How to Make an Awesome Kinetic Wind Sculpture

This video shows how to make an awesome Kinetic Wind Sculpture for the backyard.
I' love these wind spinners, but they can cost hundreds of dollars. This build cost about $100 bucks; Booyah!
Everlast 200 Stick Tig Welder: amzn.to/3dIL6c5
Century FC 90 Flux Core Welder: amzn.to/30g54qH
Evolution 7-1/4 Multi-Material Circular Saw amzn.to/2MziOVy
Evolution 7-1/4 Heavy Duty Circular Saw for Mild Steel amzn.to/3cGwSXR
HF Portable Bandsaw Link amzn.to/3f2eFpw
My Etsy shop = www.etsy.com/shop/TheBooyahForge
My Facebook: / rick.rabjohn.14
My Email: [e-mail]
Thanks to Kevin Caron for all of his tips and tricks from his KZbin Channel - link below!
/ kevincaron
Music Used In Welding Segment = Think Tank by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@briansabo908]

Hi Rick. Your wind sculpture is awesome. I liked it so much I had to make one for myself. The only thing I did different was I made it for the front yard . Everyone that see's it love's it. Thank You so much for your inspiration.

[@lauramihalenko855]

Very pretty! You did an incredible job with this. Thank you for sharing!

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

Thanks 4 sharing Ur ideas

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

Hammer marks could look cool

[@DOLsenior]

Beautiful!

[@annettereed6146]

Looks great! I love the way it looks when it spins.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Annette!

[@demitriosvekkf.z.7768]

Thank you for showing us how it's made!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you for checking it out; Booyah!

[@Temo2010]

GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR TUS CONOCIMIENTOS Y TUS OBRAS CON NOSOTROS... APRENDI MUCHO

[@jessemansfield4794]

Thanks for sharing!

[@thedindon]

Looks great!

[@esh31]

Wow, so beautiful!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you!!

[@jackknows6509]

Hard to believe its your first one. Works GREAT!!!!

[@jacksonlee5189]

My wife wants me to make one of these for our backyard with my everlast welder. Those look awesome with a slight breeze going.

[@RickRabjohn]

thank you and good luck with your build. have fun

[@jacksonlee5189]

It is the perfect project for me to use my powerarc welder on. My wife will love it.

[@RickRabjohn]

That is great - have fun with the build and look forward to seeing how yours turns out; Booyah!

[@4by4squared88]

I did one very similar out of all copper. I didn’t use bearing but used one ball bearing that the outside pile sat on. It works perfectly. I cleared coated all the copper and the color did not fade and it’s been over 3 or so years. Plus I have not touched it up.I didn’t use my forge but used a torch to heat and bend my copper rods. I didn’t not heat my leave either. I just bent and drilled them. Stuck the rod through them and welded them.

[@skaslusky]

I love it - - You made it look simple - I bet it isn't! Excellent work - Hope to see it someday.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@killerkane1957]

Very nice! I enjoy a large shop with machining and forging capabilities. I have always wanted to make wind sculpture. Finally at 61, your video gave me a muse.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Killer ! You can do it - it's one of the best projects I've done and we're still enjoying it!

[@digitalteachers]

Yes this is inspirational....I too am at that age where creativity can finally blossom ....might try a mini spoon size paddle, first

[@crystalspells4587]

I need a mom and pop 30th

[@aparamita25985]

Excellent one. Worthiness video. Sir, I was quite interested about this sculpture and this video bears clean details. Thumbsup

[@paintersson]

Great job. It looks really nice.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you Tom!

[@andresskl]

Congratulations! I love it!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks for checking it out Andres - happy holidays!

[@arasul]

Rick, what a beautiful project. Splendid. The petals you mounted on the shafts have different angles to the plane of rotation?

[@michaelkmoody]

Good job man enjoyed it and may try that.

[@viixio6614]

Amazing skill sir, truly enjoyed your presentation.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Paul!

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great job Rick!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you !!!!!! Appreciate you checking out my vids; booyah!

[@clairerabjohn967]

I like it!

[@mkatherineeagan7007]

Wow, amazing.

[@599891]

Bloody good job Mate!

[@RickRabjohn]

LOL - Cheers Mr. Holmes!!

