How to Build Moving Parts in a Bamboo Water Fountain

Cut an 18-inch long section of 2-inch diameter bamboo. Look in one end of the bamboo for any blockages; the bamboo must be completely hollow. Any blockages will be at the nodes, the raised ridges circling the bamboo.

Drill through any blockages in the bamboo with an electric drill, a drill bit extender and a corresponding-size spade bit.

Cut one end of the bamboo at an angle with a saw. This will be the water pipe's pour spout. Plug up the opposite end of the water pipe with a matching-sized wood plug and glue, or with water-resistant wood putty.

Locate the balance point of the water pipe by balancing it across a pointing index finger. Once you find the balance point make a pencil mark on the side of the bamboo that is 1/2 inch to 1 inch toward the open end of the bamboo. Set the water pipe with the long end flush to a flat work surface. Match a drill bit to the 3/4-inch diameter bamboo. Place the point of a spade drill bit at the pencil mark in the center of the bamboo. Hold the drill so the bit is level to the ground and drill all the way through both walls of the bamboo. The hole must be drilled 1/2 inch to 1 inch away from the balance point so the water pipe will fill with water, tip over and pour the water out and then tip back up to receive more water.

Cut two 9-inch lengths of 3/4-inch bamboo. Glue each end into each drilled hole. The two 9-inch lengths of bamboo can be cut down to size depending on the span of space between the two bamboo or wood uprights they will be slotted into. The holes drilled in the uprights must be large enough in diameter so when the two 3/4 inch diameter bamboo rods are put in the corresponding holes, the water pipe can pivot freely with out any resistance.