Vertical Windmill with bearings and stand

thingiverse

I took a close look at the 6-blade version and decided to give it a shot, but only as a makeshift windmill. I modified the central hub to feature both an upper and lower bearing. I chose this size because it matched the bearings I had ordered for my filament holder (TUSH style). Next, I constructed a stand that would provide clearance for the bearings to attach securely while allowing room for smooth rotation. To ensure precise fitment, I designed and printed the stand with exactly the same diameter as the bearings. Knowing I'd need to sand them down slightly, I went ahead and did so. For added stability, I opted for 100% infill on the stand itself. On the other hand, I chose a more moderate 10% infill for the 6-blade fan to achieve a better balance between weight and efficiency. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations as a functional windmill - or perhaps my bearings just aren't spinning freely enough. Either way, they were certainly affordable.