Here’s another project I’m making as a gift. Actually, I’m making 2 of these. One is a gift, and the second one, I will be keeping. In doing some research on wind chimes, I came across a site by Lee Hite. Lee has more information on wind chimes than you will ever need. He has tons of information and if you’re looking to build some chimes, I suggest you check out his site. http://leehite.org/Chimes.htm.
I decided to use Purple Heart for the wooden portions of the chimes. I have never used purple heart for an outdoor project before, but my research suggests it is fairly rot resistant and should work out OK. I guess time will tell for sure. I cut out a couple disks of different sizes according to the information I got from Lee’s website. I predrilled some holes and finished it with a few coats of laquer.
Next it was on to the metal chimes. I used 3/4″ Electrical conduit cut down to specific lengths specified by Lee’s website. He has charts for different diameter tubing to get each specific note you choose. After drilling the hang holes, I used some small heat shrink tubing and some 50lb, braided fishing line to hang the chimes on some eyelets screwed into the purple heart discs.

Pro Tip – Use some paste wax on the eyelet threads when screwing them into the wood. If you don’t, you increase your chances of breaking the eyelets. (ask me how I know)

After the chimes were hung, I just attached the clacker and the wind sail using some chain and viola, the chimes are done. Its a fun project and one that makes a great gift. It sounds really nice too.

Check out the build video below.