Que lindo!!!

[@knecht105]

cursosdejoyeriaparaprincipiantes epsilon Thank you for commenting

[@davidbarnett5777]

Interesting pivoting solution. However, where I am the wind would lift the whirly right off and send it over to the next county.

[@wernerpfeifer]

This cannot work if the vertical storage is almost in the middle. The pivot point must be as close to the propeller as possible. Only then will it position itself exactly against the wind!

[@thatsjustducky331]

Great Video just watched the Anthony Hopkins movie Blackway and I want to make some of these like he does in that movie.I am confused about what direction is the wind blowing N S E West? As to the point on the plane because the point of the plane points into the wind? Do you know what I'm tryin to say?For example looking at your video: Say the fan is blowing air in a south direction, that would mean to tell which way the wind is blowing on the plane you would go by the direction of the tail? That's confusing as hell, but what can you do, you can't put a propeller on the tail to get the point of direction right.Okay I think I've got it figured out thanks.

[@joselacera8716]

very nice work I like it very interesting thank u for showing the world God bless u DAVeteran joseph

[@daniellesimone7769]

Collin, how do you keep it from blowing away if the wind gets gusty?

[@daniellesimone7769]

Never mind. Just drill the hole all the way thru, use a smaller nail & the head will keep it together.

[@ajiththai]

Sir do you make a model in computer and then get that on wood, or you study the subject and work on wood? I am having this doubt because, while u were doing this project, there was a print out on your table. Even in the last video of Trebuchet.

[@knecht105]

Ajith Kumar No I don't make a computer model or plan, but I do look things up sometimes when I need more information, like the trebuchet. For this one, I found a big picture that I printed off on 2 pages then taped them together to make the plane outline.

[@Dave-tw9ib]

where can i get the plane template ?

[@ricardomanuelquispebejar6823]

congratulation XD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@davidfernandez3878]

Hola. Alguien me podría decir donde podría comprar un avión como este? Gracias

[@markwilliams5429]

I like it this will be my next project thankyou sender TheBear

[@scootergeorge9576]

No horizontal stabilizer?

[@DB-thats-me]

Off subject question; on the rear wall, to the left of the white board, middle shelf are 4 'tools'? What are they please???

[@MrTimothyClaypole]

The top two are old wood planes and the other two are hand drills.

[@DB-thats-me]

Mark Senior Ahh...no. Other side. :-)

[@DB-thats-me]

DB Thats-Me Next to the fold-up rules.

[@DB-thats-me]

DB Thats-Me Next to the fold-up rules.

[@MrTimothyClaypole]

Saw set pliers.

[@samowens5329]

You glossed over the making of the prop. That maybe the most important part. Most specifically the angle the blades need to be inserted to catch the wind Too bad, you lose a whole grade on an otherwise good video. Why did you skip the tail and make the wings stubby? Weight considerations?

[@cesarmendes4485]

Brasil 2018. 🇧🇷

[@a71ea]

Very nice and cool You can fix small LED which can Work during the nights sort of flash LED will really look nice. All the best Khalid

[@knecht105]

ka m Wow, that is a great idea ... I should work on that, thanks for the idea

[@fernrjf]

Great P 51 Whirligig, Would you have a set of plans for this project or know where I can obtain one? Thanks! Robert

[@knecht105]

Robert Fern I don't have plans exactly other that what is posted in video and in the article, but here is the link to where the picture of the plane is that I used, .. you will have to scroll down to see it, click on the picture and then expand it en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surviving_North_American_P-51_Mustangs

[@ajiththai]

Buy the way, i was little scared when you drilled a hole in the spin of the model. Seriously, it was like OMG! Dont move an inch....

[@knecht105]

Ajith Kumar LOL ... thanks buddy, I was a bit scared too, a pilot hole would have been a good idea for me to do.

[@John-mz8rj]

You can make the blades out of tin.

[@redisgonenowitsgray]

Hey where is the tail wing ? Also when the wing is shorter in length than the fuselage then it looks really funky, now it looks like a two year old made it, sorry no offense meant, it's just that it doesn't look like it should look. On top of all that the prop is way, way too big.

[@carmelpule6954]

That is all due to what they call "the artistic licence" where an artist can modify the real thing to make it fit a particular desire. In this case the idea is not to have a real plane, but something that would attract attention and give some entertainment to those who look at the art work. This is not engineering where precision is required so that the plane will fly. If the wing was any bigger the wind would lift the plane off its central bearing. Please take it in the spirit it was meant to be. As for the larger propeller, well it is bigger for the same reason that women make their eyelashes and and eye make up so that their features would be accentuated, and the same with this model, it is meant to attract attention. I would give him full marks for this work, but just to say something, he should know that in a real plane the propeller is not the same as a turbine and the edges and shape of the blade for a better turbine would be different from a propeller driven by an engine to pull the plane forward............but who cares, all we need to do is watch the face of a happy child when he sees the ' plane'. A child is not the only person who enjoys such art, I am nearing 80 and I think is is good to look at .

[@alexwhite5724]

Why not longer wings???

[@ricarot1]

mal echo por que el anclaje de la varilla no puede estar en el CG , tiene que estar por delante para que la Hélice enfrente el viento y la medicion del viento no sea errática y la hélice no debe estar desbalanceada bad throw by the anchor rod can not be in the CG has to be ahead to the front propeller wind and wind measurement is not erratic and propeller must not be unbalanced

[@AlcántararafaelGarcia]

Podría explicarlo en castellano

[@redisgonenowitsgray]

Part of the tail is missing

[@c50ge]

If you get it to “chatter” a little bit it might just drive the moles into the neighbors yard!

[@jeffharmed1616]

Good job. Now wire the propeller to operate the machine guns

[@knecht105]

Jeff Harmed LOL ... if only I knew how ....

[@jeffharmed1616]

Reference “Whirligigs and Weathervanes” by David Schoonmaker and Brice Woods has methods and complete designs. Use pliers to bend (welding or brazing) rod - the pliers nose chosen for the required curvature.. For mechanical parts, I quote "Use only corrosion-resistant metal parts in your projects...Most of the crankshafts in our projects are made from 1/8" brass welding rod. Top quality brazing rod is ideal. It's verycorrosion resistant and bends readily. Steel welding rod is better for connecting rods, since they must resist compression and tension. A smaller size (1/16' or 3/32') is fine in all but the most difficult applications. Some of our designs with particularly complicated crankshafts have tubular bushings to offer additional support. As it happens, 118' brass tubing works perfectly with the 1 /8" welding rod. You do, however, have to cut and position the bushings on the shafts before bending in the throws."

[@theflash4715]

The propeller is way too BIG for the rest of the plane..

[@PeterPasieka]

the flash The propeller has to be big to spin in light winds otherwise it would almost never turn. I doubt the idea is to have exact proportions on the airline.

[@Lordcirdan]

Why those ridiculous wings?

[@Dave-tw9ib]

i dont have all those luxury tools

[@frankpoulsen5799]

Why do you talk so much. We are not idiots. We have eyes