Water Wheels
Art in Motion
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   Spencer@IronHorse.citymax.com                         Spencer Boyd   (706)207-1080                    

 

Built as moving works of art using years of experience and testing to assure a durable quality water wheel.     These water wheels are not only designed for 20+ years of continous service but also to keep their beauty year after year.     The paddles can be angled to maximize torque or to minimize splash, the spokes and siderails built to either give the wheel a light graceful look or a more traditional  appearance.    

    

To the right is the ultimate in ornamental water wheels.     This functional inner-spoke water wheel has split spokes and adjustable metal hubs.       Mounted on a basic stand kit (adjustable pump included) this 5 foot wheel with optional adjustable metal hubs will be installed in a "waterless" pond in Idaho.     This design is so beautiful that a museum in PA ordered one for display.  

Check out the water wheel video on the tabs to the left.              

The traditional outer-spoke water wheels pictured above work well for businesses and mill houses and comes with 8, 12 or 16 spokes (depending on size) on each side.   They are also available as an undershot wheel to be run in stream.

Since each wheel is unique you will find different features and mounting methods for the water wheels pictured and we can choose which features and mounting method you would like for your wheel.

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The waterwheel to the left is pushed by the water flowing under it (undershot) and is a popular location for weddings.     It has also been featured in several newspapers.  

Each water wheel is custom made to order designed specifically to your needs with great pride and care.   I generally use inland cedar and western red cedar for their beauty and natural resistance to decay although other woods are available.        I also use double plated screws and bolts in predrilled/camphered holes and Lexal before staining and sealing to assure years of trouble free beauty.

Since every waterwheel is a little different you will need to contact me with some ideas about what you are looking for so I can give you a firm quote.     

 Spencer Boyd       (706)207-1080

 Spencer@IronHorse.citymax.com

 I have run my water wheels at my home and local businesses for years and have learned what works and what doesn't over time so not only are designed to look good  but I know they will last for many years with only 1-2 hours maintence per year (depending on wheel size).       I run 3 test wheels and often contact previous customers to check on how their wheels are doing;   the finish, ballence, ect..       It's a learning process and I'm always looking to improve my wheels. 

About a third of the wheels I make are to replace poor waterwheels built by craftsman who make poor water wheels...  so why buy from someone who claims to make a good product when you may need to buy a well made replacement built by me which is built to last ;    and often my work costs far less than their inferior products.

Shippng for most waterwheels is available.

To the right is an inner-spoke wheel mounted on a deluxe stand in Georgia.

 

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To the left you can see the difference in between an inner-spoke design and the traditional outer-spoke design.      Both of the wheels pictured are 3 1/2 feet in diameter.      The inner-spoke wheel on the left works well in a koi pond with it's lighter look while the outer-spoke wheel on the right has a heavier look (rustic style available with rough cut lumber) good for mill houses or for a more historic look.     The flared spokes on the outer-spoke wheel pictured add a polished appearance to this wheel.                

 

These wheels can be mounted with supports on either side or using a single side mount (additional charge) like the one on an old mill house to the right.      Anouther single side mount can be seen further down this page.

I can also build the stand for you if desired.

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This large water wheel is for a 200 year old grain mill restoration in Eastern Canada.   The 2 piece angled paddles are designed for a breast-shot (water feeding in the middle of the wheel) using an apron to maximize torque.     Having a more traditional look this wheel is made from rough cut heavy timber with 12 straight unadorned spokes per side.    16+ spokes per side available. 

The bottom line is that you tell me what you want and I'll design and build it.

 

To the right is a wheel designed to be mounted on the back of a paddle boat.     This wheel would also work well as an undershot wheel for power production for streams with a low head but a fast current.      The cross bracing has rabbit joints for superior strength due to the wood's high compression strength.

Spencer Boyd   (706)207-1080

Spencer@IronHorse.citymax.com

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The waterwheel to the left is being mounted on a "Mill House" for a private community.     Built from heavy rough cut cedar with traditional straight spokes this wheel has the rustic look the customer was looking for.     This 570 lb wheel has a single side mounting system for a unique look with the axle extending into the building.      After running for several years now the customer is very happy with their water wheel.

 

 

I sometimes accept unique interesting commisions like these 17th century sea chest reproductions.     These sea chests made from historically correct ponderosa pine have beveled dovetail joints and heavy iron handles.       If you've got an interesting project give me a call.       Spencer (706)207-1080

 

 

 

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