Just starting my build. Any resolution with the string? Where did you purchase the plastic fittings? Thanks, Terry

I built two at the same time. Here are some hints and suggestions. The biggest challenge I had was with the drive axel. I couldn't find brass rod that I could thread. I ended up using threaded rod, but it's not as stout. I'm sure it will fail. Next was the bushings you make. I've decided they are why I have been having trouble with the string coming off. It's the bushings not being tall enough and the string stretches during use. everything needs to be as straight as can be. I ended up using two different sized dowl rods and cutting them down to size then glued them together. I have a plug cutter but never could get any good plugs from the plywood I had. Afterwards, my son suggested 3D printing the bushings and that is definitely something I would do next time. 1. I eliminated the screws holding on the front and rear covers. I just glued them on with a little silicone sealant. 2. I used a lag bolt screwed into the locator hole in the bottom of the whirligig for mounting onto a pipe. Then I cut off the bolt head. 3. I used aluminum barrel bolts with matching screws rather than the plastic ones. Either one would work fine. Suggestions: The axel and bushings are the Achillies heel of whirligig Norm. Spend plenty of time making sure everything lines up straight or you will have issues in final assemble. I had to grind out a small area of wood on the bottom of the wood Table Saw top piece next to the saw blade. The knot was getting caught up on it. Not enough clearance between the bushing and the underside of the tabletop. Another fix would be to slightly lower the mounting position of the saw blade axel location downward. Just take your time, channel Norm....

This is from a PBS TV show that started way before KZfaq was even conceived. New Yankee Workshop with the godfather of woodworking Norm Abram.