DIY Vertical Axis PVC Turbine Blades

Cut your PVC pipe to match the length of the VAWT's current blades. If you are building blades for the first time and do not have pre-existing blades to pattern yours after, consult the manufacturer of the turbine's rotor for the recommended blade length, which will affect the torque that is transferred to the generator itself.

Measure and mark the PVC pipe section into quarters along its length, using a straight edge and a ruler. Cut the PVC pipe section into quarters using a hack saw. If your VAWT's design calls for more than four blades, measure out and cut another section of PVC pipe, and cut it into quarters.

Cut one side of the PVC pipe quarter so that it resembles a right triangle or an airplane wing -- tapering it to a rounded edge, which helps reduce wind drag. Leave one side of the PVC pipe quarter uncut, and taper the other side so that the blade gradually increases in size until it gets to the base of the blade.

Use a power drill to drill holes into the base of the blade, spaced apart so that it can be bolted to the blade hub on your VAWT. Each VAWT model has a different design for its blade hub.

Smooth out the rough edges of the PVC pipe blades, using a power sander and fine-grit sand paper. The smoothness of the edges of the PVC blades will reduce wind drag, which could damage the generator of the wind turbine through extra vibrations sustained in high winds.

Use a set of nuts, washers and bolts to secure the blades to the blade hub, oriented so that the tapered side of the blade faces away from the direction of the wind.