First attempt at carving some wood blades

[Norm]

The blanks are each 24 inches long 5 inches wide

at the base tapering to 1-3/4 inch at the tip,

they're only 1 inch thick so not much room for

twist. They will be bolted to a 18inch long x 6 inch

3/16 inch steel plate.

I'm wondering if anyone can suggest what angle I

should use for the base angle so it would start

in an 8mph wind?

I plan on having a reduction gear drive a small

piston pump.

Just as a side note I was thinking of painting

the 3ft inner radius yellow and the remainder a

flat black....maybe the neighbors won't notice

it replaced my small existing yellow 3 footer pvc ?

[FishbonzWV]

Norm,

One inch does not give you much.

I would try to find at least a 2x6 and even better would be a rough cut 2x6.

I would also go with 5 blades for such a low wind start with gearing. My 5 blade mill will start up way before the 3 blade. If you stay with the one inch you will have to use it all.

Fishbonz

[Norm]

Whew...I think I made a mistake on this...to top

it off I used a piece of treated wood that they

use for outside floor decks pretty hard stuff...

all hand tools saw, chisels, and wood plane,

except for the fine finish...a belt sander.

 Took about 3hrs....but maybe I'll make the

matching blade and try for about 250 rpm in 8

mph wind to drive a little stepper motor about

200 Ma..

....gotta start somewhere huh?

 My next one will be a five blade like you

suggest....thanks for the advice.