Raining and between jobs today so I thought I’d post a series of photos showing the build of a 13′ diameter waterwheel. Built this a few uears ago.
This was not going to be a working wheel, client wanted it fixed in place. Architect limited me to clear redwood wouldn’t let me use cypress.
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The wheel would not fit in my shop so I built it in the back yard. I used four ladder sections that layed on horses, all shimmed level with a transit .
Each side is two thickness of 1 1/2" cl redwood polurethane glued using baltic birch splines.
The whole thing was routed inside and outside 1/4" at a time with a centered swing arm. Talk about feeling like a grist mule!
Each side was in two pieces delivered to the site several hours away. I didn't get the chance to follow and assemble on site, others did that. They even took the final shots for me.
I was really worried not getting to assemble it but the carpenters that did said it went together real easy.
Edited 5/2/2007 11:13 am by jagwah
That's very nice.
Always thought that a fixed wheel was "wrong," though. But that may just be for the same reasons fixed window shutters look wrong to me, too.
The "look" of it fits the building very nicely, too.
I agree about the fixed issue.
When I looked and studied a bit about wheels I learned there is a lot more about them then appearence. Getting one balanced alone would be a pain.
Getting one balanced alone would be a pain.
Yeah, but having "fussed" with a few of the decorative "minis" (relatives, go figure)--out of balance is there, too.
Given the way you built that, I'd think it would have been very close to a natural balance, anyway (or close enough to just add a bolt or two to a blade or two).
But, then again, I like a water feature with a bit of motion, too.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)