Since we got a ton of rain in the early morning hours of Saturday there was no way I was going to be able to cut grass (what I'd planned on doing). So there was a little project I'd wanted to do for a while, and today became the day to do it.

I used to have a cheap plastic oscillating fan in the garage that like all cheap plastic crap broke and never got replaced. Not having the room in the garage to install a 'real' commercial oscillating fan (nor the interest in paying $100+ for one) I came up with a solution to use one of two decent adjustable floor fans I bought some time ago during a Northern Tool sale. The design goals were...

1 - The fan had to mount to the ceiling.
2 - The fan had to oscillate or move at least 180 degrees.
3 - The fan had to retain its ability to be used as a floor fan.
4 - The end product had to be built from scrap wood and hardware I already had (so no real costs were incurred).

Full disclaimer, I opted not to try and automate the oscillation, settling for that rotation to be manual instead.

So here's what I came up with. It accomplishes all the design goals, and boy does this fan move a lot of air compared to the old plastic fantastic one I threw out. With this thing set in the right position, it should be able to move most of the hot air out of the garage. And when the need arises, I can twist four wingnuts, release the fan from the mount, and take it with me.

This of course is not space shuttle design work, but I found it to be a fun project.

Final installed product...

It looks like you engineered a great solution to your problem. I'm curious as to how you solved the rotational aspect. Did you use a lazy susan type mechanism?

Neat solution. You may want to check those nuts periodically to make sure the vibration hasn't loosened them up at all over time.

Your garage is way too organized. You need more clutter.

quote:

Originally posted by Scoutmaster:
Your garage is way too organized. You need more clutter.

My thoughts exactly. I do admire his handy work, but I must maintain my distance. The last thing I need right now is to catch a case of OCD.

That's some great work with some ingenuity behind it! What did you use for the mechanism to turn the fan?

quote:

Originally posted by Sportshooter:

quote:

Originally posted by Scoutmaster:
Your garage is way too organized. You need more clutter.

My thoughts exactly. I do admire his handy work, but I must maintain my distance. The last thing I need right now is to catch a case of OCD.

My problem is, my wife tells me our garage WILL look like that next month.

Great idea!

I think I’ll add it to my list.

if that fan is anything like the one I had , back in Arizona,
you may want to consider some hand grabs for the bench top
So you you don't get airborn

Bigdeal, I'm glad you posted these pics!
I have a fan almost identical that I've been considering wall-mounting. Clearly, a rotating ceiling mount is a better idea.

Nice, fun and functional looking mini project!

quote:

Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
It looks like you engineered a great solution to your problem. I'm curious as to how you solved the rotational aspect. Did you use a lazy susan type mechanism?

Yep. Somewhere along the way I saved a couple lazy Susans and used one in this little project to allow it to rotate. The fact the lazy Susans are older and a bit worn works to keep them from rotating on their own.

quote:

Originally posted by bobtheelf:
Neat solution. You may want to check those nuts periodically to make sure the vibration hasn't loosened them up at all over time.

The fan comes on four rubber feet which my 'clips' slightly compress when the fan is installed. Almost works like a lock washer to help keep the wingnuts tight. I was concerned about the nuts getting loose over time, and the design of the fan solved that issue for me.