[@pattilocke199]

Ya said well boys. .. But im a lady sculpturest. I love welding . i have a huge woodshop and cant wait to make one of these. Thanks. There so cool

[@RickRabjohn]

Gosh, I am sorry about this. Meant no harm, and thanks for pointing this out. Booyah!

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Patti Locke .... I wanna meet you!! Smile!!!

[@michaeloxman3820]

Beautiful sculpture and great, easy to follow video. I especially like how you anticipated the use for a found object! Thanks for posting.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you Michael - appreciate it; Booyah!

[@general5104]

Michael Oxman . That part he found appears to be a brake for a mine buggy.

[@lineman55]

@@general5104 It looks like a train brake shoe..

[@LozHarrop]

looks fantastic Rick, you did a great job there mate,

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks my friend - appreciate that and hope your well; cheers

[@jayhortenstine5822]

Great job !

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Jay - it's been getting a workout these past few days given the high winds in the Northeasr. So far so good....Booyah!

[@Time.for.tea.]

Watching it spin is so soothing! How about recording it for about ten minutes and making a relaxation video? I wld watch it all the time!

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey Hey - that's a good idea - I am making a new one and will do this rotating the video between the four I have......thanks for the tip

[@anthonykent7983]

Beautiful work my friend so pleased Tim at Big Dog Forge sent me over . Anthony Kent HAWK woodlore knives UK

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you and welcome!

[@general5104]

AWSOME

[@anilrupnarain7893]

Nice job Rick. I would like to make one. What is the OD and ID dimensions of the stabalizing Bearings you used and what is the dimension of your Thrust Bearing?

[@mariaangelicadiaz4343]

Muy bien!!! Hola varón.. Te saludo desde Punta Arenas Chile. Yo estoy fascinada mirando tu trabajo tan interesante. Eres ingeniero, soldador. Diseñador, me encanta verte trabajando en tu taller soldando las piezas. Quedo hermoso, con una fuerza que equipara al viento que lo mueve. Es un ser metálico que proyecta vida aérea que enamora con su movimiento. Me encantó como hiciste las piezas, pasó a paso y armaste con precisión. Y es alto !!!!! Inmenso se ve de lejos. Que es eso?? Ohh, un dragon? No. La serpiente que Engaño a Eva? Noo. Que es? Es un ser fuerte que vive cuando lo mueve el viento y se escurre lejos de las manos que lo forjó para ser libre y jugar con el viento. ( e infundir respeto) dice: alto ahí. Si no me miras, no pasas. Y claro que lo mire!!!!!!! Un abrazo!!!!!

[@kevincaronkc]

Nice!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you!!

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

Very nice. I need to learn to weld.

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey Hey Scot - it's not that hard . I have a lot to learn myself, but figured it out via You Tube videos. Good luck and have fun!

[@fahmahdave]

Great job Rick. Kinetic sculptures are a fantastic art form, and you have it mastered. As some of the comments state, I've finally got some time in my life to take on a project like this. What do you think about "Ye Olde Fart Forge"? Keep up the great work!

[@RickRabjohn]

I love the name :-)))) Thanks for checking it out and sending your comments - I really appreciate it! Among the many things I have built, this one is my favorite...Good luck with your build .....Booyah!

[@coleendupriest4138]

Beautiful

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@coleendupriest4138]

@@RickRabjohn I want with all my heart to make beauty such as yours...now I hope to survive...no more excuses. I admire you. 😀

[@carlosalfredoapablazahenri8965]

Excelente su trabajo , lamentablemente su explicación no es en español , hay un detalle que no lo entendí , y es el final como instala los rodamientos , felicitaciones

[@digitalteachers]

Practical Inspirational....thanks for the video. Can I ask please, how does it handle very strong winds?

[@RickRabjohn]

Hi John, this past winter was brutal - then came the three unusual noreasters in early spring and finally the Macrobursts with 100mph winds in May. Overall, it weathered the storms with no issues and continues to rotate as well as day 1. Booyah! Good luck with your build....

[@janiceshaffer9209]

would you share your design measurements of the rods to get the perfect rotation?

[@kevinlogiudice5458]

Nice paddle bending jig!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks! 👍

[@freddietrollabyte3226]

Awesome first attempt! I'd be proud as all get out if this were mine. Next time I'd see about getting the thing radially balanced. How much wind before it starts spinning?

