The blue ceramic planter that receives the water in this garden fountain project measures 9.5" at the base and 14" at the top; it stands 34" tall. Besides the ceramic planter, the most eye-catching feature of the completed project will be the 3 copper pipes, one of which delivers the water to the ceramic planter.
There is a central copper pipe that provides the plumbing itself. It consists of 3 lengths of pipe and 4 elbows, the whole being soldered together.
The central pipe is flanked on either side by copper tubing twisted artistically on top to form a curlicue. But the two flanking copper pieces are not merely decorative: they will be anchored into the ground and will provide support for the plumbing.
Two kinds of copper piping are used here: solid and flexible. Both will have a diameter of 1/2". The plumbing will be made from solid pipes. But the curlicue work will be done on flexible tubing -- the type used in refrigeration (it comes in a roll).
Incidentally, note that no fish will reside in my pond. This water feature is purely decorative. Copper pipes are often avoided in the construction of fish ponds, as they can release toxins into the water.
In the photo above, you see not only the flexible tubing, but also the tools needed to cut and shape it. In addition, for later steps in this project you'll need pliers and/or a vise, plus heavy-duty wire-cutters. On Page 4 we'll begin to put the pipe-cutter to use on the flexible tubing....
