Making metal weathervanes from your own hands: beautiful options and drawings

The weather vane not only has practical value at the dacha, but also performs a decorative function. Usually it is a metal figure of a rooster or another forged composition on a vertical axis, which rotates with the help of the wind and shows its direction and strength. At first, weathercocks were exclusively steel due to the high strength and durability of such a material. And now, in addition to this, a special anti-corrosion coating is applied to them, which protects the metal from negative external influences.

Weathercocks differ from each other in their intended purpose, the following varieties are distinguished:

• decorative options (serve as decorations);
• meteorological weathercocks (determine wind direction);

• chimney models (protect pipes from wind blowing and penetration of smoke into the room);
• Schlagen-vane (protects the chimney from the penetration of harmful animals or birds due to the action of special rattles or fans that create vibrations).

Metal version of the weather vane - the most common, practical and affordable. Weathervanes can be stainless steel or copper. In this case, the second option, albeit more expensive, but the most durable. In addition, this design effectively shines in the sun, is resistant to corrosion and is very easy to clean. In addition, copper is a soft material, which is pleasant and easy to work when forging.

Wooden structures can be used as exclusive weather vane models, but they are less durable. And plastic is a budget option "for the amateur." Some craftsmen can even make a weather vane out of scrap materials (for example, plastic bottles) in the country.But it is unlikely he will serve his master for a long time, and will not cause any sense of aesthetic pleasure.

Classic weather vane is usually made of metal up to 50 cm in the form of an image of an animal. It can be a rooster, a cat, and even any fabulous or animated characters that children will especially like. If you wish, you can also make a wooden plane with your own hands. If you want the weathervane to perform a decorative function, make sure that its design blends in with the architecture of the building and the overall style.

When choosing the type of figure for a weather vane, consider the fact that each carries a certain value. For example, the rooster symbolizes vigilance and, according to old popular beliefs, scares evil spirits.The cat symbolizes comfort and coziness in the house, and is also considered the guard of the house and the protector from evil. Owl means wisdom, and a lion means strength and power. The weather vane in the shape of a horse is suitable for purposeful and noble people.

In Asia, the common weathercocks depicting a dragon as a symbol of wisdom and spiritual power. The image of a chimney sweep, according to popular belief, will bring good luck to your home. George the Victorious, who kills a snake with a spear, is the protector of the house from the negative.

The griffin speaks of the strength and vigilance of the owner, and also protects the house from the influence of evil forces. It is interesting that even such a seemingly negative image, like Baba Yaga, is an excellent solution: it will not only attract the attention of others with its uniqueness, but also protect it from evil forces.

The eagle protects the home from enemies and, being a symbol of Heaven and Sun, embodies strength, power and majesty. Such a weather vane will emphasize the independence of the owner and show his social status. A stork patronizes families and is a symbol of mutual understanding. A very romantic image - a ship flying through the sky.Old Russian themes are also popular: for example, a weather vane in the form of a rook or a hero.

Before starting work, it is necessary to make a sketch and drawing of the weather vane in order to know exactly what size and appearance the structure will be. A standard blank in the form of a rooster can be found on the Internet and transfer the outlines of the pattern on paper. For drawing you will need special paper with millimetric markings. In the future, this stencil is superimposed on the metal or other material that you will use. You can cut a figure with an electric jigsaw or special scissors for metal, and you can cut the edges with a file.

To make a weather vane, you will need: scissors for metal; bolts; compass; bearing; drill with drills; wire; welding machine; kernel; wrench; cap with internal thread; a tube; file.

The base of the weather vane will be a metal tube. At the end of the thread is cut, which is inserted into the cover. Where there is no thread, a bearing is inserted.The sides of the light on the weather vane will be denoted by wire using a welding machine. On each side you can attach the symbols of the cardinal points, which are regulated using a conventional compass.

The made construction is fixed on the lid, while fastening the metal rod to the support. A figure carved out of metal and an arrow indicating the direction of the wind are welded to it. And do not forget to balance the weight and the counterweight of the figures to get accurate data. And, of course, take care of safety during installation work.

The most common and practical option is to mount the weather vane to the chimney. If the chimney is brick, then the fastening strength is not satisfactory. The design of the vane in this case is fixed in a vertical position with screws at the corners. And with a vent deflector, you can weld the structure to it.

You can attach the structure on special support elements to the horizontal edge of the roof slope. The only drawback is the wooden ridge, which over time can crack under the influence of rain, snow, bright sun and other external influences.The figure needs to be fixed strictly vertically at the highest point of the shelter.

Another interesting and highly non-standard version of the weather vane is the cat figurine.like playing with a ball or catching a mouse. The cat figure in this case is a flag, and the counterweight will be a ball or a mouse. Such a design rests on a rotating axial tube enclosed in a thicker copper pipe. Rotation occurs due to the presence of the bearing in the main body.

Following the advice of professionals, you can not only build a weather vane with your own hands without problems, but also ensure its accuracy and durability.

• for greater accuracy of the weather vane, pay attention to the fact that there are no high buildings or trees nearby that can significantly distort the wind direction indicators;
• the design of the vane should not be too weighty, while the figure on the arrow must balance with the counterweight - only then will the vane rotate freely;
• To connect the axis with the base, use a special bearing with protection against moisture, so that the rotation is carried out freely;

• copper vane itself cannot show the strength of the wind (to achieve this,install a metal plate at the end of the arrow, which will be bent from the wind, or a mini-propeller);
• it is better to attach the weather vane to the part of the roof that is not responsible for its shape (for example, to a furnace hood or a ventilation pipe with a thickness of more than 2 mm);
• although the parameters of the weather vane can be any, professional craftsmen usually choose the size from 70 to 80 cm in length and 40 cm in height, when it comes to a multi-storey cottage, and if the country house is low and modest in size, you can stay on the dimensions smaller .

• Drawing of a weather vane in the form of a rooster.

• Drawing of a weather vane in the form of a cat.

• Copper weathercocks are durable and effectively shine in the sun.

• You can make a sketch for the flag yourself and maximize your imagination.

• The eagle protects the home from enemies, embodying strength, power and greatness.

In the next video you will see how to make a metal vane with your own hands.