Powering An Old Mill - 1.5 Kw Lake District Overshot Waterwheel Project Part 1

This project actually started over two years ago now. The owners son contacted me about doing a survey for a potential hydroelectric system at his fathers property and paid for a consultation for a birthday present. We discussed many options in the consultation. I did want to go with a cross flow turbine initialy but the nature of the main river is that it has a very high flood line and in times of high water the turbine would be flooded or it would have to be sited high up and then the head the is gain from using a turbine is lost. We then decided I either a screw turbine or waterwheel. The waterwheel was the preferred option for the owner because of the nature of the property and the lower maintenance.
I made a 3d model of the site and desiged an overshot waterwheel and trough system. the trough itself has to take a few turns in order to get the 2.1m of useable head so it is not a perfect solution but one that can be fine tuned later on once we get the wheel installed.
The wheel is fed by a wooden trough and the wheel itself is mounted in the leet on some concrete pads. the wheel drives a 20-1 gear box and a permanent magnet alternator and is going to be grid tied once everything is earthed and safe.
Once installed the expected output will be in the range of 1.5 -1.7 Kw but im sure there will need to be some fine tuning after installation to get things working just right.
while I am building the waterwheel the customer, family and friends are working on the feed trough and spillway on site.
I would like to give special thanks to Rob from Extreme CNC plasma. without them this project would not be possible. The inc plasma cutter made by them was use for just about every part of this wheel. xtremeplasma.com
Next week I will be going to install the wheel and start the initial testing.

[@brad-marc26]

Can’t beat a kris upload on a Friday. Will watch when the mrs and boy are asleep. No interruptions 🤣

[@damiencoman2821]

I'm 100% with you. Can't have any distractions from mantime

[@69Buddha]

You'd think after 5 years or so I'd stop being amazed at the quality and fitment of your projects even on a massive scale. Yet here I sit, amazed again at the colossal water wheel, made from renewable energy, going to make renewable energy somewhere else. That thing is amazing!

[@Pauked]

Same here, still amazed and really interested in what I see. And I forget that it is all created on renewable energy.

[@dmounts9999]

100%. I couldn't have said it better.

[@davidelliott5843]

Lovely workmanship but the steel galvanising and powder coat do not use renewable energy. They could use nuclear power. But we don’t talk about that.

[@Paul1210JesusIsLord]

Safety specs at all times while machining ❤

[@MrPaulviles]

While working! Safety glasses can even prevent/reduce welding flash.

[@pirakoXX]

Please, wear safety glasses when cutting or grinding metal! You are such an amazing and multi-talented guy, and a huge inspiration to others, and please, look out for your body, as well as you look out for your mind by challenging yourself and making stuff that makes sense, and you and others happy. And also taking care and using eyesight -, hearing -, and respiratory protection, will make it SO much easier for you to enjoy all that for many, many decades to come! Thank you, Kris, thank you so much for all you do and share with us. 🤓 ❤

[@alfieboyd690]

Kris is living his best life. He has come so far from living in a tent in an empty field. A true engineer, mechanic, carpenter, builder, electrician, farmer and sustainability expert. What can't Kris do?

[@garethbutt3997]

Get a new tshirt 😂

[@peem1244]

Do wish he'd wear eye protection. Seriously.

[@janis1981]

Reach the high shelves of his kitchen cabinet?

[@Mymindisablank]

Build a nuclear reactor?

[@ericscott5895]

100 Zim Dollars.

[@duncanfrere2656]

Finding superlatives appropriate to describe your design and fabricating skills is difficult. "Genius" is nowhere near an exaggeration! This wheel is a testament to a level of craftsmanship rare in any single individual. I can't wait for the next episode to see this galvanized and powder-coated wheel installed on site! Thanks so very much for your channel.

[@DaveAppleton]

Great to see some waterwheel content, during the early 90's I worked on the team that restored one of the last working(providing power via belts) bottom fed waterwheels in the country. It supplied power to move the agitators for the hides in leather tanning pits. The wheel was from the 1800 and the frame was made from cast iron, which we had to de-rust and paint. The paddles were steel and we replaced all of them. The tannery shut down in the late 90's and houses were built there. The wheel is still there and was restored again(shotblasted and painted) in 2002. It's still in working order but now sits still. It was probably 8-10ft round as we could easily be inside it to work. Seeing you make this bought the memories flooding back. Thanks for that. Great work as usual Kris.

[@rondijkhuizenify]

I`m loving this build. If you could use eye protection when useing the mill/lathe and circular saw. It`s so important. if you get a sharp, possibly hot piece of metal in your eye it`s game over.

