Building a Windmill: Step-by-Step Instructions
Windmill Report
To begin with, we start making the base of the mill, which is formed by two cardboard cylinders, one slightly larger than the other. We will join them with insulating tape to get the right shape. When we have the shape of the base done, we begin painting it with acrylic paint and let it dry.
While the mill body is drying, we start making the structure of the four blades of the mill with aluminum wire. Once we have completed each of the separate blades, we join the four blades with another piece of aluminum wire to achieve the desired shape. In the midst of the sails, we let out a small piece of wire that we have joined with the blades. Then, we can unite the blades through this wire to one of the priorities of reducing the engine so they can rotate.
Once the structure of the blades is complete, we begin to line them one by one with aluminum foil and shape them as we want. When the mill body is completely dry after applying two or three layers of paint, we will make a small hole at the upper edge of the cylinder to enter the motor shaft with the piece of wire protruding from the center of the blades.
Next, we make a circle of cardboard that is slightly smaller than the cylinder of the base, as we will need to insert this cardboard circle into the rear cylinder to act as a base on which to support the engine at the same height as the hole we made earlier. We then support the engine at the base of the cardboard that we introduced into the cardboard cylinder of the mill, ensuring the engine is at the proper height to allow the motor shaft to enter the hole.
When we have the motor located properly, we connect a wire to each end of the engine to pass the current. We will then make another hole in the cardboard circle, but in a square shape, to introduce and pass the cables underneath. Once everything is done, we will join the blades to the motor shaft tightly with electrical tape.
Next, we proceed to make the roof of the mill. To this end, we wind a piece of cardboard into a cone shape and then paste straw on the roof to decorate. When we finish the roof, we can cover the whole internal structure that moves the blades with the mill base.
After this, we must take a piece of wood and attach another small piece of wood to act as a second base of the mill. We will then place the mill on that second base, which is attached to the general base. Once done, we will remove the wires below the mill that will go to the battery, which will be attached to the mill’s extremity.
Next, we need to check that the mill works properly. Once we are satisfied that the mill is functioning correctly, we begin with the decoration of the mill. On the edges of the general base, we will make some small hurdles using thin wooden sticks, which we will stick with glue.
Then, we will create a road with rocks along the edges. To continue the decoration, we will paste green construction paper along the way to simulate an artificial lawn, painted with different shades of green on green cardboard. To finish our project completely, we will paint the details on the mill and add some animals and a car on the road.
Finally, we will connect the mill to ensure it stays cool.