Restoring Al's Hydroelectric Water Wheel

[@DiegoTriesHard]

Thanks for watching! Here is a link to the follow up video Al & I made with an update on his wheel after 1 year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5DIqXWkhq6BfNU

[@iselinandreasen5656]

My family and I loved all your videos on this channel but this one was completely captivating and it's the life we dream of living, we'd love do see more about how Al set up his self sustaining paradise.. I'm sure it took many years and is a always work in progress but that life calls to us and this video will definitely capture my husband's attention, not just the kids and I. I cannot wait to show him!! Thank you for this!

[@jackdaniels615]

Please make more videos with Al! You can tell he really loves having you around!

[@KungkangXii]

Can't you make the chain straight!? Now it's cutting the wood.

[@albutterfield712]

It would jump off the sprockets@@KungkangXii

[@amykins9870]

Does Al have a channel or way of supporting and possibly contacting him to possibly tap into his wealth of knowledge of living off grid etc!

[@thesmooveness]

Heartfelt and moving, you've woven a beautiful tale of love and service to others. Al embodies the American frontier spirit that settled this great country. His tenaciousness, self-reliance, resourcefulness and ingenuity are truly inspiring. You're lucky to have a neighbor like Al and live in such an unspoiled and beautiful place.

[@thomasmaddox1733]

Amen!!!!!

[@johnmccoy1341]

Mk Mm,

[@Poetic..Justice]

Awesome video. My husband Tim Currier rented that cabin back in 94. They had talked then about doing a water wheel. Tell Al Tim says hello and great job on the wheel. ❤

[@albutterfield712]

Hi Tim

[@natetheaxebattles2898]

Im binge watching the Al episodes. Very interesting human. Reminds me of the similar generation folks where I live in the backwoods of VT. One think I notice and appreciate is Al's cleanliness. He always takes the minute or two to clean up between phases of project. Whether it be brooming off the woodstove after loading it but before lightning it, or just now sweeping the garage floor after disassembly of the water wheel. I love how mindful and methodical Al is. No wasted time or energy.

[@austinmcgee4236]

@DiegoTriesHard as a former cop who suffers from ptsd,anxiety,and depression and as someone who has dreams of moving off grid and finally living for once watch you and Al’s videos soothes my problems and makes it easier to get though the day.Keep up the good work and god bless you

[@glendamcrae6496]

Just popped on the wish you good luck and peaceful years ahead of you😊.

[@AlexofZippo]

Stay sane, man.

[@austenlejeune2599]

Magnesium helps with depression, take it with d3. Idk the extent or situation but I like helping so hopefully I can help a little bit

[@OrionMcKay1]

Hey Diego, your film making and helping Al really made this special to watch . Al has really carved out a Oasis on his property. The other video with Al is a pleasure to watch as well.. Say hi to Al for me and keep keeping on with your filming and building.

[@X3r0.]

My first, and only science project I can recall my father helping me with was a water wheel. I really enjoyed watching you and Al rebuild his wheel! Thanks for a heartfelt video 🖤🖖🏻

[@mercurymadness9005]

That is so very heartfelt. So proud of your boys for helping Al I’m sure he’ll be forever grateful. Thank you for sharing this.

[@dylanjobes4602]

I can’t imagine how amazing it must be to live in such a peaceful place , it’s so amazing that you help al with these projects

[@mamaluca1958]

Diege, So awesome you helping Al build his new wheel & seeing Al's big smile. What a joy!! I love video's like this. So interesting!! 👍🏻🙏🇨🇦❤

[@TheBrushcutter]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this! What an awesome place to call home. Tell Al there are alternators that put out 200 amps at 24 volts if he ever needs more power.

[@seansysig]

The mentoring you’re receiving from Al is invaluable. Your friendship is as special as it gets. Your content warms my heart!

[@rtoadontheroad]

Amazing video! I love Al’s place! Thx Dennis

[@busterbriley2119]

Diego, you are fortunate to have Al in your life. I envy you for having such a great friend in Al. Cherish your time with him e cause it all is educational for you.

[@tetreaulthank4068]

How wonderful of you to help this nice man get his water wheel going again and also put power back in his home once again. I truly believe you both came out blessed by your kindness 🙏

[@glendajune9140]

That was so inspiring Diego,& Al. The projects y’all do is so enjoyable to watch. Diego explaining every step,of whatever you’re working on,keeps us engaged. Great content fellas.💯👍🏾😀💜✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@maiastuart5191]

Just when you think KZbin content has gone to the dogs and everything is sponsored and about making money, you come across a video like this that is so inspiring, heartwarming and interesting at the same time. Thank you

[@clifford1875]

Great to see generations working together to help one another....

[@dalebennett9867]

Beautiful set up shows how simple inventions can be so helpful al is a great mentor for young people showing how to use one of the most overlooked power sources in this great country hydro god bless you all great job

[@juliestrother167]

What a lovely video. You all had such a great day helping each other ❤. So humbling, seeing a simple way of life, but it's so rich in friendship and kindness ❤️ xxx

[@emi_gatica]

You guys are awesome!

