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FAQ
What are floating granite fountains?
These custom-designed interactive sculptural
water features are finely crafted, perfectly balanced objects set in a socket
that is carved to the exact curvature of the object. They float and spin on a
thin film of water. A monumental design feature — often weighing many tons —
their inviting qualities create a hands-on focal point that attracts people and
piques their curiosity. And, they are simply beautiful.
- The Kugel
(right) is always in the shape of a ball and revolves in all directions. When
the sphere is engraved with the map of the world it can be engineered to turn
on the approximate axis of the Earth.
- The Disc
supports a three-dimensional sculpture of virtually any shape or size —
geometric, lifelike or free-form. It floats horizontally on a base.
- The Wheel
is
a perfectly balanced solid vertical disc that revolves in a shallow base socket.
- The Ring is
a perfectly balanced vertical disc with the center cut out, resembling a donut, that
revolves in a shallow base socket.
All may be customized with diamond-engraved
designs — perhaps a map of the world or a corporate logo.
How do they work?
Water pumped up from beneath the socket
lubricates the sculpture, forcing it to turn gently. Thus begun, the feature
stone continues to revolve until the water supply is shut off.
The process of fashioning the socket and
floating object is exacting. Measurements and movements must be precise. Mistakes must be
non-existent. The two pieces are machined at the same time to assure that there
are only minute differences between the contours of the two surfaces. The
floating fountain must be perfectly balanced in order to rotate properly.
So what?
No belts, no pulleys, no rubber wheels are
involved in the rotation of these sculptures. The pressure of the pump is an
incredibly low 14 psi to 21 psi (pounds per square inch). And these are very weighty objects. We can make
them from 1 foot in diameter, weighing 84 pounds, to nearly 10 feet in diameter,
weighing 40 tons! Yet even a child can change the course of a floating ball and
set it on an accelerated twirl, only to return to its normal rotation when left
alone.
A small child! Isn't that dangerous?
About as dangerous as a rubber duckie. The
space between the feature stone and the socket is thinner than your business
card.
Toll Free: 800-919-0800
E-mail: RHEKUGEL@aol.com
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