This project was built and designed by Gary Herd, also known as The Bearded Woodworker. It’s a steel wind chime made as a creative gift to celebrate his 11th wedding anniversary—a thoughtful build that’s both symbolic and functional.
The project uses galvanized steel to match the traditional 11th-anniversary material and results in a visually striking and musically pleasant piece. With a bit of planning and patience, it’s a rewarding woodworking project that stands out from typical shop builds.
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Choosing the Right Material
For a build like this, material selection plays a big role in both aesthetics and sound. Gary chose galvanized steel pipes, which are readily available at hardware stores and offer a clean, industrial look with the durability needed for outdoor use.
Though the exact diameter and length can vary, what matters most is having a mix of tube lengths that can produce a pleasing range of tones. Gary’s build follows a musical pattern that focuses more on harmony than technical precision, making it approachable for hobbyists.
Planning the Musical Layout
Gary opted to create a five-tube wind chime, using a pentatonic scale centered around a C9 chord. This scale produces calm, musical tones without dissonance, making it ideal for wind chimes meant to hang in a relaxing space.
The key to getting the right sound is in the variation of tube lengths. Each shorter tube produces a higher pitch, so Gary cut the tubes progressively shorter from longest to shortest to create a smooth tonal sequence.
Laying Out and Marking Each Tube
Before drilling, each tube needed to be marked and prepared. Gary made a simple jig from scrap wood to hold the pipes steady during layout and drilling. This ensured each tube could be positioned the same way and made the job safer and more accurate.
To find the exact centerline for each pipe, Gary used a center-finding jig. This small step helps keep the holes even and centered, which is important for how the chimes hang and sound.
Drilling and Stringing the Chimes
Drilling the steel requires patience and a sharp bit. Gary started with a pilot hole to prevent wandering, then drilled full-sized holes for stringing the wire. Placing the holes slightly in from the edge helps maintain the pipe’s strength while allowing it to hang freely.
After drilling, wire or chain is fed through the holes. Each chime needs to hang level and swing freely without colliding unless the wind directs them into motion. To get this right, Gary began with a test layout using a temporary chain, adjusting each pipe’s height and spacing for proper balance.
Assembly and Hanging
Once the tube positions were dialed in, Gary moved to final assembly. He used small hooks and wire to secure each pipe to the central hanger. The largest pipe typically goes in the center, with smaller pipes arranged symmetrically around it.
This layout improves sound quality and creates a balanced appearance. Taking time to adjust spacing ensures the chimes don’t tangle or rub, which could muffle the sound or wear down the wire over time.
Adding Decorative Features
To make the chime more personal, Gary added a custom centerpiece—a star shape—that acts as both a visual feature and a clapper. As the wind moves the centerpiece, it strikes the pipes to create sound.
Though not strictly necessary, decorative additions like this help personalize the project and make it gift-worthy. They also serve a practical purpose in controlling how and when the chimes sound.
Final Touches and Weather Protection
Before finishing, Gary cleaned the pipes and edges and considered applying a clear protective coating. Galvanized steel holds up well outside, but a little extra protection can help maintain its look over time.
Aesthetically, the wind chime is both modern and timeless. Functionally, it’s lightweight enough to move in the wind, yet heavy enough to remain stable when mounted properly.
A Thoughtful Handmade Gift
Making a wind chime isn’t a typical shop build, but it’s a meaningful one. Gary’s version is a blend of woodworking fundamentals and musical creativity, ideal for special occasions like anniversaries.
It’s also a flexible project that can be scaled up or down depending on available materials. Whether used as a personal gift or a peaceful addition to your garden, it’s a simple design that creates a lasting impression.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Gary’s channel: