Small Gristmill Will Add Water Sounds In Garden

Modeled on a gristmill built in 1797 on the banks of a Tennessee creek, this fun and easy do-it-yourself project will add the soothing sound of running water to even the smallest garden or patio. It features a working water wheel plus authentic touches like stairs, a door and windows.

The wheel is powered by falling water circulated by a small submersible pump. Since the same water is used over and over, there’s no problem with waste or drainage.

The gristmill also helps to keep the immediate area damp and cool, which is great for plants in the summertime. Its roof is removable to provide access to a small amount of interior storage space.

Materials required to complete the project include two 4-by-8 sheets of exterior fir plywood, two pieces of scrap plywood, a pump with plastic tubing, shingles, assorted hardware and paint. Most of the pieces are traced from full-size patterns, so sizing them is a simple matter of transferring the patterns to wood. The completed project measures 48 inches long by 25 inches wide by 35 inches tall.

The gristmill plan, No. 456, is $8.95 and includes step-by-step directions with 12 photos, full-size traceable patterns, diagrams and a shopping list.

A package of two water wheel plans, No. C101, is $14.95 and includes this project plus a plan for a four-foot-tall, free-standing water wheel. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $3.95. Prices include postage and handling. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery (for rush delivery, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum, and allow about one week).

MEMO: To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383; (800) 828-2453. Please specify plan numbers.