This windmill platform is available as a kit consisting of
laser-cut steel parts, stainless steel nuts and bolts and a set of new bearings.
The steel sections are grade 250 mild steel, 8mm thick, and designed to fit
together easily.
Also included are the 4mm steel propeller hub plates, machined
propeller adapter, a 200mm length of steel rod and a 100mm length of steel tube
(these form part of the propeller hub and tail assembly).
Not included with the kit is the tail boom, a 1000mm length of
22mm steel tube, or tail. Why aren’t they included?
Well, the whole kit packs into a 350mm square box for delivery.
If the tail boom and tail was included, a much larger package would be needed
and the extra delivery costs would far outweigh the cost of the tail parts
themselves.
You can pick up a length of 22mm steel tube for less than $10
new (or from the local scrap metal yard for a couple of dollars) and the tail
fin can be made from a small sheet of scrap plywood or steel.
The tail boom and tail fin (3mm aluminium, approx 600mm by
500mm) can be included with the windmill kit if requested.
If you decide to make your own tail fin (and I recommend you
do), why not get creative with your design? I’ve seen tail fins shaped and
painted like chickens, pigs and cattle dogs.
Fig.1 shows the windmill platform parts. The platform is
designed to be easily assembled. You will need only some basic tools and access
to a welder.