[@RickRabjohn]

Not much wind is needed - they are all fairly sensitive

[@Armagedon59]

I like it

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you!

[@metalmorphist]

I believe I've seen your work in the past. Subbed at Tim's (Big Dog) recommendation. Wondering at what wind speed does it begin to rotate?

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey hey welcome back - while I don't know the specific MPH - it surprisingly does not take much wind to get it spinning. There is a lot of surface area in the paddles to catch the wind and the bearings limit the resistance.

[@abhaygarg7892]

Hey rick great job. I would just like to know some tips for a more complicated kinetic sculpture as i have build one for a public park. some references as to the process of construction would be great. Again a great job mate!

[@RickRabjohn]

thank you!

[@tomthompson7400]

google Anthony Howe job done.

[@jshauer8272]

8:53... Hey now Rick... GIRLS HERE TOO! WE MAKE ART TOO YA'KNOW!?! Thanks for posting! Super informative and I hope you keep 'em coming!! I subscribed and liked!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you!!

[@mockingbirdhillfarmspartag2362]

Super! Super! Super! I understand the top bearing, but what do the other two accomplish?

[@RickRabjohn]

those bearings help keep the tube centered around the shaft....

[@bobprice9244]

i couldn't get lucky enough to find a curved section in a scrap yard but I do have access to different sizes of pipe

[@rabidavid614]

It certainly looks interesting, although have you noticed any significant wobble side to side in higher wind? I just wondered if the weight and wind force in the smaller paddles was not as great, as on the other paddles which are larger and heavier and cover 270 degrees of the over all 360 degrees around the pipe. The overall effect of the spiral with the smaller blades looks great, but I noticed a little oscillation, and it would concern me, if I left it up unattended. One other thing, what do you or other people do when the weather is predicted to be stormy. Is there a way to reduce the speed, or is it a case of leaving it up?

[@4by4squared88]

Wind speed doesn’t hurt these at all. They just spin faster. At least mine do and they are tall.

[@user-qe9dm1si1d]

Молодец с меня подписка и лайк

[@he-mansuncle7661]

This is freaking amazing!!! How's it looking after 7 months? Would you do anything different or add anything to it? This is so inspiring and informative! You didn't complicate anything, and the dumpster find was perfect for the job(and I'm sure a huge timesaver)!!! I'm sure it would have looked great with the hammered look but I'm assuming that it would be a lot more time consuming and the pieces wouldn't have been identical. Booyah!!!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Phillip - after 7 months it's still spinning despite the snow and cold...I wouldn't have done anything different, but what I want to make next is a double helix - so double the paddles - should look really cool. Hand hammer look might be really nice and perhaps create more wind resistence and more spin than smooth - I'll give that a try. Thanks again!!

[@eastcoastmarinenature2058]

Nice looking, but how well does it truly work? It is extremely top heavy and would not be very stable if a moderate wind gets it to spinning any faster than you had it spinning. Wouldn’t you agree?

[@RickRabjohn]

Well it's been in the backyard for two years and is always spinning throughout the year when the wind blows - truly I have not needed to do anything - even in some of the big storms we've had - I look out and she's spinning away.

[@YunaOnHome]

God that’s some brutal construction did it move with the wind or was it too heavy?

[@RickRabjohn]

it did just fine with the wind.....it is a lot of weight but the bearing handles it. Thqnks for checking it out

[@gordcraw2391]

Beautiful I would like to make one of these so I would like more info on the bearings such as the size and how you mounted them.

[@RickRabjohn]

Great! The Thrust Bearing I used from Amazon is titled as follows: SKF 51200 Grooved Race Thrust Bearing, 3 Piece, ABEC 1 Precision, 90° Contact Angle, Open, Steel Cage, Metric, 10mm Bore, 26mm OD, 11mm Width. The two other bearings mounted on the 3/4" shaft were also from Amazon as follows: Two Chrome Precision Sealed Ball Bearing 3/4" ID x 1-3/8" OD (No Flange) Slow Speed. You should be able to search Amazon and find more details. By the way - I also recently purchased a 3/4 ball bearing from Amazon to try as an alternative to the thrust bearing. Both work, but the ball bearing placed on the top of the shaft would be cheaper and easier - so will see if it works. Good luck with your build - would love to see it when done; Booyah!

