Hey Hiker.. The blades are some of the plastic 30 gal cola barrels..Took two pieces of flat iron made an x and bolted the slats to that.The barrel has a natural curve to it, kinda cuped..I cant even feel the wind and they start to turn...But they cant match the wood carved blades for speed..Ive been painting my machines black and white lately.....Happy newYear to you.. MelTx