I've been in planning for a similar project for about 4 years now. I already have a pond, but by that I mean a hole that kind of holds water when it's wet. I also have a backhoe I've been digging into it a bit with and while that works I can't reach the center. I'm looking to increase it's depth substantially and line it and I hope to do most/all of the work myself, with my existing tools. I've seen a neighbor build a pond and he had a monster bulldozer come out and made pretty short work of it. There is something to be said for someone who knows how to operate heavy equipment, but it's expensive. I think an excavator is good but a mini may be too small, unless you are starting on flat, dry ground, and keep in mind you have to move dirt several times, which can be a drag.


Snort Coffee is a podcast about goofy stuff. Hope to add ponding to my list of hobbies.