I just hung a ceiling fan on our back porch, one of the cast-iron Hunter models from the 1980s. The blades I have to go with it I don't believe are the ones that were originally meant for it. The irons are brass whereas the fan is black, and I don't know that we're going to be fully satisfied with the color of the blades.

I've got spare irons from what may have been one of these fans from the '80s or a similar model from earlier, and I believe I may make new blades. Has anyone done this and discovered any special considerations?

I know the blades need to be balanced, especially as fans of this time weren't secured against rocking, and light weight is probably a good idea. Basswood will probably be my choice unless someone has better advice.

Thanks!