Homemade Skimmers for Water Gardens
- 1). Lay the wooden hoop over the fine mesh screen. Trace a line around the circle with carpenter's chalk. The hoop will be the head of the skimmer, and the mesh will catch all of the small particles floating in your pond.
- 2). Set the hoop aside, and place the chalk 2 inches away from the first circle you traced. Draw a second circle around the initial circle. Cut along the second circle, and set the screen aside.
- 3). Remove the inner ring from the wooden hoop, and discard it. Use either a screw or a nail to secure the hoop to the end of a wooden dowel that is about the width of a broom handle. Spread a small amount of wood glue around the base of the dowel, where it meets the hoop, for added support. Allow the glue to dry. The dowel will be the handle for the skimmer.
- 4). Place the circle of mesh on one side of the wooden hoop so that the first circle you drew is flush with the hoop. Tape the mesh to the hoop so it doesn't move while you staple it.
- 5). Use a staple gun to secure the mesh to the hoop. Place one staple at the opposite side of the wooden dowel. Place one staple on the left and right sides of the hoop. Fold the mesh so that it lays flat against the outer sides of the hoop, and staple it down. Remove the tape, and clip away the excess mesh.