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@RickRabjohn alternative way to do your bearing system at the top is to weld an oversized round steel ball bearing welded over the end of the pipe or bearing housing. Next weld a round steel ball bearing the same OD as your shaft on the end of your shaft. Weld them inside of a piece of angle iron to get the to line up. Next check for hardness after welding with a new file. Make sure the file slides over it and will not grab. As soon as you weld cool it. You want the steel ball bearings hard hard. Lube the ball on the end of the shaft. There is no better bearing system than hardened steel balls touching. You need to be using tubing instead of pipe. 3/8” is over kill on the arms. 1/4” of 5/16” at the most would be better. Always remember weight causes friction. I have built kinetic sculptures for over 25 years and I have been through just about everything imaginable. The thrust bearing will help you on the weight but why spend the money if you don’t have to. Also a large steel ball ball looks good as a final on top of a kinetic. You do not want a kinetic that takes a 40mph wind to turn it. The object is for it to turn in a light breeze. Once again make sure the steel ball bearings are hardened back after welding. Also if you really want to kick it up a notch learn to do a copper finish green over spray paint that has the look of oxidation like copper does over time. That is what people want. There are 3 culprits building kinetic sculptures. Balance, angles and friction. I could write a book about building these. All of my sculptures are stainless.

[@RickRabjohn]

@@JohnDavis-yz9nq Thanks for the ideas John - I like the bearing on bearing idea

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@RickRabjohn depending on the length of the kinetic you can use a fiber bushing at the bottom. I use a molly filled nylon because it is self lubricating. Be sure and oversize the bore so that it is loose on the shaft. Causes friction if it hugs the shaft too tight. Anything 4’ or less I don’t use bushing at the bottom. You will be amazed at how easy they turn. Put 2 steel balls together and you will see they hardly touch. Therefore no friction. Awesome work by the way. I like the way you try to pay attention to detail. So many craftsmen don’t nowadays. Balancing is a whole other episode. I’ve been trying to teach a man that has visited me on 2 occasions how to balance. He stayed 2 weeks each time. He just doesn’t have it. He will never learn it. Really I think that something you have to be born with. I am looking forward to seeing more of your kinetic videos.

[@cesarblancarte4269]

@@RickRabjohn question: how can you use a 3/4 ID x 1-3/8 OD to fit inside a 1-1/4 pipe?? do you grind the OD???

[@madhavmalaviya1018]

is there anyway I can buy the support arms online?

[@lynetripp1367]

What are the different sizes of paddles?

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

I don't really have the financial resources to construct something like this from metal, but your cardboard mock up looks like something that won't break the bank.

[@tomthompson7400]

just a thought , if you had beaten the ends of the rods flat where they touched the paddles , would have been easier to weld , or rivet

[@RickRabjohn]

Good thought - I like it - thanks Tom!

[@tomthompson7400]

or beat the ends flat , and put a copper rivet through both , bit of colour contrast ,,,,

[@lesroberts2244]

Nice job, is it balanced?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you - in terms of balance, check out this video which shows it spinning..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3qtd6mNe9xrrZI

[@sienalfing3571]

Mooi

[@cesarblancarte4269]

Hola Rick, You Mention to one of your subscribers that you use a 3/4 ID X 1-3/8 OD side bearing to fit inside the main 1-1/4 pipe. Math does not add up. 1-3/8 is bigger then 1-1/4??? Do you have a link or part no. to the side bearing you used? Please advise thx rick.

[@evfiorg]

Outstanding!! I want one! How much?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you very much!! If interested, it would be around $350 plus shipping. You can email me at [e-mail] if you decide to go ahead. Thanks again.

[@abbynnaji3881]

Great work Rick. Its beautiful. Can you tell me the material that makes it spin?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you - I use a single ball bearing 1/2” or 3/4” that sits freely on top of the solid support rod - the outer pipe with the wind paddles slip over and rides on the bearing. I also used a thrust bearing but found the ball bearing works just as well - hope that helps

[@abbynnaji3881]

@@RickRabjohn Absolutely . thasnk you

[@cindyflores564]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you

[@suzannemcconnell1149]

Kind sir, I am looking for someone to manufacture several turning directional bearing bases for a spinning sculpture cut from steel. It would need to be anchorable into the ground and support about 500 lbs of weight. I wish for it to be directional, only counter-clockwise, and it would be best if it had a mechanism to park it from spinning. WOuld this be something you would take on or can you recommend someone else? Thank you very much. James McConnell

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks James, but I need to limit myself given I am retired and if I'm not careful I'll be back to full time again . I would look for a steel supply, job shop, metal shop, or welding shop locally and see if they could do it. If you live near Danbury CT I have some names.

