How to make different types of fans with their own hands

The fan does not have a complex design. It consists of a motor, blades, various adjustment buttons, and a stand-case. There are additional features, such as backlight and a clock, but these are optional and not essential.

There’s no need to purchase a fan, as it can easily be created DIY style. Furthermore, specialized skills are not required to do so.

With the right expertise, a homemade fan can become more than just a way to repurpose old items. It can be an opportunity to showcase one’s imagination and perhaps even hidden talents. Some craftsmen effortlessly create both functional and visually appealing options that seamlessly blend with the interior decor and become focal points as captivating as any art piece.

How to make a fan from an ordinary electric motor

Perhaps the simplest and quickest method to create your own homemade fan involves locating a typical motor, commonly found in toys.

There are various ways to obtain a standard electric motor, including purchasing one or dismantling it from a toy car. In today’s market, it’s easy to find a wide range of trinkets from China. If necessary, just buy a cheap toy car and retrieve the motor from it.

However, it’s important to understand that the capabilities of such a motor are limited. It may only have enough power to create a gentle breeze. Nevertheless, it can be suitable for a desktop model and provide a refreshing airflow for someone sitting at their computer.

The design of the fan can be quite flexible and customizable. The main components needed for this project include blades, a motor, an on/off button, a stand, and a power system.

Other than that, the possibilities for this DIY fan are only limited by one’s imagination.

Once the motor is prepared for use, it becomes important to consider the power supply. One option is to use batteries, which is typically the case for toys that the motor is intended for. However, it’s important to note that this type of energy source won’t last for very long. On the other hand, using batteries allows for a compact and portable device.

The second option is to power the motor from an electrical outlet. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution in this situation. Connecting the motor directly to a plug is a guaranteed way to damage it. It is not advisable to experiment by trying to increase the motor’s revolutions per minute. Electric motors in toys are typically designed for 3-4.5 volts, and attempting to increase the rotation speed by using powerful energy sources will quickly drain the source (if it is a battery) and potentially damage the motor. This can lead to overheating and even melting of the motor’s brushes.

However, contemporary chargers convert the voltage from the electrical grid, lowering it to the specified parameters. It is possible to discover a suitable power source, even one that is on sale, that will perfectly fit the motor.

When it comes to creating the blades, you have the freedom to choose any material. The most important consideration is that it needs to be lightweight. Due to the motor’s limited strength, the lighter the blades are, the faster they will rotate and, consequently, the more efficient the work will be.

• The easiest solution is to use a cork from a regular plastic bottle as a mounting point for the blades. Simply make a hole in the bottle that matches the size of the electric motor’s rotating axis.
• The blades can be crafted from a regular CD disk. A hole is scorched in the middle, making it the same size as a bottle cap. The circumference of the disk is divided into eight equal sections. These sections are cut to a certain point, but not all the way to the center. Afterward, the disk needs to be heated with a flame in order to make the blades more malleable. A lighter will suffice for this purpose.

Creating paddles on a CD disk

• To affix the disk to the cork, you can use glue. Alternatively, you can burn a hole in the middle of the cork and immediately attach it to the structure. The melted plastic will solidify and hold it securely in place.
• Once all of this is done, the components are connected to each other. For a stand, a wire will suffice. This is perhaps the simplest option, and it is suitable for such a lightweight device. You can also bend the frame in a way that allows you to hide the batteries inconspicuously. Alternatively, you can carefully run the power supply wire to the motor.
• If you are using batteries, the circuit should not always be closed, so you will need to attach a button to the body. This is a low-cost option. You can repurpose a button from a toy that no longer has a motor.

One more possibility for creating the propeller device is utilizing dense paper. This approach is even simpler, albeit less convenient.

Hint: While conducting experiments, keep in mind that the bigger the surface area of the fan blades, the louder the fan will produce noise. Conversely, smaller blades are less efficient in propelling air.

How to make a paper fan

Paper is not the most appropriate material for a household fan due to its impracticality. Any amount of water, even minimal humidity, can quickly cause the fan to lose its rigidity.

Despite its drawbacks, however, crafty individuals have managed to create some decent fan models out of paper. Dense paper or cardboard are preferred materials for these projects. Materials from sturdy boxes are particularly useful. Additionally, a regular motor or cooler, an on/off button, and some wires will also be needed.

A cardboard can be used to create a basic table fan

The approximate design concept allows for simplicity in the construction of this device. The impeller can be easily cut out and can have multiple or few blades, based on the creator’s preference. The motor can be securely attached to a wooden or cardboard rod. Additionally, the fan stand can be made from paper or an old computer disk.

It is important to keep in mind that this type of fan may be lightweight, resulting in instability during operation. To mitigate this, it is recommended to reinforce the casing. Old batteries, bolts, or nuts can provide effective reinforcement.

How to make a fan from a plastic bottle

Plastic bottles are a perfect choice for making your own fan, according to the Handsome Hands. To create the propeller, you can use the top part of a standard round bottle. Just cut off the section with the cork, right above the label.

• The corked part of the bottle can serve as the blades. To achieve this, you need to cut the plastic up to the cork in a way that results in multiple distinct petals. One petal can be cut off at the base, while the remaining ones will become the future blades of the propeller.

