The Construction of a Water Wheel
Browse the photos above to get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process of the 11-1/2-ft.-dia., 1500-lb. water wheel that was featured in Finishing Touch from Fine Homebuilding #248.
Read the full story: Wonder Wheel by the Water
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Handy Heat Gun
This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Reliable Crimp Connectors
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8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
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Before beginning construction, Ray Baytos built a scale model of the project.
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Redwood strips used to form the wheel were softened in a water bath.
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After Baytos bent the softened redwood, he used clamps, Gorilla glue, and stainless-steel staples to create the wheel rims.
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Baytos used 2 gal. of Gorilla glue and 10,000 staples to construct the wheel.
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With one rim complete, it's time to tackle construction of the second one.
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The completed wheel waiting for the crane ride to its house.
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Baytos installing the waterwheel after it was safely lifted into place.
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With construction of the waterwheel house complete, there's nothing left to do but enjoy relaxing by the koi pond.
