OK Marilyn,

You trapped me on the question, can I do better?

First, a quick ressume'. I spent almost 40 years as a mechanical engineer in a high tech company designing specific application creations related to manufacturing. I was sure everything could be done better including my own designs. Back then I was short on time, so some skills were left to others such as welding. I am now trying to learn their skills. I had access to a machine shop, which has now gone away.

In my mind I still love to design things, so yes I will continue to try to improve. I will not waste time on projects that have already been beat to death.

I will also avoid with passion not to copy other peoples work, although I may highly respect them. My goal is to create things that are fun, and I will probably give them away.

Don

With your background, I'm sure that you can make a better spinning machanism than  fishing equipment. That leaves the creative aspect to conquer. Sometimes it helps to just make a lot of whatever it is and that can make new ideas jump into your mind. I do now, notice that you are talking steel, not copper. I would think that steel would be heavy for wind to turn unless there is a lot of surface area. As an engineer, there is probably math that would solve this.marilyn

The mechanics of making something work is easier for me than the artistic design. I work with most all materials, and the weight doesn't mean much with good design. Check out John Simms web site for some good examples. His imploding cube does't look like it should turn in the wind but it appears to. Ironically, I have been getting away from high tech and learning ages old skills. Forming copper is a new skill for me.

Don