Waterwheel question

admin

Hi guys, I was recently asked to make a water wheel for a moving signfor a local resteraunt. When I had the severe chainsaw accident andalmost lost my left arm, the owner helped me out when I was not ableto work or do anything for that matter. Ok ,this is what I have towork with: One huge 4/5 foot diameter belt wheel (12 inches wide belttrack) all cast and hot rolled steel with 2 inch cast axle. Thatsit... this is for a place called the Weavervile Milling CompanyResteraunt (Weaverville NC). It was in use from early 1900' to about1960's . They turned it into a place to eat with out removing themachines (yes its a gear heads dream to go eat at). My question is,any of you folks ever built a water wheel? This is the origonal beltwheel off the main 22 foot waterwheel that powered the grain grindersin the basement, where the kitchen is now. Not owning a lathe to turndown something 4 feet in diameter , is the first issue... I amthinking drilling the shaft and threading one piece of drill steel ineach side and pillow block bearings should do the trick. Any otherideas would be welcome to that point. The next issue is the waterboxes, IE size/spacing etc. no clue here. Another issue is a waterpump, IE size,, gpm, holding base for the water etc. There is no timelimit , but price is an issue,I am willing to do the Fab up/weldingstuff for free,but they will pay me for my time. They know I amdisabled and are willing to let me do the job at my own time frame,but it was MY idea , after seeing the ORIGONAL beltwheel laying bythe side of the place, rusting away, I just mentioned that a movingsign would be great. I got the OK tonight, but need some advice as toideas to make this thing a reality. Thanks. wrenchit19 (Ed)Just a side note, I did some small signs and yard art for them atregular price, when I was was hurt ,they sent food to my house (Primerib.....and what ever was left over from the evening specials ) everyweek , till I was able to drive again (I live alone).
Reply:I would try looking around this site: http://www.waterwheelfactory.com/They show one inside a restuarant, such as you are describing. Hope that helps...John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:dang micro, do you ever sleep."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:No, Jam kept me up last night.  We had a good time talking about all sorts of stuff. We were flapping our yappers.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com