For my final project, I plan on making an engineering/aviation style set of wind chimes. Upon first sight the aviation aesthetic should really stick out, with either a model Super Hornet jet used as the bottom weight.
It will be a functioning wind chime.
My inspirations were the windy, windy weather in Boulder, along with my major of mechanical engineering and my interest in aviation. The
The steely-grey metals that I plan on using to add to the “engineering” aesthetic are really nothing new to wind chimes, but the model jet I plan on topping it off with will certainly add a new twist to the fixture.
I think the hardest part will be getting the balance of all the pieces right, especially when it comes to attaching the jet.
As for a cost estimate, I think the project should run me around $100, maybe up to $150. I plan on buying all of the metal pieces from a hardware store or online, with the pipes costing at a maximum $15 each of which I plan to buy eight, and the center disks around $10 each, of which I plan to buy two. The model airplane should cost around $20. The string should be relatively cheap.
In terms of timeline, I hope to order the parts next week and begin machining holes and any other minor tweaks which should take another week or two, depending on how busy the machine shop is.
Stringing the whole piece together may take some time, especially getting the balance right. I think it should take a week or two of good work.
I’ll test the piece and see how I like the look/function of it after I complete a decent portion, and make revisions as I need.
I’ve included some sample wind chimes, most of them are hand-made.
I’ve also included some samples of what I might use as my centerpiece.
Sources:
http://www.sportys.com/wrightbros/sh-60-navy-sea-hawk-die-cast-model.html?utm_source=google_shopping&adpos=1o2&creative=81905665107&device=c&matchtype=&network=g
http://www.walmart.com/ip/14904248?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=53&adid=22222222227000543995&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40344274232&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=73624191649&veh=sem
http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/blown-away-12-upcycled-wind-chimes-you-can-make-47327#.Vteg1pMrI-f
http://www.wilddivine.com/wind-chimes-construction-materials/
https://www.google.com/search?q=homemade+wind+chimes&biw=1255&bih=650&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3i5bjvqPLAhUJzGMKHVazCD0Q_AUIBygC#imgrc=nBqxtUNSxN6rIM%3A
5 Comments. Leave new
I believe that the freshman project class has a sheet for creating wind-chimes with the correct length to wall thickness
Cool idea. Any idea how you are going to tune the chimes? Maybe you could have them in the key of some Air Force music. Using military parts would indeed be kind of cool to use as the chimes. This might be a bit off-color, but you could also make miniature bombs. It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out, I’ve never seen an airplane/military themed wind chime before.
Since you’re going to be hanging this outdoors keep durability in mind for the strings so that it lasts a long time. Thin cables could give a really cool look as well as durability.
Neat idea! I really like the potential military model or aircraft part as a weight to tie it all together. You should definitely spend some time on the tones. Some prototypes might help. There are usually several examples of different kinds and tones on display at the nursery near Valmont and 28th.
nice! Definitely take a look online at surplus / salvaged military jet parts… that could be a cool wind-catch for the bottom part!