[@michaeldibb]

Fantastic work, Kris. Don't forget your eye protection, I've had swarf in my eye and it's NO joke.

[@TheMrSnipey]

I've seen someone get swarf in their eye. 40 years later I can still remember that day.

[@TheGrimReaper1]

Yes, our workshop guy who made various farm stuff didn’t like wearing glasses, I recall him going to the docs quite a few times over the years despite me cajoling him for years. Finally after getting a shard of metal in his eye ball and having to go to hospital for treatment did he get the message, after that he always wore glasses. There are some good ones about now , don’t even know you are wearing them.just thought i would further add that you must look after them when not wearing them or they will get scratched .

[@MrPaulviles]

Only get one set of eyes! Makes me cringe everytime someone does work without glasses! I have seen so many people get eye injuries and lament it years after.

[@vesturedippedinblood4450]

The Lord Jesus Christ is what we all need.....but yeah eyes are important also but secondary

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

Also came here to say this, put some bloody glasses on, Kris, PLEASE. No-one wants to watch "Partially blind homesteader overcomes his disability to make stuff", worst channel ever. Pretty please.

[@smokingbishop]

Love seeing your work, and your attention to detail. But use eye protection when doing the metal turning as I want to continue watching your videos for a long time!

[@DatsWhatHeSaid]

@BreatheScotland Jesus fucking Christ that sounds horrible.. No pain like eye pain..

[@Supamic1]

And when welding! Even if just little tack welds!

[@cm-ek4ci]

Or when blowing metal chips 😮

[@Thomas-pq2qz]

Get real ffs.

[@monicareid8858]

Ohmygosh I flipped when I learned this was for a customer. I could NOT give this cool waterwheel up for ANYTHING!!! Way to go, Kris! PLEASE make one (or several) for your homestead-even mini ones-especially those little streams that turn into gushers! Best from across the pond! Central NY, southeast of the Adirondacks ☀️

[@trapped7534]

I find myself smiling every time Kris does these fantastic builds. Kris,you rock!

[@tbrowniscool]

What he achieves doing stuff alone is incredible. What a chap!!!!

[@markburton8276]

It’s easy to forget when watching in awe your skills and determination that you’re working off grid, generating your own power for all this specialist equipment👍 but for your own self preservation Chris invest in and don’t forget to wear you PPE: safety glasses, there nothing more likely to spoil your day than a hot piece of swarf in your eye!

[@tasmedic]

I'm a Doctor and I've posted my own message about this. It'd be horrible to see such a gifted and wonderful person lose an eye just because he can't be bothered to protect himself. I suppose the older you get, the more friends you have seen injured, and the more careful you become. Every time you use a grinder or milling machine without protecting your eyes, you're rolling the dice....

[@adamsmithelec]

Had to give a little nod of appreciation when you spun that hub for the first time and it looked nice and true. Good work man!

[@loosemink]

Well done Kris, you really have built yourself a wonderful life ❤

[@vesturedippedinblood4450]

Now all he needs is the Lord Jesus Christ...life has no value, meaning or purpose without our Savior and Creator

[@MattBracewell71]

@@vesturedippedinblood4450 Yeah, look at his suffering leading a sane, rational life without the burden of religion. Your comment is obviously in jest.

[@stanleygallman7800]

​@@vesturedippedinblood4450Why must you assume that he's able to accomplish such because of the ❤ of and for ❤️

[@william6526]

@@vesturedippedinblood4450 you don't know if he's a believer or not and that is totally his business and no one else's.

[@manifold1476]

go peddle your woo elsewhere @@vesturedippedinblood4450

[@scottfranson4215]

530K subscribers A lot of Very Good Comments . Thank for taken me along . Thank You for CC and Transcripts. Hydroelectrics is the reason I found this channel and it's great to see another project.2023

[@ukwheat]

Just astounding skill and work. You have come so far. What an example to us all. Proud to be a Patreon

[@allancunningham6019]

Quality geezer you and kris...

[@pmur079]

Love your proud smile of the finished wheel.. what an an engineer. Fun to watch/ explanations are helpful for us non engineers.

[@jimgriffiths9071]

I'm in awe of your design, equipment, skill, and fortitude. Beautiful construction. Imagine how different the sawmill build would have been with your current skills and set-up!

[@dreddredd7137]

Nice build Kris . I am not a welder but i think i saw someone put a wet piece of cloth on a thin piece because the heat causes the destortion . Looking forward to see the total setup in working order .

[@KrisHarbour]

Nice tip, Thanks :)

[@cherriemater]

What an amazing journey! Thanks for bringing me along. I enjoy watching your progress, which is only a tip of the iceberg of your design process. Well done, Kris.

