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Roadrunner Plan Free Project Plan

My personal favorite weather vane. The whiriling is true American Folk Art. They once depicted all walks of life; performing chores of the day from chopping wood to milking cows. Made in all shapes and sizes, they featured spinning wings, propellers, waving arms, kicking legs, and presented just about every motif imaginable.

Instructions

Step 1
Using a 1-inch grid for the body and a 1/2-inch grid for the wing, lay out the fu.ll-size pattern.

Step 2
Cut all wood to size according to the materials list.

Step 3
Transfer the body pattern and hole locations to the wood, and cut out the shape. A band saw is best, but a jigsaw or even a coping saw will work fine. After all, the original was made without any power tools. Drill a 5/8-inch-diameter hole for the wing support and a 1/4-inch-diameter hole in the underside edge as shown on the drawing.

Step 4
Cut the wing support from a 1/4-inch-diameter dowel, and glue it to the body. Locate the exact center of each end of the dowel, and drill pilot holes for the wood screws.

Step 5
Drill a 1/4-inch-diameter hole in each hub (D). Kerf one end of each; then kerf the other end, but in opposite positions as shown. The flat edges of the wings face in the same general direction and are located on
the same side of the hub.

Step 6
Prime the wood with exterior primer; then paint with exterior paint—any color combination will look good, but I suggest bright colors. When dry, assemble the project as shown in the exploded view. The wings must turn freely, so don't over-tighten the wing screws. The pivot bearing, a brass or steel ball, is held in place by the pivot tube. Attach the eyes and your bird is done.