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Gavztheouch

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Joined: 23/12/2008
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Posts: 4

Posted: 02:34pm 28 Jan 2009

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This is my WIP for a first attempt at a usefull wind turbine. Im using Hugh Piggots plans to build the blades and generator.

The blades are going to be carved from pine using an angle grinder with heavy duty rough sanding pads attached, the rough sand paper makes light work of the softwood, each blade should take 4-5 hours to make.

The power generation part of the project is still undecided as to what I will use. Arial flux or modifided exsiting motor.

Glueing up 2 lengths of 150mm by 47mm pine. Salvaged from a demolition job last year.

First blade almost complete, needs filling and sanding back to take out the rough edges.

Side on profile of the aerofoil (still rough).

Edited by Gavztheouch 2009-01-30

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Craig

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Joined: 20/01/2009
Location: United States
Posts: 3

Posted: 05:11pm 28 Jan 2009

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looks nice

Gizmo

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Joined: 05/06/2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 5119

Posted: 10:44pm 28 Jan 2009

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Hi Gavztheouch

Looks good. Have you seen Oztules methode of making blades using a chainsaw. Its fast!
http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/articles/ChainsawBlades. asp

Keep us posted on your windmills progress.

Glenn

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
JAQ

Tinker

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Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904

Posted: 09:27am 29 Jan 2009

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Please do not take wrong my advise below, if you knew that already it may help somebody else.
When glueing up boards to make a bigger board it is a good idea to look at the grain of the wood when viewed from the end. When I look at your last picture, there is a good chance that this blade will cup later and the shape of it changes considerably.
I would have sliced the two planks in half to get 4 pieces and then turn every other piece end for end so the grain runs in alternating lines rather than a continuous curve.
That way a MUCH stronger laminate is made and its far more stable.
While I have not yet carved wooden windmill blades I did make a few wooden rudder blades for sailboats and the requirements are similar.

Klaus

GWatPE

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Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127

Posted: 10:42pm 29 Jan 2009

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Hi Tinker,

I totally agree. If you go to the trouble of making a laminate, go all the way.

I selected the wood for my blades. 1/4 grain beams of old timber work well.

Gordon.

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