Creating Fan Blades from a Plastic Bottle

• To shape and add a twist to the fan blades, you can use a candle or a lighter. It’s important to be cautious and not to heat it too much, as the plastic can easily catch fire. The goal is to warm it slightly, not to ignite it.
• The cork will serve as the base for the propeller. A hole should be made in it to fit the size of the motor axis. To ensure a strong connection, you can attach it with glue.
• Now it’s time to consider the base. The remaining part of the plastic bottle can be used for this purpose. Cut a hole in it to securely position the cork with the blades at a right angle. It’s important to add weight to the base – nuts, bolts, or any other metal objects can be used.
• Make a hole for the button on the base and assemble the chain. There should also be enough space for the power supply.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to working with plastic bottles. You can get creative by using multiple bottles in various ways. One bottle can be transformed into a propeller, while another can serve as a sturdy base. However, you may require additional materials to complete your project, like regular drinking straws.

A straightforward and lightweight fan made from recycled bottles

How to make a USB-fan

However, the most convenient and straightforward fan is undoubtedly the old cooler, which can also be repurposed. For instance, when placed on a table, it can provide a refreshing breeze, not for a processor or video card, but for a person.

The advantages of this setup are evident: the cooler is highly dependable since its purpose is to continually spin the impeller and cool something. Additionally, coolers are readily available. It’s possible to either locate an old computer or purchase a new fan from a store or online.

The cooler operates on a simple mechanism. It consists of a pre-assembled fan housed in a plastic casing. Two wires (typically red and black) are connected to it.

Average computer cooling system

Creating a USB fan takes just a few minutes:

1. Remove the insulation from the cooler’s wires, leaving about 1-2 centimeters exposed.
2. Take a regular USB cable and remove the insulation from the end. Inside a standard USB cable, there are four wires. Select the black and red wires and cut off the rest. Remove the insulation from the selected wires.
3. Connect the red wire from the USB cable to the red wire on the cooler. Connect the black wire to the black wire on the cooler. Make sure to insulate the exposed areas properly. All done.
4. Now it’s time to think about the housing for the fan. You can use a flexible wire to create a shape for the fan, or even a cardboard box will work. If you want to put in more effort and time, you can create a unique design.

The design concept of the fan is cleverly thought out. It is highly convenient to have the fan automatically turn on when the computer starts up. Additionally, modern fans come equipped with multiple USB outputs, making them even more convenient. This means that the fan doesn’t become obtrusive in any way.

Another advantage is the ability to independently operate the fan without relying on the computer’s functionality. This is especially useful as these fans are often equipped with powerful and effective coolers. This can be achieved by using adapters, similar to the ones used for charging phones. These adapters easily convert into a USB cord when disconnected from the electrical outlet. This allows the fan to become versatile and able to operate on both the power grid and any computer’s USB port. The simplicity of this design also makes it ideal, with only a wire and a plug needed for the fan to function.

Bladeless fan with their own hands

And here’s a rather unconventional way to use a free cooler (no need for an electric motor) – a bladeless fan. It’s a modern, intriguing solution that can be just as effective with the right skills. This unique device is definitely an eye-catcher. Its design is unconventional and truly spectacular.

Take a look at this perfect bladeless or ducted fan model:

It is possible to create a bladeless fan with your own hands, something along these lines.

The appearance of bladeless fans is crucially important. Therefore, if you decide to make one yourself, it’s important to meticulously plan the design. Uneven edges or roughness would detract from the overall impression.

The housing of a bladeless fan is essentially the working area. Don’t assume that any advanced space technologies are being utilized here.

Air circulation is achieved using rotating blades, which are hidden within the tube-shaped base. If you have access to a computer cooler, you can create a stand using its shape. The specific design is up to the individual.

The main difference from traditional fans is the placement of the cooler, which is horizontal in bladeless fans.

The placement of the cooler in a bladeless fan

In the bladeless fan, the cooler is located within the upper ring which is constructed with three hollow, two-layer sections. The primary function of this design is to redirect the airflow in the desired direction.

You can observe the empty cavity located in the upper ring of the bladeless fan, from which the air emanates.

The frame of the bladeless fan can be constructed using various materials such as plastic, wood, or sturdy cardboard. It is advisable to employ a flexible material to easily mold it into the shape of a ring. Alternatively, a combination of materials can be used, where the rings are fashioned from cardboard or plastic, while the rigid frame is crafted from wood.

• Utilize four panels to create the base;
• Create two circles of equal radius;
• Assemble two rings with varied diameters.

Subsequently, assemble all the components together and apply color if desired.

For the power supply, there are multiple options available. One suitable choice is to utilize a hybrid cable featuring a USB connector and a plug for a socket.

One can also make the device a bit more intricate. For instance, one can create a light strip using LED tape that runs along the rim. Although the backlight will consume a small amount of energy, it will enhance the overall aesthetic of the fan. In addition, if needed, the power supply and wiring can be easily concealed within the stand.

How to make a powerful fan with your own hands

If you’re looking for high-powered fans, it’s important to know that they use different motors. You can start by considering motors found in old fans and other household appliances. Here are some examples:

• Unused ceiling fans with chandeliers
• Outdated lawn mowers
• Drills
• Hoods

However, it’s important to note that these motors require a specific voltage to operate. For instance, drills typically require 18 volts. But for ventilation purposes, supplying less than half of this voltage will suffice. Even at 12 volts, fans can be highly noisy and unstable due to the strong inertia of the rotating blades.

Electric motors that require a significant amount of power can be powered directly from the main power source. In order to do this, it may be necessary to install a power supply unit or connect a charger to ensure a stable power supply. If you want to make the electrical circuit more complex, you can consider adding spare bulbs, an electronic clock, a radio, a toggle switch, or a board for switching between different modes of operation. However, if simplicity is desired, a fan with a basic on/off button may be sufficient.

Regardless of the chosen setup, homemade variations of fans can often outperform store-bought options. With the right skills and knowledge, these DIY fans can become a source of pride for their owners.