[@TheTundercat222]

Love seeing projects like this well done to all...

[@agenttex7831]

AMAZING VIDEO! Woke up in the middle of the night from a stressful dream. Saw this and had to click. It’s like therapy 😊. Love the music and build speed.

[@malcolmwilkins2495]

I have watched a few episodes,now subbed. What a lovely old gent,Al.

[@Wingman115]

I relate so much to this video. As a young man just out of the Navy I had the pleasure of meeting and becoming good friends with a old WW2 prisoner of war veteran who taught me woodworking. My friend passed away years ago but his spirit still empowers me to be my best.

[@boe4448]

Thank you all, That was a unbelievable cool story and build. The scenery there is amazing. One of the best U tube videos I've ever watched. Boe 👍😊

[@bigsteve777able]

people pop up now and then to remind you how good they can be, and care about others, three of them in this video good luck to you all in the future.

[@Townsendcat2]

I enjoy watching your videos

[@mordeb2261]

Should be a national monument... the alone in the wilderness of the lower 48.

[@tymz-r-achangin]

Easily got our thumbs up! No stupid music, got to hear the actual sounds in the video, clean mouths and so was able to watch it with out children, and loved seeing the good ol' ways of the good ol' days! Thank you for sharing and may God bless you

[@cigarmann]

A true modern-day Renaissance man!

[@farmertom6006]

I am new to your channel and am enjoying watching some of your older videos on a cold, snowy November day. The videos are great and most of the comments are positive, but I wince at the advice comments. Al is obviously a smart, knowledgeable man that is comfortable with his lifestyle and his lifestyle is obviously healthy and suitable to sustain his 80+ year old body in great shape. I suggest that viewers congratulate him and forget the criticism. There is a channel by Kris Harbour from Wales that viewers may be interested in if they're they're looking for efficient pelton wheel generation.

[@MichaelM-q2q]

Thanks Deigo, you're the best

[@zippymufo9765]

Love seeing hard work like this

[@Aunty-A]

What a beautiful memory you’ve made for yourself Diego!

[@Lonesome_Colt83]

Learn indeed; we are all your students. Thank you for sharing!

[@Daniel-n5v5s]

This man is a real treasure! Wish I could meet him!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏💚💚💚 What an amazing and ingenious man. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and especially health to all involved people.

[@cunicularium5424]

Little tip to increase your power output, create a channel or walls where the water falls to guide it directly onto the buckets and you'll waste less water and generate more power, also allowing the chain to rub up against the wood when in motion is only decreasing the power output through friction ans drag resistance, space them roughly 3/4 inch away from the lumber itself, you will be truly amazed by just how much more power you can generate without drag resistance, that resistance is bogging down the wattage by trying to compensate and keep up with the friction, therefore wasting roughly 2 to 4 volts of energy

[@albutterfield712]

Wood is on the slack side & just used as a guide - very little drag

[@anoka114]

Love ingenuity.

[@DavidWade55]

Love this channel always so thin new to watch ,,thanks guys ,

[@michaelblayney9873]

Al is truly a sweet soul😊

[@kirkvermont7965]

Pretty friggin neat build! Love the ingenuity!

[@brockster003]

Al's Awesome!!

[@MargaretLynch-cw9to]

DIEGO AND AL WHAT A WONDERFUL PARTNERSHIP AWSOME WORK AND BRÀÑES

[@kaslkaos8447]

There are a number of simple modifications that can be made to make this hydro-electric scheme more efficient. Chains running on timber creates drag and slows the process. Consider re-directing the chain path and including roller tensioners. redesign and re-align the chute to have the water strike the wheel at the optimum angle. The wheel spinning backwards shows misalignment. Correcting this will increase speed of the wheel and make it more efficient. Why only have one alternator? Consider higher output alternators and don't limit yourself to just one. Finally, a plastic wheel is great for longevity, but it is too light. The wheel is effectively a flywheel which stores energy from the water flow. Add weight to the wheel for a consistent flow.

[@mikaellung5800]

I love the work of waterwheels for electricity. I agree with your advice.

[@danielpospisil1192]

A beautiful story. Thank you💚

[@angelak38]

Great job! I did notice that the trough may need to be brought forward a bit over the wheel.

[@Barajee_Tribe]

Like your work

[@frankmcnish8489]

Great work

[@fredvrijhof3870]

Beautiful made film and the powersystem is awesome! I Hope everything is well now (1 year later)

[@TheMontyOriginal]

Everyone in this video consist of good energy.

[@basuraeterna]

Amazing! Regards from Argentina!

[@dottiehildebrand3123]

So glad you got the wheel going again PRAY ON!!!

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LovesonRloveson]

Really appreciate the hard work I want to build too thanks for sharing best video keep doing for good work

[@andrealves9786]

Good job, it's not just Brazilians who make these technical adaptations!! lol Brazil.

