DIY Waterwheel

Waterwheels come in countless varieties.

Whether you want something decorative and quaint or you want to generate electricity with the stream on your property, you start with a functional waterwheel. It must turn freely when water rushes by under it or drops down on top of it. It must be waterproof so it does not get waterlogged and turn unevenly, putting undue strain on the bearings. It must be inexpensive and capable of being built in a few days, with simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• 2 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets of 3/4-inch Advantech flooring
• Tape measure
• Finishing nail
• Hammer
• Yardstick
• Electric drill
• 3-inch long 3/32-inch drill bit
• Pencil
• Protractor
• Table saw or circular saw
• 1-inch spade-type wood bit
• Saber saw with rip blade
• Drill guide
• Box of 3-inch drywall screws
• Phillips No. 2 bit
• Clear marine epoxy paint
• 4-inch paint roller
• 2-inch paintbrush
• 2 3/4-inch bore, self-lube pillow bearings
• 27.5-inch long, galvanized 3/4-inch pipe, threaded each end
• 2 3/4-inch threaded pipe caps

Instructions

1. Measure and draw a line lengthwise down the center of both material sheets with the tape measure and pencil. On one sheet, mark lines across the width every 12 inches. On the other sheet, mark a line to bisect the 8-foot dimension. On each 4-foot square, mark the center with lines crossing diagonally from the corners.

2. Hammer the finishing nail in 1/4 inch at a marked center.

3. Drill a hole in the yardstick at the 24-inch mark with the 3/32-inch bit. Butt the zero end of the yardstick against the nail, stick the pencil point through the hole, and draw a circle 4 feet in diameter. Repeat on the other square. Use the saber saw to cut the circles out.

4. Use protractor, yardstick and pencil to mark and draw lines from the center of each circle to the outer edge every 30 degrees, like positions on a clock. From the edge of each circle down each line toward the center, mark five dots every 2 inches. Drill holes through dots with 3/32-inch bit, using the drill guide for perfectly perpendicular holes.

5. Cut the other sheet of material a the center lengthwise, and then at each 12-inch mark to make 12 paddle planks. At each plank end, mark five screw positions every 2 inches to match screwholes on the circles. Drill 3/32-inch holes 2 inches deep at all marks, using the drill guide.

6. Paint both circles and all planks on both sides and all edges with three coats of epoxy paint, using roller and brush.

7. Align all paddle plank ends one at a time to each circle clock-line position and use the Phillips bit in the drill to drive in 3-inch screws. When both circles are attached to all paddles, use the 3/4-inch paddle bit to bore holes in the center of each circle. Paint over screw heads.

8. Slide the pipe through the wheel and through a bearing on each side. Apply epoxy paint to threads and screw on caps. Lift the wheel into place over the frame and attach the bearings to the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• The frame you use to mount the pillow bearings that hold the wheel can be wood or metal, and its dimensions depend on where you place the wheel.

References

• Reuk; Building A Waterwheel