How To Make A Large Wind Chime From Pipes
You can find a large wind chime displayed in just about any hobby, décor, or furniture store. Some of the more expensive models can run two, three, even four hundred dollars. But with a little bit of know how and some elbow grease, you can create a unique large wind chime for a fraction of the cost. When you make something yourself, it reflects your creativity and personality. Whether for yourself or for a gift, a handmade large wind chime is something that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
With the proper instructions, anyone can make a large wind chime. They can be made from metal pipes found in any hardware store, metal recycling yard, or home improvement center. Many people choose to use copper pipes for their large wind chime because copper does not rust. However, copper will turn a greenish color over time. If the weathered look does not bother you, then copper is the way to go. Other people choose to use aluminum rods or steel tubes for their wind chimes.
Step By Step Instructions
The first step in creating a large wind chime is to decide which type of chime you would like to make. There are endless possibilities. You could create a large single-tube chime with a clapper inside and the sail hanging from the bottom, or you could create a large wind chime with ten chimes on a line with strikers interspersed. There are many ideas available on the internet and each one may be adapted to your unique vision. Whichever version you choose, the basic construction will be the same.
Cut the longest chime for the large wind chime first. A pipe cutter is recommended because they are easy to use and safer than the alternatives, but a hacksaw will work if a pipe cutter is not available. Cut the first tube all the way through, then peel or sand off the small metal ring left by the cutter. This metal is very sharp and can cut you easily, so be careful. After cutting the pipe, bang it on the end with a hard, non-metal object to hear the tone it produces. You can change the tone of the pipe by removing metal from the end of the pipe. The more metal removed, the higher the tone. Repeat for each of the different chime lengths you use to create your large wind chime.
Drill the holes for hanging the large wind chime 22.4% of the length of the chime from the top to produce the richest, most resonant sound. If you do not feel like measuring, then just drill the holes about a quarter of the way down the chime. Insert small grommets into the holes to avoid abrading the line used to hang the chimes. Run the suspension line through the holes and see how they hang. Some adjustments may be needed to make it look just the way you want.
The entire wind chime will be supported by a large ring at the top of the wind chime. Take the lines from the individual chimes and connect them to the ring. You should be sure that either all of the tops or all of the bottoms of the chimes line up so the large wind chime will hang evenly. The clapper, made of wood or metal, is suspended in the middle of the chimes using the same technique. Your unique large wind chime is now complete.