[@lithgowlights859]

Great video, thanks. Loads of ability to increase the output as that chain is adding a lot of drag over the wood guides, but it's effectively free power so thats a big plus. Oh and yes you earned a sub thanks to this and many of your other videos I enjoy watching

[@quinnabun1173]

This was absolutely awesome to watch take place ❤

[@leonardbixler102]

Really great content, and story. Possibly upgrade to a 24 volt alternator and hook batteries in series, for more power!

[@Inflec]

Series only gets you more voltage, not more power unless more batteries are added in parallel.

[@jerrystout3032]

Great Job guys!

[@Michael-uy6py]

Truly Amazing is the only word for this video

[@haroldconover5221]

Cool setup

[@garykirk9888]

What an awesome guy!!!

[@shivachamlagai1831]

Beautiful one

[@doughuffine9357]

This is beautiful!

[@manoftheforest]

What a great video in every way

[@pattucker612]

Very very interesting thank you for this video

[@antolinijeanfrancois7]

Bonjour bravo tip top super cool pour le boulot courage pour la suite. Ce qui marche au sec , peut ne pas durer longtemps dans un milieu aquatique.

[@agenttex7831]

Watched every minute. Now I can sleep well 😴

[@MrPlumberguy23]

loved this

[@margaretbrrtt4924]

Beautfull .well done.ireland.

[@21299]

Awesome project. I'd add a flywheel to it as well.

[@jhonatansoares3699]

Só falta colocar um regulador / tensor na corrente. Para diminuir os ruídos

[@jimlyons4892]

❤❤❤ from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@TimelessCalm88]

Really enjoyed watching this video! The detail you put into restoring the water wheel is impressive. I do wonder, though, if there are more sustainable options out there for energy generation that might be more efficient than hydroelectric systems. What do you all think?

[@Eazyduzziit]

Love your videos bro you and Al are super fucking cool. Much love

[@northwales1000]

Built from parts (except for the controller) is a great way to get power, but looks very inefficient though. But its free power

[@jmedz7]

Great job

[@cn7492]

Al is the happiest man, he lives in paradise

[@kweetniet1103]

lets face it all these 148 people would give AL a hug... you cant deny it... you would hug the man

[@DispatchMoto]

What a super cool project! How can I donate a socket wrench set to Al?

[@albutterfield712]

Thanks, but I have way too many already

[@jasonharper2601]

great build. plastic lighter and laststing

[@brosephStalinof]

For the tensioner yall should put a poly dirtbike chain slider for the chain to ride on

[@AerialEscape]

Just out of curiosity, what is Mr. Al's relation to you? Neighbor, friend relative?... Either way, very cool of you to get out there and help him with this project.. well done young man!

[@natetheaxebattles2898]

Oh man, what a time to replace the shaft bearings. I said this on another video. I suggest a go fund me or whatever monetary platform. The other thing I see with the chain, is quite a bit if friction is gained by using wood as idler. Whenever tension is on the chain should be an idler sprockets. This would multiply the efficiency exponentially. I wish I could at least send hardware.

[@albutterfield712]

Wood is on the slack side, no tension. I tried idlers & not worth the effort

[@JerryH-p8f]

A piece of dirt with a running stream. Cant ask for more. Drinking water, hygiene, and hydro power, plumb in some large pipe, reduce it so it builds pressure and add a spinning device to generate electric, install more pipe the same size for a little ways, reduce pipe with reducer to build pressure further down from the 1st, and keep going as far as u can keep the pressure up to turn spinning wheels

[@novanut1964]

will the chain heat up the 2x4 wood tensioners enough to catch fire? add teflon rub blocks. good video

[@MrStanwillis]

General maintenance, turned into rebuild. Strange that there is no bearings, LIGNUM-VITA WORKS well in water applications. Lots or hard work.😊😊😊

[@Sandhoeflyerhome]

It would be little effort to remove a few links from the very slack chain. That would be helpful.

[@MännerbudenWohnzimmerGarage]

Super Sache sowas

[@bryan3dguitar]

Just wondering how much power the water driven generator can produce. The output voltage is 13.6V but what is the current? Can the battery/inverter supply enough 120V AC for many lights and computer use?

[@smokeyiztactical]

How’s Al been doing lately

[@davidmaier343]

Generations generating.

[@uncledodge9396]

Daft question, but instead of having the chain run on the wood why not tension it using skateboard wheels?

[@jasonhopper2680]

Proper spring loaded tensioners?

[@fishingwithscott1968]

Sounds like a steam train coming on the track 😅

[@deejay4837]

Wouldn't it be better to have a polymer chain guide instead of wood for longevity?

[@albutterfield712]

It's the slack side, & wood allows groves to form that keep the chain from jumping off

[@deejay4837]

@@albutterfield712 Polymer would do just the same and be more durable.

[@MaurizioFilesi-x6v]

Super bravissimo

[@grahamball364]

You need to put an extension on top of that water shoot then it wouldn’t be so messy the way off overspray and you’re more weight of water rotating end of the wheel to provide more talk great idea but needs a little tweaking