Rebuilding yard ornament

Catoosa · Apr 11, 2017

We have one of those scale fake windmills in the yard that has some sentimental value, it belonged to the wife's mother. I have removed the rotor to install new bearings on the fan but noticed the aluminum bearing the rotor rotates in to align itself with the wind is in pretty bad shape. The shaft is 1/2 inch and I have some steel 1/2 ID tubing the shaft fits in with enough clearance to turn and maybe a little grease.

My question, this would result in a steel on steel bearing/sleeve and wondering if that might be a problem. It's really slow turning, just aligning itself with the wind.

Thanks

MossRoad · Apr 11, 2017

Catoosa said:
We have one of those scale fake windmills in the yard that has some sentimental value, it belonged to the wife's mother. I have removed the rotor to install new bearings on the fan but noticed the aluminum bearing the rotor rotates in to align itself with the wind is in pretty bad shape. The shaft is 1/2 inch and I have some steel 1/2 ID tubing the shaft fits in with enough clearance to turn and maybe a little grease.

My question, this would result in a steel on steel bearing/sleeve and wondering if that might be a problem. It's really slow turning, just aligning itself with the wind.

Thanks

We just went through with the same thing last year.... my wife wanted to re-paint her mom's 5' windmill for mother's day. We snuck over and stole it out of her garden (she never knew it was missing), took it home. Spent about 4 hours sanding and another 2-3 hours total painting it. Sanding pads, primer and paint (three colors) added up to about $30. I've seen them on sale for $29! :laughing:

Here's the exact same one for $39.
Amazon.com : 4-1/2' Decorative Windmill Green with Yellow Tips : Wind Sculptures : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Anyhow, our bearings were shot too. I just sanded up the shafts and sleeves and put them back in there loose. It works fine now with NO bearings.

Steel on steel might rust together. But I'd bet a decent waterproof grease once a year will keep it free moving.

Sometimes the sentimental value of things makes us do crazy stuff, but there's some satisfaction knowing the history of a keepsake. :thumbsup:

zzvyb6 · Apr 11, 2017

You can buy sets of wheelchair bearings on ebay that could be a reasonable substitute. I had an old hay elevator that needed new bearings on a chain driven shaft and they are the same ones used on wheelchairs (somewhere).

If not, go with the real deal !

TimBuck2 · Apr 11, 2017

It is easy to find bearings and bushings of all shape and sizes on line.

The fact that it turns slowly means there is usually not much force so it is more apt to get stuck unless you clean it and grease it regularly.

lennyzx11 · Apr 12, 2017

Has anyone found a cheap replacement for just the fan itself? I've looked for them a few times with no great luck.

Catoosa · Apr 12, 2017

Probably just have to buy the whole thing. Ours is the 8 foot model and by following MossRoad's link above and looking at "also Viewed" you will see an 8 footer for $57.70.

On my rebuild.. I ordered new bearings for the fan off eBay and decided to just go ahead and use the 1/2" ID tubing for the direction bushing. The tubing is 3/4" OD, drilled the top mount and reamed it for a press fit of the tubing. Might drill and tap the side for a grease fitting.

Rear bearing on the fan was seized which wore the crimp down they put on the shaft to hold it in place. I punched out the center of the old bearing and welded it to the shaft to act as the new stop. Should be ready to go back in service when the bearings get here.

Catoosa · Apr 15, 2017

Just to wrap this up..

I did drill, tap and install a grease fitting in the top mount. After I put it back together gave it a shot of grease and it seems to be working fine. The tubing I used for the bushing was some I had left over from another project. It came from OnLineMetals 1/2ID 3/4OD 4130 Alloy tubing.

Wasn't impressed with the fan bearings I got off eBay, one was rusty and the other was stiff and grungy. I soaked them with Break Free CLP which really helped. After I assembled the fan on the shaft I pumped grease into the fitting till it oozed out of the bearings. Time will tell how well they hold up.

Working well and head is no longer flopping around in a wallowed out aluminum bearing.