[@ahnclsal]

Are all the support arms same lenght ??

[@RickRabjohn]

No I tappered the last three at the top and bottom to help create the visual effect. Hope that helps

[@emilykokay557]

Do you think one can make a sculpture similar to this out of plastic, wood, or aluminum? Something maluable without a foundry

[@RickRabjohn]

Hi Emily, yes, I think you can make these out of a variety of materials. I have seen them made entirely out of copper which is easy to bend and can be soldered. It also looks great when it ages. That said, copper can be expensive. Aluminum would also be nice as well. Wood could work but likely not last as long. By the way, I recently made some new ones and posted the video where I simply hand hammered the mild steel into a wooden mold to form the paddles. No heat involved. That worked great.

[@emilykokay557]

@@RickRabjohn thank you so much for the quick response! I am an artist who is going to be making kinetic sculptures within the community in Downriver MI. I have my own sketches and unique ideas, just figuring out the logistics and find your videos extremely helpful and the work stunning!

[@RickRabjohn]

that is great and wish you all the best with your sculptures. Hope you plan on posting them to KZbin. Take care.

[@ahnclsal]

What Is the angle between each support to generate the effect

[@RickRabjohn]

approx. 30 degrees

[@sachindevkate7663]

Super sir How the direction fix of blade arm on pipe please detail

[@RickRabjohn]

No math or template used - I just arranged all the blades / arms around the pipe and secured them with a clamp. I adjusted them a little until it looked correct and then welded them onto the pipe one by one. Hope that helps

[@tomthompson7400]

did you balance the area of one big blade to match the opposite two small blades , or is the bearing alone enough to make up for any un ballance

[@RickRabjohn]

yes ...I tried to ensure symetre around the pole so eight paddles arcing right - eight paddles arcing left to limit dead wind spots and yes to help create balance. A single ball bearing on top helps. I have also used magnets on other sculptures to help with balance. The only thing I would have done different is to limit the reduction in the size of some paddles at top and bottom. I would have made them more like the others to help capture more wind. I still would taper off the length of the arms - just note the paddles. Hope that helps and good luck with your build.

[@ytkealoha]

why did you move to a single ball bearing in subsequent builds?

[@RickRabjohn]

easier to do and just works ...thanks

[@brendataylor9276]

Can’t you just use large serving spoons? I don’t have a welder. And I’m looking for a easy way.

[@RickRabjohn]

Yes - you can use anything to catch the wind

[@user-th5iq9wx2b]

А из половников из нержавейки слабо сварганить, что-бы кротов и землероек отпугивать?

[@user-th5iq9wx2b]

Жить надо проще!

[@tonyajackson-noaafederal7640]

Beautiful art! Would you make to sell?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you Tonya !

[@albionwatts6000]

What is the length of the arms please.

[@RickRabjohn]

Sorry for the delay, the arms start out at 24 inches, the wrap around the pipe takes 6 inches leaving the final arm lenght of 18 inches long. I also tapper back the last three arms at the top and bottom to 15, than 12, then 9 inches. Hope that helps and good luck with your build.

[@user-jj2yc2hz6c]

Make windmill ⚡ generators for more practicality 💥 generate electricity 💡 search for japanese water powered cars 💦

[@albionwatts6000]

Excellent, but would have preferred to see it in red..against the green of the trees..beautiful.. Just saying...

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Albion - I think red would be cool....

[@chrisg2163]

Hi I've made a dandelion can u help me get the spinner part to do helllloooooo

[@nelsonneto6690]

Do you want sale?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks for asking - right now I just do this for fun.

[@ifihadahammer7856]

1: Invest in thousands of dollars of equipment. 2: Gain a working knowledge on how to use it all. 3: Make stuff. 4: Try not to lose any extremities.

[@RickRabjohn]

Ha ha ha

[@ifihadahammer7856]

@@RickRabjohn I'm just jealous.

[@RickRabjohn]

LOL I was laughing at the "not loose extremities" given I've come pretty close too many times....Thanks for your comment; Booyah