[@savarok]

The capability, ingenuity and intellect of this man never ceases to amaze me.

[@pauloffthewall6367]

Brilliant looking forward to this one 💪

[@ChrisWright7701]

Brilliant build. Look forward to part 2.

[@DrunkenScottishMan]

I love watching you build these devices. I feel like I learn more from these videos then I do from the "explanation" videos you find elsewhere.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Kris, I said this years back to you...'but just in case your Mother has not told you...I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. Your achievements are so heartwarming given what you have adapted and overcome. I wish you nothing but JOY.....and Dot too. XXX

[@TheBoney52]

The wheel looks awesome, and built to last. It still surprises me the machinery you have and is all completely run off grid. its a shame that battery technology has yet to evolve to meet commercial capacity at a sensible price. Keep up the hard work and thank you for sharing your journey.

[@snowstrobe]

I think a lot about energy storage, esp ones that don't need so much rare earth minerals or be overly complex, yet suitable for the average size farm/house. It really is the next big focus for the boffins I reckon.

[@peggyjackson1455]

I've been watching you for two or three years now and am blown away by all the skills you have acquired! This waterwheel is incredible! And I'm fighting a little jealousy over that shop and all those high tech machines!! Silly, I know. I'm much too old to use them now, but 20 years ago, I'd have really enjoyed learning about them and how to use them. I so look forward to your videos. Thanks so much for allowing us to look in on your life and your projects!

[@Coincidence_Theorist]

Why too old? When people feel they have no purpose they often pass away.

[@Coincidence_Theorist]

Your Alive. Soo too old i say no

[@Coincidence_Theorist]

And rather than jealously i think you mean happy for him. Whilst feeling inspired to create

[@jasonmawdsley4139]

These videos are brilliant mate, typical British shed engineering

[@gup8175]

Hydroelectrics is the reason I found this channel and it's great to see another project. That being said all of your additional adventures are highly entertaining and educational. Thanks Kris and Dot for sharing all of your projects with us!!

[@salimufari]

Fantastic piece of gear you've made sir. The only thing I see is there may need to be a weeping hole of a sort for the central axle. I can appreciate you've tried to seal it up but do you think water will still find it's way into that cavity & if so how will it get out? I saw a few small holes near the center of rotation since that is where the water would be likely to collect but only time will tell there.

[@tkorkunckaya]

It's been 8 years now, ive started watching with the round house building. It was great pleasure to watch this humble genius at work all the way down to this point, a great adventure. Thanks and see you next part of your life. And, a shameless request of some harp music maybe 😊

[@Kennytyrer3989]

All the gear and definitely the right idea..well done Kris brilliant set up ❤

[@richardwhite4277]

I can't wait for part two / this is like a tease, now I know why I wait till TV series are done and then binge watch, I can't stand the suspense LOL

[@dansxmods]

This is so awesome. Really looking forward to part 2.

[@brucevogel2693]

Certainly appreciate all the work and repetitive tasks completed off-camera. Magnificent work. Thx for sharing.

[@brucen4719]

This is just so cool. I could watch this for hours. Absolutely cannot wait to see this running.

[@daitokuji8327]

Kris your fabrication chops never fails to impress. You should be proper proud of this project.

[@bobnoxious1983]

Been watching you from the beginning Kris. This is class engineering, love it. Can't wait to see it installed. Loved this episode. More Power to you.👍🏻👍🏻

[@myself248]

At 9:45 when the gearbox torque / belt tensioner came out, I let out such a giggle. That's so elegant, precisely as many degrees of freedom as necessary, with no potential for binding. There's some really clever stuff in this!

[@RedAndYellacuddlyFella]

Mate i love every video you produce! everything you make is done to absolute perfection. it's great to see the growth your channel is getting and hopefully that translates to your quality of life. Keep it up, Kris!

[@bigchiefbear]

Kris my friend you still amaze me on your vast knowledge and skills. Very much a perfectionist who will not let a project go until his keen eye is happy. A true scholer and gentleman. Very impressive young man.😊😊 Jason. Boston,UK.

[@MB-tp7ks]

Wow! Amazing job Kris! Can not wait for part 2!

[@jonnafry]

Never want these videos to end ... internal 'dang's as the red line pushes towards the right hand side finishing point. Premium content Kris.

[@yoyopg123]

I can't tell you how much I look forward to my Friday mornings when your videos show up in my queue. Always great and inspiring content. I really should wait a day to watch them to inspire me for my own weekend projects, but I don't have that kind of self control. ;^) Well done, Kris.

