Wind Vane

[d2day]

My first attempt to share so be gentle until I learn how to do it properly...LOL This is a project that I did for a friend and found that a lot of people liked it so hopefully some of you can use it. I have some other versions I will post later if there is some interest. The dxf file was saved as a version 13 autocad file. I use .svg for sheetcam myself. I did not attach the e/w/n/s/ part of the file because it is pretty simple to make, but if someone needs it I will post it later. My thanks for all the files and help I have gotten here...

car2.dxf

[eggauto]

Congrats you got it. It looks great. Thank you.

[Buzzard Gut]

That turned out Nice! Thanks

[HammerDownJustin]

Pretty nice and thank you. I have been wanting to make one. Just not sure exactly how to offset the weight. I want it to actually work also.

[Larry83301]

Looks great, love the car!


Larry

[acourtjester]

Thanks for posting could you post it in SVC???
Sean P does wind vanes and should be able to answer the positioning question.

[d2day]

Here is the svg file.

The wind vane is fully functional as shown. I can add details of how it was built if needed.

Car 2.svg

[d2day]

My thanks to eggauto for leading me in the right direction so I could start sharing....

[acourtjester]

Thanks for the SVG that opened fine but the DFX looked like this in SheetCam.

cars2.jpg

[RGR]

Here is the svg file.

The wind vane is fully functional as shown. I can add details of how it was built if needed.

Id be interested to see how its made. Ive been wanting to make one,but didnt know where to start. Thanks!!

[ben de lappe]

Thanks for the SVG that opened fine but the DFX looked like this in SheetCam.

cars2.jpg

Out of curiosity Tom, does SheetCam have an option to close paths upon importation? That's pretty much what I get in TM CAD if this setting is applied.

[acourtjester]

I cannot answer the question, it will tell you if there are overlapping lines.

[steel 35]

Thanks for the SVG that opened fine but the DFX looked like this in SheetCam.

cars2.jpg

Mine was much nicer the that! Just two lines that may try to cut twice.

Very nice car thank you.

[muzza]

Thanks for the SVG that opened fine but the DFX looked like this in SheetCam.

cars2.jpg

Tom, if it comes into Sheetcam looking like that it is generally because the scaling is wrong, the centreline marks also tell us this. I work in metric and if I bring in an inch file that is exactly what it looks like.
Murray

PS, there are a few threads here with a lot of info on making weather or wind vanes easily found using the search function for those wanting more info on making them.

[d2day]

After looking at the "mess" the dxf file made when opened in sheetcam I was very glad someone was able to explain what happened. I personally had no clue.

I am relatively new to plasma cutting and sheetcam as I only have about two years experience. I have several years with cnc routing and the problems associated with that and using a laser cutter. The laser is pretty straight forward, the router not as easy. Plasma has been more of a challenge as I started with a machine I built myself. The learning curve has been slow especially since I am not a spring chicken anymore.

Sharing files is apparently another hurdle to cross, bear with me I am willing to share some of my work as I have been creating files for the better part of 14 years, and want to give back.

Thank you all again for your help and advice.

[d2day]

I have to build another wind vane in a few days for another customer, I will take some photos of the steps along the way and post the results for those of you that may be interested.

[Zippo]

Thanks for posting.

[shinertx]

Very Nice.

[acourtjester]

Thanks Muzza that may explain things, There have been other problems when crossing software lines (different CAD programs) creating one and reading in another.

d2day
Your not the only old rooster here
have fun
Tom

[motoguy]

I have to build another wind vane in a few days for another customer, I will take some photos of the steps along the way and post the results for those of you that may be interested.

That would be awesome. Thank you!

[SeanP]

Thanks for posting could you post it in SVC???
Sean P does wind vanes and should be able to answer the positioning question.

I've done a few , but I'm no expert!
I did read they should be balanced on the pivot but have a larger surface area at the rear, I went to great lengths to get that right on some I did.
I find doing that they tentd to sway one way then the other a lot, works great in a light breeze and maybe less wear on the pivot, but then again it's none stop moving one way then the other so who knows.
Now I would rather have a bit of weight towards the rear and a larger area further back as well.

Nice car design there, loaded fine here thanks.

I think if I was using that as it is I would go for mounting the pivot right under the front edge of the door.

[Bill Reibelt]

Thanks for posting, great looking piece and converts to Corell well, no issues. Bill

[d2day]

Support and pivot ...A member asked for an explanation of how the support and pivot work so here is a basic drawing, any sizes may be changed or modified to suit any materials you may have on hand. Moving the balance point and extending the length of the arrow at the feather end may help in the overall working of the wind vane. Of course grease should be added to help with the movement and drain holes placed in the pipe so moisture will drain..

[Rex]

Thanks

[acourtjester]

d2day on the vane I built I flipped the mount so the blue tube in your drawing is attached to the vane. Then there is much less a chance for any moisture getting in.