has the plans you need to
build your own waterwheel
Waterwheels have been a special interest of mine for a long time. A number of years ago, I decided to build a waterwheel in our yard. I searched for information, but I could not find even a good picture, let alone a plan.
Since I was determined to have
a waterwheel,
I set out to design my own. I do not recommend that because, even with a
lifetime of construction experience, it took a lot of trial and error. I am a fairly patient man, but I used up a lot of patience and wasted
a pile of lumber to come up with a waterwheel that looks authentic
and works well.
Now our waterwheel is the focal point of our landscaping. We have had hours and hours of pleasure from it as we sit in our yard watching and listening to the water and enjoying the wildlife it encourages.
Waterwheel Plans
I realized that other people might want to benefit from what I had learned. I drew up the plans for my waterwheel, and made them available on my Waterwheelman website. Since then, I have sold several hundred sets of plans to waterwheel enthusiasts in almost every state and province in North America, from Nova Scotia to California, Alaska to Florida, as well as other countries around the world. I like to think of my clients as fellow waterwheel lovers and new friends. They are mostly do-it-yourselfers. Many are novices at woodworking, although some are carpenters, contractors, or engineers.
My plans are user-friendly, and I am available by email or phone to give you advice. Each set includes two 24” X 36” plans with full size patterns, three pages of step-by-step instructions, a detailed list of parts (number of pieces and size) for your choice of wheel size, plus helpful tips and suggestions.
Many people also asked for
instructions to build a millhouse like ours. "It just looks right with the
wheel," they said. So I drew up plans that show how to build the
millhouse too. These can easily be adapted to various situations, sizes and
climates. The millhouse plans can be purchased separately, or as a
combination with the waterwheel plans so you can save on the cost, and on
shipping and handling as well.
With My Plans, You Can Build
It Yourself
There are websites where you can buy a pre-fabricated waterwheel. There are some good-looking models on the web. Anyone can buy a readymade waterwheel – that is, if they have the money to spend . . .
. . . BUT, like most waterwheel
enthusiasts, you probably aren't trying to generate power. You just want to
enhance your landscaping. Your choice is easy – order our plans. Even
if you
have no experience, you can build a waterwheel. The fact that so many novice
woodworkers have been successful shows that these plans explain a
complicated project in a way that will help you be successful too.
If you buy the plans and are still doubtful, you could hire a local carpenter or handyman. It will still be cheaper than ordering a pre-built waterwheel, not to mention shipping costs. Or you could get together with a friend, or give Grandpa a call. You can share the challenge and excitement of creating this wonderful addition to your landscape.
I enjoy connecting with the many people who would like to have a waterwheel but doubt their ability. I am always so pleased when folks send me pictures of waterwheels they have built from my plans. When I see some of the beautiful projects, I am thrilled and inspired. We have created a photo gallery so you can see them too.
The Waterwheel Man
Bob Barnes, 210 Bower Hill Road, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada N4S 2N4
(519) 539-7141