[@sirrick59]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this magnificent creature being made. Can't wait till the next, when she's assembled in place and trialled. Cheers. Rick from New Zealand

[@cstar54]

Your design and fabrication skills are off the charts! Love your videos!!!

[@SeniorTatang]

Your craftsmanship sir is top notch. Well done.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 This stunning build makes me speechless again (usually this is quite rare). You've come quite a long way and have taught yourself so incredibly much. Congratulations 🎉 and my deep respect. Of course I'm eagerly looking forward to watch the next video. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and especially health to all of you.

[@gardeningfishingjimw9364]

What amazed me Kris was how well balanced the wheel was when you spun the beast. Well done on a great job mate!! :)

[@gwbaker]

Brilliant, brilliant work, Kris. Your level of knowledge, skill and creativity is off the charts. Proof that everything is possible and it all starts with mindset and ends with execution!

[@robinblueqube]

feels like im working along side you Khris, great video learned a lot from this. Thanks

[@darrenmarshall4454]

What an amazing new project well done Kris, probably not on my own here but the knowledge you have is on genius level another brilliant video can't wait for PT 2

[@PeterLee-zn3jl]

Your output is truly a great accomplishment..! Congrats on your new project...and good luck on its success..! I know youve thought thru many solutions and want it to be a winner..so...hats off ..!

[@johnwolf2880]

Chris you never disappoint! Quite amazing the breadth of your skills. We are all so lucky you chose to share your journey with us all!

[@spoonerbooner]

Ee its amazing what you can churn out in a shed, especially when you design and build that place yourself, then turn out amazing items like this. Yeah respect.

[@davidbabin387]

Kris, since your last videos I was surprised to see you building a water wheel generator! Your design looks very well thought out. Can't wait for the next video on installation. You seem to have come so far with the designing, planning, and next, install. You have come so far, no need wishing you success, because looks like you have achieved it. Be safe, and God bless you, and yours. It seems so long since you have delivered a video, but you certainly delivered on a great one! I just can't wait for Part 2, but guess I'll just have to wait.

[@ancientbriton8262]

Really cool video, I am a retired machinist/ fabricator living in the Lake District, their is huge potential for SMALL scale sustainable hydro electric schemes with negligible negative impact on the environment in the Lake District, we have water pouring everywhere, all year round. I have raised this with our local politicians but no interest is shown

[@kenjohnson5498]

Glad to see you back on something as creative as this project it is where you shine for sure. Your manufacturing skills are off the charts.

[@andljoy]

What a fantastic job you have done! I think we should re instate as many old mills as possible for power. Why not , its a small amount of steel and a few alternators. With modern battery storage 1.5kw is plenty for most people if its running 24/7.

[@avyitis3425]

Kris you may be nothing but proud of yourself for all that you've achieved since chose to take that step into the unknown and just bloody winged it. As a professional carpenter I have learnt many many things from you, who started out with little knowledge in wood craft and, who constructed fantastic and elaborate buildings which, I have no doubt, will outlive you for more than a century. And let's not even speak about your great mentality in all that. I tip an endless amount of hats to you Sir, thank you for sharing your journey, stay humble as you've always been.

[@Goletagwt]

YES!!!!!!! Love it. Finally get to see this amazing thing being created. Nice work Kris!

[@johnhavrilla9319]

Wonderful work. Every Friday is a welcome surprise with one of your videos. Looking forward to see it installed and running. Great job.

[@colinratcliffe2454]

The only thing I can say about this water wheel is WOW. You are incredible. The plasma cutter is a must for building this design. I wish you all the success. God bless you. Cheers from Australia. 🇦🇺

[@marioromero5068]

Kris what a work of art. You never cease to amaze me. Good on you and yours.

[@beanieweenie9543]

I really envy the natural skill and talent some people are born with to build and create anything they want.

[@pieretteturner822]

Fantastic construction project, really, really enjoyed watching. Can't wait to see how it is when you install it, very exciting. You are an inspiration as you both are!

[@charleschiverton9589]

You simple are the most amazing bloke on any KZbin channel, I love how technical you are able to turn your hand to anything renewable. If only we had the calibre of people like you in politics. The planet would be a much more stable living being. I applaud you kris. Already looking forward to the installation.

[@roberthowell8303]

Great video, truly amazing metal working skills. Impressed by the way the wheel seems to rotate long after you push on it. Cheers

[@leonwilks4114]

Mad to think people will be watching this long after we're gone and who ain't even born yet, well done kris I'm sure the victorians would be so impressed as are we

[@scouseblarney6232]

Another great video Kris absolutely love your content and thank you for allowing us an insight into your journey

[@Heshhion]

As a guy with a small work space. This was fantastic to watch, thank you..

