Materials you need:
Wooden barrel
Hose clamps (2pcs)
or
Lumber
1 1/4 galvanized metal strap (35ft)
2 inches long screws (30 pcs)
2 inches’ flathead nails (30 pcs)
3 inches’ flathead nails (30 pcs)
Wood glue
Extra lumber
Rope
Bucket
Table saw
Drill
Water (optional)
Container (optional)
Flowers and ribbons (optional)
Cut list:
Bars and roof frame – 2×4 inches, 120ft or 1×4 inches, 240 ft.
Roof panels – 1×6 inches, 48ft
Spindle and handle – 1×1 inches, 5.2ft
Washers and arm – 1×4 inches. 16ft
Circle/Bottom draft – 5/8 thick exterior type plywood, 3x3ft
Instructions:
1. If you are using a barrel for the base, simply add roof supports to the opposite sides of the barrel. Cut a 2×4 or 1×4 wood 3ft longer than the barrel, then nail the supports at the base and near the mouth. Skip to step 6. If you’re not using a barrel, proceed to the next step.
2. For the bars, cut the 2×4 or 1×4 wood to the same length, 8 pieces if you preferred the 2×4 wood and sixteen if you want the 1×4. However, make two pieces of the bars 3ft longer than the rest. Cut one edge of each longer piece up to a point. Lay one on top of the other to see if the points are equal. Then bevel each edge of the longer side of the bars at an equal angle, preferably 11.25 degrees for the 1×2 wood and 22.5 degrees for the 2×4. Make adjustments if necessary.
3. Make a circle out of the 3×3 plywood, with a diameter that’s slightly smaller than the inside of the base. For now, this circle will act as the base shaper. You can use this later for the bottom of the well.
4. Lay out the bars against a straight edge to line up the base, placing the longer bars in an equal distance to each other. If you have eight pieces, for example, lay the longer piece first, place four bars next, then put the other longer piece before you place in the other bars. Lift them upright in an approximate circle. Make sure the beveled edges are facing in. If you find it difficult, then fasten each bar with wood glue until you form a circle. Partially hammer in two or three nails inside the barrel and insert the wooden circle inside.
5. There are two options for this step:
a. Fasten the base together with three hose clamps, two on each end and one in the middle
Or
b. Place down the galvanized strap 4 inches from the top, then hammer it in with nails, using three 2” nails per bar. Push the wooden circle to the bottom and repeat above step with the galvanized strap placed 4 inches up from the bottom.
6. Lift the well upright. Remove the partially hammered nails and the plywood circle. You can now make the bottom using the circle as a draft. Cut extra lumber to fit the circular shape, then use wood glue to attach it to the plywood circle. Wedge inside the base when dry and hammer in at the bottom, using one 3” nail per bar. If you want an open-bottomed well, skip this step.
7. Cut one end of each 2×4 or 1×4 roof frame diagonally, in a way that it can fit the pointed roof support when attached. Secure with screws above the frame into the support. Cut the 1×6” wood into equal sizes, the number depending on the size of your roof support. Measure beforehand to know how much wood you need to cut. Place the roof panels from the pointed top to the bottom edge and fasten with screws and wood glue. Repeat for the other side.
8. Choose a suitable height for the location of the spindle in the support, making sure it’s placed below the roof. Mark the spots, then drill 1×1” holes in the support. Measure the distance between the two roof supports, adding additional inches so there’s a 2” extra on one side and 3” on the other. Make the spindle by cutting the 1×1 wood with your measurement.
9. Cut out two 2” washers from the 1×4 wood. Apply wood glue on the washers and push them into the spindle until flat against the frame on each end. Then, cut out an arm 8 inches long from the 1×4. Cut two 1×1” holes on each end. Insert one edge in the longer side of the spindle and attach with a screw. Create a 4” handle using 1×1 wood and attach it on the other hole in the arm using wood glue.
11. Tie and glue one end of a rope into the spindle and the other end on the handle of a bucket. Paint or stain the wishing well.
12. (Optional) Fill the well with water. Place a dark colored drum or container if you’re unsure about putting water directly into the bottom of well. If it’s open-bottomed, you can simply place it above a fountain. Decorate the bucket with flowers and string ribbons around the roof support.
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