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Continue ShoppingWhat size of weathervane do you recommend for my property?
It is very difficult to give a difinitive answer to the question of what size to choose, because there are so many variables, including an individual's personal taste as to what looks right. The image below is intended as a rough guide. It is also worth considering the surroundings, for example how far away will you mostly view the weathervane from? The chosen design is also a factor; for example designs with more fine detail may work better in a size larger than some of the bolder, less fussy designs. If you have a large garden and want a good view of the weathervane from the end of it, it may well be worth going a size bigger. If you need any further advice on this please feel free to contact us on 01450 880380, or send a photograph of the intended location to sales@blackfoxmetalcraft.co.uk .
Gilding Cardinal Points and Sails
The cardinal points (Letters) can be gilded using 23.5 carat gold leaf. It is weather resistant, and unlike gold paint, will not dull over time. The gilding is done to a professional standard, with a coat of primer and 5 layers of paint underneath forming a high quality base for the oil based size (glue) and gold leaf to adhere to. As well as the letters, many of our weathervane sails can also be gilded; prices do vary depending on the size and complexity of the design so please contact us for an individual price.
It's difficult to give a difinitive answer to this question as there are so many variables including your own personal taste, but we have created a page giving advice on this subject, with photos and examples to help. Read our Weathervane sizes page for more information.
Usually between two and four weeks, as all of our weathervanes are made to order. Some of the more popular designs we keep in stock; these can generally be produced in around two weeks, however many will need laser cutting so it's best to allow up to four weeks for us to manufacture and send out a weathervane. If you are on a tight timescale, please contact us before ordering on 0161 681 4293.
A very commonly asked question. We have created a page with descriptions and photos of our standard fixings here. These are all included in the cost of the weathervane. If you are unsure as
to which fixing you need, or think you might require a bespoke bracket please phone 01450 88380 and we'll be happy to give further advice.
There is no additional charge for creating a custom weathervane. Designs can be created from as little as an idea discussed over the telephone, to a computer drawn image showing exactly what you want. Please send over your ideas, in whatever form they may be, to
jenny@blackfoxmetalcraft.co.uk, or ring us on 01450 880380. When we know exactly what you are after from the image, we would then come up with an initial design or two, and you then have chance to suggest any alterations before we create the final design. If you are thinking of commissioning a bespoke design, it's well worth reading this blog post on the subject.
All Black Fox weathervanes are electroplated with zinc to protect
against rust. A matt black powder coat is then baked on at 170 degrees.
All Black Fox designs are tested and balanced to ensure they will work as a functioning weathervane. This is a case of ensuring that the the weight at the front of the weathervane (the arrow) is equal to the weight at the back of the weathervane (the laser cut design). When this
bar is balanced correctly, the wind will catch the laser cut design, and the weathervane will spin so that the arrow points into the wind. This is how you know where the wind is coming from. In order to get the most accurate reading, the weathervane should be mounted to the highest point
so that trees and other buildings will not interfere with wind
direction.
Yes, we can ship our metalwork all over the world. For EU orders, please be aware that there may now be duty to pay on arrival.
There is usually no extra charge for bespoke weathervane designs. This means we allow for an hour or so of design work within the price. This is usually enough to create a fairly straightforward weathervane design with minor alterations. If the design does go back and forth multiple times, especially with significant alterations, an hourly rate will apply. We don't add on anything for an extra few minutes here and there, but if I'm using my skill and 20 years of experience far exceeding this time, we do need to be covered for this at an hourly rate. (There has never as yet been an occasion where we have needed to charge for more than one hour).
In almost every case, where plenty of consideration has been given before commissioning the design and a clear brief given, the design work is done within the hour or so of time allowed. I'll ask enough questions before starting work that I should know exactly what I am doing, therefore keeping the design process as straightforward as possible.
For large bespoke design projects, an hourly rate does apply, and these costs would be discussed and agreed prior to starting any work.