I'm in the process of making 4 windflags. Pursuant to this, I've acquired 4 cheap music stands, some sheets of core-plast (yard sign material) and various bits of wood scraps, nails, etc.
I found this Youtube; it looks like a decent plan:
I'm just wondering what y'all have tried. What works? What doesn't? What features do you find necessary?
The flags I use are BRT, made in Australia. Got them from Butch Lambert here on the Campfire several years ago, but his website doesn't list them anymore. However, they might give you an idea or two.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
That pivot joint looks like it needs some homebuilding technology to fabricate, preferably using a decently equipped workshop.
I wonder if there is some easy gizzmo out there that a person could adapt for the task at hand. Thinking low tech here.
Mebbe snip one of those wire yard sign frame holders so only one stem sticks out from the ground, and then set a bic pen body on top of it to which the flag or vane attaches? It could swivel freely in the breeze.
Carry what you’re willing to fight with - Mackay Sagebrush
I'm using a piece of 2X2 for the bottom. It has enough meat to take two screws from the bottom bracket of the music stand. I drilled it through the center and inserted a large finishing nail through the hole. It mates to a section of broomhandle notched on the top to accept the crossbar. I just drilled out the bottom for an inch or so and put some axle grease in the hole. It fits on top of the nail.
I feel pretty humble w/ my old arrows and surveyors flagging.
mike r
I still use flagging tape and whatever stakes I have available. The metal rods some nurseries use for potted plants / small trees work great! A few of these rods and a roll of tape sure doesn't take up any room when you're packing up or dragging your gear out.
I made a few that are blatant copies of Graham flags and also the BRT flag in Mule Deer's post, for my own use - I don't sell them. Does require a lathe, but it was a lot of work on my little hobby lathe - labor intensive. A big factor in a good wind flag is sensitivity, which requires a good pivot. Think Delrin.
I once saw a major match won by a shooter using a wind flag made out of a a big gulp cup, a baggie, and an arrow.
Here is a great tutorial from Rick Graham. Frankly, if I were going to get serious again I'd just buy the Graham flags. Well worth the investment.