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Pretty cool Kris. While I was still working I spent some time on big Hydro Electric systems. I worked in a shop that had an engineering department, welding shop, machine shop and mechanical shop (me) so have a bit of experience. ( Involved in the rebuild of a 100 MW generator in a 1000 MW plant, rebuilt the stop log crane for a 2700 MW plant, rebuilt the drive system on 9 spillway gates, and a bunch of other odds and ends.) I am in awe of your skills, can't wait for the next installment. Love this stuff.

[@k1sfd1974]

When you spun it and walked away, all I could think of was “You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right”. Beautiful work, looking forward to seeing it working. Edited for spelling & Grammar

[@plainnpretty]

Great design and you done a fantastic job building it can’t wait to see it up and running. Thanks for sharing this

[@n.b.p.davenport7066]

Worked in metal fabrication for quite a few years and having the tools and the equipment is everything.

[@mikeduda3173]

The balance is incredible! This is an outstanding project 👏

[@sporranheid]

That's a huge amount of work in what felt like a very short space of time. Hats off. 👍

[@daveamies5031]

Always admire your builds 👍

[@stephenbirds5169]

Marvellous stuff. Hope the main bearings are first class, decent seals and easy maintenance. The most important. Thanks and best of luck.

[@jopo8281]

This guy is so good. He's like an eco terminator. He does not stop. He feels no pain, no emotion haha

[@freespeechforever]

You have never failed to impress me with your work, I think your progress from day one has been phenomenol.

[@peterwright6593]

Absolutely amazing mate. Well done. Can't wait for the installation video.

[@jonasmichaelmoir9378]

Thanks Kris and Dot! Always refreshing to see people living sustainably with vision and passion. A true look at Renaissance craftsmanship that gives me hope. Cheers!❤

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

As a single craftsman, it is customary to ask for progress payments so you can afford a new T shirt at the start of project: 1) 1/3 of the contract amount for materials, 2) 1/3 with completion in the shop and 1/3 upon commissioning.😊 Those payment terms apply to all custom - one of a kind fabrication here in the US. Hope that is helpful to your finances 👍

[@MilitantPrepping]

Yea you’ll get that on them big jobs.

[@MersyyLife]

You're so ahead of the game it's crazy, imagine what you'll have accomplished by the time you're 50...

[@J9_j3]

very impressive Kris! you never disappoint. can't wait for part 2.

[@brendadavis4254]

Kris I have been watching you from way back when you were starting out doing videos. You started out with so little but you always turned that little into more and then you turned that more into a lot and now you are getting to be a very highly respected worksman you never stop at any problem you always find a way to make it work and sometimes that can seem like a miracle to us. God Bless and may all your family be the same.

[@puzzlemagnet1957]

your welding is on point!!!

[@OllieW501]

i thought that

[@AshleyMillsTube]

This sort of small-scale custom engineering is awesome. We need more of it in this country! Thanks for sharing Kris!

[@danpalmer13]

Incredible work... just amazing 👏 Kris, you are a very skilled man, im amazed at not just the amount of different skills you have but just how incredibly good you are at each and every one of them, you are an inspiring human being and i love what you and Dot are doing there, i take my hat off to you sir!!!

[@bonniebertrand1189]

Can't wait to see this installed and working! Great work Kris!!

[@kennethgibbons366]

Great work Kris... I do so love watching you build this stuff - your work is always impeccable. I'm really looking forward to the next step - exciting is an understatement! Keep well

[@adrianhorsnell8900]

Exceptionally good video -thank you ! You got the balance of fabricating and talking just right. I really enjoyed watching you make this water wheel and I look forward to the second video.

[@UberGailer]

loving your videos! also teaches me bit by bit doing things myself. (I recently went living on my own) and seeing your videos helps me spark ideas to do stuff myself at home! love it! keep it up

[@achitophel5852]

Is anyone not blown away by the sheer talent of this man? These videos have become some of the most worthwhile and enjoyable things to watch these days, sheer, undiluted pleasure. (You can re-do a weld. You can't re-do an optic nerve. It's ALWAYS goggles on, even when spot welding.

[@sylviosworld.]

I was so looking forward to this! Thanks for the effort making all the videos, really enjoy them!

[@howardbodiford7130]

Kris has come along way , smart as a whip and a lot of nice tools !

[@johnhumphreys669]

What an inspiration this guy is!

[@freedomforall7292]

Excellent job per usual!