Assembling The Fan

When the fan blades are completed, fasten the cross-lap joint with small brads. These brads must be driven near the corners of the joint so as not to be in the way of boring the hole through the center. Locate the center (where the blades cross) and bore a hole (Chapter II., Paragraph 9) large enough to allow the screw to turn very freely.

Note: - When the windmill gets wet the wood will swell, and unless all holes, in which screws are to turn, have been bored apparently larger than necessary the joints will not turn.

The Shaft And Upright

As the shaft and the upright are to be the same size, this piece of material should be planed the proper size before it is cut to length (Chapter II., Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4). You will notice that the end of the shaft is to be ripped to receive 'the tin tail. Gauge for the ripping on both sides of the shaft (Chapter II., Paragraph 6). Fasten the material in the vise and rip in the same manner as in sawing a tenon (Chapter II., Paragraph 14). Locate and bore the hole (Chapter II., Paragraph 9) for the screw which is to fasten it to the upright.

The Tin Tail

With lead pencil and ruler, lay out the shape of the tail. The tin may be cut with tinner's snips; if you do not have them, an old pair of shears will do very well. Fasten the tail in position by driving a few brads through the shaft and the tin.

Assembling

These parts are to be assembled with screws.

Finishing

As this article is to be used out of doors, a coat of paint would be a good protection for it (Chapter IV., Paragraph 52). If desirable you may give the woodwork a coat of stain (Chapter IV., Paragraph 54).

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Heat Wheel

1. A paper heat wheel may be made on the same plan as shown in suggestion No. 2. Cut a perfect square of any kind of stiff, tough paper (not cardboard), mark the diagonals and cut on these lines from each corner toward the center; turn in the alternate corners, causing the wheel to take the shape shown in suggestion No. 2. Thrust a pin through each of these corners and the exact center of the wheel. Remove the pin and put it through these same holes from the other side; that is, so the head of the pin will be on the plane smooth side of the wheel; thrust the pin into the end of a small, softwood stick; the wheel can be made to stand in position by fastening the opposite end of the stick in a hot air register; the passing of the hot air will turn the wheel.

Circular Tin Wheel

2. An easily constructed and very successful wind wheel may be made of a circular piece of tin. Almost any diameter will do, but about six or eight inches will be most convenient. Cut out a perfect circle of tin, find the center, and with the compasses lay out a small circle (about an inch and one-half in diameter); on the outside circumference step off equal spaces about one and one-half inches; from these points cut straight lines toward the center just to the inside circle; punch a smooth hole in the center; fasten to the end of a stick with a screw or a nail; twist each of the blades of the wheel so they will all stand at the same angle. It may require a little experimenting and adjusting to get them set so the wheel will turn satisfactorily.