Unique wheel

So most people would look at these pictures and say "yep its a water wheel". But look again. Whats different about it? 

 Every other water wheel you've seen has the spokes on the outside of the wheel. Usually there are two sets of spokes. Not mine!! One set, centered in the wheel like a gigantic wagon wheel. Its a lot more work to build it this way, as the spokes have to be very large and heavy. The center hub is reclaimed from an old steam engine tractor wheel.

These are examples of traditionally build water wheels.

Redwood Kings!!!!!

For the past few months we've been filming our new TV reality show on Animal Planet.  Redwood Kings. Its been an adventure to say the least. Having a TV camera following you around is pretty awkward, but after a while its not so bad!! Some people are naturals if front of the camera. Me, not so much!! Thank god for good editors and producers. So far the response from viewers has been extremely positive. So maybe we'll get a second season! Check it out on Animal Planet......

Cool stuff I built!

Just a few things which I've built. Some for fun. Others for work! 

Water wheel for work. All scratch built. 

Rope driven generator for work. New and antique parts

Double barrel shotgun for fun. Scrap parts. 

Bathroom sink for home. Gauge really works! 

Cool stuff someone else built!!

The Racetrack

Theses are a few pictures of Clay, Eneko and I at the Racetrack in Death Valley. This place is amazing. We spent the day exploring the surrounding areas, but the racetrack is the star. These rocks move across the lake bed leaving a trail behind. Rain and high winds are to blame for the movement, but the seemingly same conditions occur in lots of other places, but the rocks stay put... I dont know!!! Truly one of the coolest places to visit.

Cool Machines

I love to see creativity.

Water Wheel

This is a water wheel made mostly out of scrap material as are most of my projects. The steel center portion of the wheel is made from a used electrical spool cut down from about 3' to 1' in width. Then with a whole lot of scrap wood laying around, I built the wheel and the water trough. The ponds are made from an old 500 gallon fuel tank cut in half and sunk into the ground. A small pond pump which my neighbor gave me, pumps around two gallons a minute which is plenty to get this thing moving. I added a brake later as the wheel get moving pretty fast. It's always a conversation piece at any gathering.