Wind Vane - Toroidal Propeller

This wind vane responds quickly to changing wind conditions.  It uses ball bearings with acetal shells and stainless steel balls, and needs no lubrication. I have used PLA and it has survived for several years and is still going strong.  For this upload I made some refinements to the design, compared to the photos.

1. The body is printed in two halves and glued together
2. The bearing axles are M5 x 40 countersunk screws
3. For the propeller axis:
   • Place a bearing mount stop onto the M5 screw
   • Then a bearing, with the shield side towards the propeller
   • Then a bearing cap (see Note 1 below)
   • Then the propeller, inserting its shaft into the bearing
   • Finally the spinner screws onto the assembly and holds it together (Note 2)
4. For the pivot axis:
   • Place a bearing mount stop onto the M5 screw
   • Then a bearing, with the shield away from the screw head (downwards when in action)
   • Then a bearing cap (see Note 1 below)
   • Then screw in the pivot bearing mount, inserting its shaft into the bearing
5. Place the two bearing assemblies into the body and retain with 4G x 12mm screws (8 required)
6. The pivot is designed to press over a length of 19mm curtain rod, which itself can be inserted into timber if a suitable hole is bored with a hole saw.

Note 1: The bearing caps have countersunk holes if countersunk screws are to be used.  Alternatively pan head screws may be used, in which case the bearing caps can be reversed so the countersunk holes face the wind vane body.

Note 2: There are two versions of the spinner.  One has a smaller hole and is designed to screw directly onto the M5 screw.  The second has an embedded M5 nylock nut.  The slicer file includes a pause so that the nut can be inserted (nylon side down) into the recess.

Note 3: A suitable bearing is https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/ball-bearings/1257909