So I get a call from my Mother in law, asking me to go put up her new TV antenna.
Remembering that she has an 8' ornamental windmill with a worn out yaw bearing (5/16 i.d.) which results in the rotor and tail sitting at a 45 degree angle. I asked if I could use her tower for an experiment.
I had 5 minutes to gather the necessary pieces. The 1.5' long 1 3/8" pipe with bearings in each end, 5/8 all thread and 2' pvc pipe blade were already assembled. The blade is way out on the all thread, but I wasn't sure how much room I would need to clear the tower.
I needed a yaw mechanism and a tail, fast.
I has a 6" diameter wheel with 5/16 ID bearings, a 10" x 5/16" carriage bolt, a couple of fender washers and nuts.
I got a piece of angle iron and a small piece of Plexiglas I had laying around for a tail.
I drilled 3 holes in the plexi and zip tied it to the angle iron. I zip tied the angle iron on to the wheel spokes and zip tied the pipe on to the the angle iron and wheel.
I think it turned out pretty good for a 5 minute job.
There is no alternator yet (still working on that). I just wanted to see if the blade would spin...
It doesn't.
But the yaw mechanism is amazingly efficient, it turns to face the slightest breeze.
It is a poor site and we have not had any strong winds, but the few times it starts to turn it just goes about 90 degrees and then settles back to the original position.
OK, my blade must be WAY out of balance (it was my first attempt).
I have a second 2' pipe blade, that came out a lot better, that I intend to add the next time I am there. I'll also try to get the first one balanced a little better.
It may not be very impressive...but at least it was fun! 
